A26808:28
The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain itThe soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it
The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it by William Bates ...The soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it by William Bates ...
London: printed by J.D. for Brabazon Aylmer, 1680
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. The sensible World cannot give complete satisfaction to Man. Felicity ⟨p. 13⟩is the complacence and test of the Soul in the enjoyment of a suitable Object, commensurate to its real capacity and duration. Such an Object must be a Spiritual Good,* pure without Alloys, infinite and eternal. Now all things in the World are in every respect insufficient to satisfy our Desires.
2. The sensible World cannot give compleat satisfaction to Man. Felicity ⟨p. 13⟩is the complacence and test of the Soul in the enjoyment of a suitable Object, commensurate to its real capacity and duration. Such an Object must be a Spiritual Good,* pure without Alloys, infinite and eternal. Now all things in the World are in every respect insufficient to satisfy our Desires.
- *Beatitudo est bonorum omnium complexio, secretis omnibus malis. Cicer.
1. They are not a convenient Good to the Soul. What proportion is there between a spiritual Nature and carnal Sensualities, between the divine Offspring, and the low voluptuousness of Flesh? What are Treasures of Gold and Pearls, but shining Dust and the froth of the Sea, and can these enrich a Heavenly Being? What is Honour and Reputation? an invisible imagination formed in a few Heads: What is Praise, a favourable sound from a few Mouths? And can a Fancy, a Breath be the solid Good of the Soul? As well may an empty Dream afford substantial Nourishment to the Body.
1. They are not a convenient Good to the Soul. What proportion is there between a spiritual Nature and carnal Sensualities, between the divine Offspring, and the low voluptuousness of Flesh? What are Treasures of Gold and Pearls, but shining Dust and the froth of the Sea, and can these enrich a Heavenly Being? What is Honour and Reputation? an invisible imagination form'd in a few Heads: What is Praise, a favourable sound from a few Mouths? And can a Fancy, a Breath be the solid Good of the Soul? As well may an empty Dream afford substantial Nourishment to the Body.