2. General. Though there be such a disposition in men, yet they are generally mistaken in the matter of their happiness. Many say; Who will show us any good? But Lord lift thou up the light of thy Countenance, &c, It seems then that there is a general mistake amongst men, in reference to this happiness; Is not he mistaken herein, that doth bless himself in the way of his sin? Some do so, Deut. 29.19. Is not he mistaken herein, that doth bless the Covetous, whom God hates? Some do so. Psal. 10. Is not he mistaken that doth place his happiness in the enjoyment of the Creature? And who doth not so? Oh says one, if I can but attain to such and such an estate, then I shall be happy! Oh says another, I am now reviled, and reproached, if I can but clear my self, and come off with Honour, then I shall be happy! Oh says another, I have such and such an adversary, if I can but overcome him, then I shall be happy! What man is there that doth not place his happiness in one Creature comfort or another. Do not some place their happiness in Pleasure, some in Riches, some in Honour, some in Power, some in Health, Strength, and Beauty of Body, some in Knowledge, Wit, and Learning, some in moral Civil Life, and other excellencies! But if Happiness cannot be found in these, either singly or together, then surely there is a great ⟨p. 6⟩mistake amongst the Children of Men, in reference to their last end and happiness. Now what creature excellency is there in all the world, that can give this happiness to the Children of Men? Certainly none.
2. General. Though there be such a disposition in men, yet they are generally mistaken in the matter of their happiness. Many say; Who will shew us any good? But Lord lift thou up the light of thy Countenance, &c, It seems then that there is a general mistake amongst men, in reference to this happiness; Is not he mistaken herein, that doth bless himself in the way of his sin? Some do so, Deut. 29.19. Is not he mistaken herein, that doth bless the Covetous, whom God hates? Some do so. Psal. 10. Is not he mistaken that doth place his happiness in the enjoyment of the Creature? And who doth not so? Oh says one, if I can but attain to such and such an estate, then I shall be happy! Oh says another, I am now reviled, and reproched, if I can but clear my self, and come off with Honour, then I shall be happy! Oh says another, I have such and such an adversary, if I can but overcome him, then I shall be happy! What man is there that doth not place his happiness in one Creature comfort or another. Do not some place their happiness in Pleasure, some in Riches, some in Honour, some in Power, some in Health, Strength, and Beauty of Body, some in Knowledge, Wit, and Learning, some in moral Civil Life, and other excellencies! But if Happiness cannot be found in these, either singly or together, then surely there is a great ⟨p. 6⟩mistake amongst the Children of Men, in reference to their last end and happiness. Now what creature excellency is there in all the world, that can give this happiness to the Children of Men? Certainly none.
