You will say, An infinite capacity of happiness, how is that? Thus; for there are two things in the rational part of man, his understanding, and his will: now the capacity of this part, must be judged according to the objects that are suitable unto these two faculties ⟨p. 480⟩in mans soul: For the understanding, it is not any particular thing that is the object of it, but truth in general: take truth in the utmost latitude of it, in the universality of it, that is the object of mans understanding; and therefore the understanding is infinite, because it is not satisfied in this or that particular, but truth in the utmost extent. And for the object of the will, it is good in the general, it is not this or that particular good, but good in the universality of its nature; and therefore till it come to enjoy God, that does eminently contain all good in him, it can never come to have full satisfaction. And here observe the difference between the capacity of mans nature, and the capacity of other Creatures: as for other Creatures, their faculties can extend no further then some particular good, and they are limited within the narrow bounds of their own nature; and therefore if so be the eye have colour, it goes no further; and if the ear have sound, it goes no further; and so taste, it goes no further then some particular good; but the intelligent soul, the rational soul goes beyond all particulars. Now God having made mans nature of such a capacity for good and happiness, certainly God intends great things for the children of men, other manner of things, then there are in this world; and if for any, surely for the righteous.
You will say, An infinite capacity of happiness, how is that? Thus; for there are two things in the rational part of man, his understanding, and his will: now the capacity of this part, must be judged according to the objects that are suitable unto these two faculties ⟨p. 480⟩in mans soul: For the understanding, it is not any particular thing that is the object of it, but truth in general: take truth in the utmost latitude of it, in the universality of it, that is the object of mans understanding; and therefore the understanding is infinite, because it is not satisfied in this or that particular, but truth in the utmost extent. And for the object of the will, it is good in the general, it is not this or that particular good, but good in the universality of its nature; and therefore till it come to enjoy God, that does eminently contain all good in him, it can never come to have full satisfaction. And here observe the difference between the capacity of mans nature, and the capacity of other Creatures: as for other Creatures, their faculties can extend no further then some particular good, and they are limited within the narrow bounds of their own nature; and therefore if so be the eye have colour, it goes no further; and if the ear have sound, it goes no further; and so taste, it goes no further then some particular good; but the intelligent soul, the rational soul goes beyond all particulars. Now God having made mans nature of such a capacity for good and happiness, certainly God intends great things for the children of men, other maner of things, then there are in this world; and if for any, surely for the righteous.
