A55752:667
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithful Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...
London: printed by J.T., 1658
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.
Besides, if thou go to seek happiness in thy self, if thou seek thy own things, know that thou seekest that which is not to be had there; that is the way to undo thy self: because it is not in the nature of the creature; the happiness of the creature stands not in its own compass, but in ⟨p. 225⟩another without it self: therefore if thou seek happiness in thy self thou art undone by it. As if a glass be left to it self, and be not held up, it falls, and breaks in pieces. That is the nature of every creature, if it go about to stand on its own bottom, it is the way to break it asunder, to undo it.
Besides, if thou go to seek happiness in thy self, if thou seek thy own things, know that thou seekest that which is not to be had there; that is the way to undo thy self: because it is not in the nature of the creature; the happiness of the creature stands not in its own compass, but in ⟨p. 225⟩another without it self: therefore if thou seek happiness in thy self thou art undone by it. As if a glass be left to it self, and be not held up, it falls, and breaks in pieces. That is the nature of every creature, if it go about to stand on its own bottom, it is the way to break it assunder, to undo it.
Besides, consider what an unreasonable thing it is, thou mayest not seek thy self. It is true God may seek himself, and his own end; he is the utmost cause, there is none before him; there is no end beyond him, he may therefore do all for his own end, for his own glory, he may seek his own things. But thou art a creature, and every creature stands in subordination to somewhat above it: therefore thy happiness is in seeking another's end; if thou seek thy own end, thou turnest the course of nature; therefore thou art bound to do it.
Besides, consider what an unreasonable thing it is, thou mayest not seek thy self. It is true God may seek himself, and his own end; he is the utmost cause, there is none before him; there is no end beyond him, he may therefore do all for his own end, for his own glory, he may seek his own things. But thou art a creature, and every creature stands in subordination to somewhat above it: therefore thy happiness is in seeking anothers end; if thou seek thy own end, thou turnest the course of nature; therefore thou art bound to do it.