The truly blessed man

2. That which encourageth to use these particular means, is hope by them to obtain the thing desired. Desire puts men upon seeking means, but that which fixeth them upon these courses rather than others, is an apprehension of the suitableness of them to the purpose, and the probability at least of gaining the thing in the use of them: and this hope putteth life into endeavour: for if men did not expect success in the undertaking, they would either not begin, or presently tire and give out: and therefore hope deferred makes the heart to faint, ⟨p. 406⟩Prov 13.12. And that which nourisheth hope is a rational connection between the means and the end

2. That which encourageth to use these particular means, is hope by them to obtain the thing desired. Desire puts men upon seeking means, but that which fixeth them upon these courses rather than others, is an apprehension of the suitableness of them to the purpose, and the probability at least of gaining the thing in the use of them: and this hope putteth life into endeavour: for if men did not expect success in the undertaking, they would either not begin, or presently tire and give out: and therefore hope deferred makes the heart to faint, ⟨p. 406⟩Prov 13.12. And that which nourisheth hope is a rational connexion between the means and the end

3. Hence there must be an end aimed at, which gives motion to this desire and hope. Philosophers had in vain placed the end among the causes, if it did not influence to the producing of the effect. This causality must be referred to the end in intention, which is by the influence it hath on the Efficient to set him on work: and in all Rational agents this is evident, that these two affections are thus excited; the means are not desired or hoped in for themselves, but for that which is aimed at by them.