Two dissertations, I. Concerning the end for which God created the world. II. The…

HERE it is to be noted, that a thing sought, may have the nature of an ultimate, and also of a subordinate end, as it may be sought partly on it's own account, and partly for the sake of a further end. Thus a man in what he does, may seek the love and respect of a particular person, partly on it's own account, because 'tis in itself agreeable to men to be the objects of other's esteem and love: And partly, because he hopes, through the friendship of that person to have his assistance in other affairs; and so to be put under advantage for the obtaining further ends.

HERE it is to be noted, that a thing sought, may have the nature of an ultimate, and also of a subordinate end, as it may be sought partly on it's own account, and partly for the sake of a further end. Thus a man in what he does, may seek the love and respect of a particular person, partly on it's own account, because 'tis in itself agreable to men to be the objects of other's esteem and love: And partly, because he hopes, through the friendship of that person to have his assistance in other affairs; and so to be put under advantage for the obtaining further ends.

A chief end or highest end, which is opposite not properly to a subordinate end, but to an inferior end, is something diverse from an ultimate end. The chief end is an end that is most valued; and therefore most sought after by the agent in what he does. 'Tis evident, that to be an end more valued than another end, is not exactly the same thing as to be an end valued ultimately, or for it's own sake. This will appear, if it be considered.

1. THAT two different ends may be both ultimate ends, and yet not be chief ends. They may be both valued for ⟨p. 4⟩their own sake, and both sought in the same work or acts, and yet one valued more highly and sought more than another: Thus a man may go a journey to obtain two different benefits or enjoyments, both which may be agreeable to him in themselves considered, and so both may be what he values on their own account and seeks for their own sake; And yet one may be much more agreeable than the other: And so be what he sets his heart chiefly upon, and seeks most after in his going a journey. Thus a man may go a journey partly to obtain the possession and enjoyment of a bride that is very dear to him, and partly to gratify his curiosity in looking in a telescope, or some new-invented and extraordinary optic glass: Both may be ends he seeks in his journey, and the one not properly subordinate or in order to another. One may not depend on another; and therefore both may be ultimate ends: But yet the obtaining his beloved bride may be his chief end, and the benefit of the optic glass, his inferior end. The former may be what he sets his heart vastly most upon; and so be properly the chief end of his journey.