HAppiness is the desire and aim of all Men , and as the several good things are to be had by labour and right means , so this being the comprehension of the whole , is to be attained likewise . There is no accomplishing of worldly projects and designs , without succession of time and endeavour ; things being as●it were hidden , that they may be sought ; afar off , so they must go who will have them ; and commonly future to exercise our diligence and expectation . Let the same be done immediately toward the great and principal end , as to the lesser and subordinate , and none shall labour in vain ; but the like care and constancy as is used in ordinary matters ; then any person may be assured of the chiefest good . All other things are coveted after in order to Happiness , though it be under the name of Pleasure and Conveniency ; there is an impatient thirst after it from the Beginning ; for besides those natural cravings after the necessaries of Life , Meat , D●ink , Raiment ; yet this is not all , there must be some delight : There is Play and Divertisment , and then changing that from one kind to another , from Childish to the more Manly ( though too often mistaken ) enjoyments . There is an eager inclination after sensual Pleasure , and outward Mirth : As to these the means must be first had ; Money or Estate which are to be gotten , and then to reap the Fruit of his Labours ; or who hath them already , he is not to lye or sit still , but must rise and go forth to gather those present and visible good things ; still this is but the Happiness of half the Man , the Body only , and yet to be acquired somewhat more requires also a satisfaction . The worst part hath its desires and is not fed with Husks or Pebbles , but things convenient , sufficient here is already found out , both for use and delight .

Now let the nature of the Soul be considered , according to her first excellency and just inclination , as she came out of God's hand , and for what designed ▪ whether there be any Objects proper for her , that they may be had also . Take the whole Man in conjunction , his spiritual part ( if not ●hoaked and 〈…〉 led ) seeks after Happiness , as the other doth Health , Nourishment and sensible gratification . Whether the Soul is in growth , or puts it self forth according to the capacity and increase of the Organs , shall not be curiously inquired ; but it seems to partake of the Imperfection , and would come up towards Perfection . It hath an ignorance and blindness , which should be taken away by degrees : A stubbornness and l●st through original corruption , which is to be subdued and regulated : It is certainly capable of bettering and improvement by right means , and so may arrive at Happiness , all one as the Body doth its conveniency . The great Question all along will be , what the right , means are ? for we are in a world of intermixture where is Right and Wrong , Good and Evil , Truth and Falshood , Apparent and Real ; and therefore must narrowly discern the one from the other . A right Knowledge carries through all , and acting according to that Knowledge . There is an established and fixed nature of things pertaining to us Men ; the visible we know by sence and experience , the invisible by certain Reason and the full assurance of Faith. Amongst the various and seemingly perplext , they may be reduced unto two general ways : That of Gods Commandment , according to his prescribed order and use of them , shewed forth in his Word , or in disobedience and transgression : He made them all at first very good , Gen. 1. 31. but evil , corruption , vanity and fal●hood came in ; and now hath sent his Word to inform us aright , that we may not be deceived , but so to use as not to abuse them . It is the same to all Mankind , what he saith to that Nation , O Israel thou hast destroyed thy self , but in me is thy help , Hos. 13. 9.

As a way is shewed to the things of the Flesh , so of the Spirit , for Man is made up of both ; he doth already know and labour after what appertains to that , let him do the same to the other : He is to work out his Salvation and Happiness , ( which are both the same thing ) for God worketh in him to will and to do , who hath given Grace and Power . If thou cryest after Knowledge , and liftest up thy voice for Vnderstanding ; if thou seekest for her as Silver , and searchest for her as for hidden Treasure : Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord , and find the Knowledge of God Pro. 2. 3 , 4 , 5. Thou shalt learn his Kingdom and Dominion over us Creatures , and acknowledge as most due our own obedience and subjection ; thou shalt fully apprehend the things pertaining to it , and what is contrary , or an hindrance . To him that perfectly knoweth what are the right and true means to Happiness , the attainment is easie . To separate the precious from the vile ; to lay hold of the real good from meer appearances , to find out something more then this World gives , ( for which we are beholden unto Gods Revelation in Scripture ) to obtain the sure hope and expectation of good things to come . If a way is pointed out how any one may be happy , if he is endued with Power to go therein , for he may understand , and he may do ; I think more cannot be desired , unless he is forced unto it , which none is : But all are prompted with the same inclination as to eat when hungry . Indeed the spiritual part can be longer in suspence without true Happiness , then the Body its Nonrishment ; for it is a more excellent and enduring substance , yet it desires that as much as the other being and support .

If thou be wise , thou shalt be wise for thy self ; but if thou scornest , thou alone shall bear it , Pro. 9. 12. If thou wouldst learn to refer all things to Gods Glory , and under that to thy own Happiness . Examine every days Actions how they promote this end . What am I the happier for having had or done this ? such things pass away and fail , be thou for what endures and grows up . Renounce what is seemingly delectable and fancy , and endeavour after real Goodness and Wisdom . If the true Christian may be manifested to be more happy in his manner of Life , th●n the natural ungodly Man with all his sinful Pleasures and Profits ; who is sincere making the Scripture the Rule of his Actions , if he may be found more blessed then outward Professors , or those who keep some of the Commandments of God , and neglect others under the false pretence of more Happiness and conveniency . If it can be made evident that to have respect unto them all is Peace , how the least Varietation is disquiet and Ps. 119. 6. misery , and a greater loss then the supposed benefit ; This is directly to oppose the Enemy of Gods Kingdom and Mans Happiness , and to take from him all his Armour wherein he trusts , Luk. 11. 22. for the Bait of every Temptation is Pleasure , Conveniency and Advantage ; now Happiness is more then all these , and there succeeds in the room of the other , Truth and real Gain , Peace and future Glory . The World need not be angry , but should rather pray for good Luck in this undertaking , in that it is only pleaded for to which they are strictly required by gracious Promises and severe Threatnings . God is above and greater then Man , and therefore it is no fault to speak for his Government . And there are in our selves earnest Longings after Satisfaction , give it me or else I die , so we are to be acquainted throughly that it is in God only . Amongst all those Divisions and Opinions concerning Happiness ( wherein those of Old were so puzled ) one is to be fixed upon true and certain ; after a diligent search through the whole Creation , and so often returned all is Vanity and Vexation of Spirit , the Conclusion of the whole matter is here to be more particularly surveyed , Fear God and keep his Commandments , for this is the whole Duty of Man , Eccles. 12 , 13. His greatest Happiness even in this life doth consist herein . This Proposition by Gods assistance which I do humbly and earnestly implore ( O send out thy Light and thy Truth , let them lead me ) I shall endeavour to manifest ; the general Opinion of mankind is against this , they will own as much Ps. 43. 3. with their lips outwardly , but contradict it by their own Actions : But yet Truth if cleared and brought forth , will prevail with ●nprejudiced , unbyassed mind● . If any are not so , it is through lust , interest or humour , which they think as some helps towards Happiness , and therefore if they should hinder the impartial inquiry after that , it is to be hoped they may be laid aside . The utmost Happiness of this World is to be free from as many Evils as possible , and to enjoy as much good as may be had in this state of Humiliation and Imperfection .

God would not have any Man to be perfectly and absolutely Happy as to this prefent time . Himself alone is the Blessed , Mark 4. 61. He is the Fountain of all Happiness , and reserves for those to be Partakers thereof who shall be found worthy . The design of the following Discourses , is , that we may prepare and make sure of that above all things , and to pass through here with more Comfort and fewer Evils then usually Men do ; But sincere , compleat , and uninterrupted Happiness is not to be expected in this Earth , for it would take off our desire from God and his Kingdom , and also we could not bear it according to the Capacity we are now in . There is to be seen by his wise providential ordering , a Succession and mixture of Good and Evil , sweet and bitter , and we have all things in an imperfect manner . But Man either not knowing or wilful going contrary to this design of Almighty God would fain be truly Happy , and that presently ; with which Temptation the Devil prevails over him to revolt from God and break his Commandments , suggesting a full Satisfaction may be had when it is ordained otherwise . As it always proves a mistake , so most commonly the Person not recovering from it when he comes to know as much , it proves destructive and miserable to him . Did he but patiently wait and stand still , he might see the Salvation of God. The Lord doth design the Happiness of his Creatures , and why are they not contented he should go his own way in bringing to pass his gracious Work ? At first he made us without our selves , and now he would make us Happy with our selves , if we would not run before , but follow hard after him , Ps. 63. 8. in the way he shews . Would we endure a little Travel before we come to Rest , not mistake in the Place , but hearken unto and obey what our God saith , Arise ye , depart for this is not your Rest , Mic. 2. 20. Leave of that pursuit and fixing on temporal Happiness , and seek for that which is to come . Every thing puts in mind of our imperfection which is in order to perfection , so we are to move towards it , but not run out catching after what is not to be had . Our mortality should teach us to breath after immortality , and the natural result is not to rear up a dwelling place as if we were to abide here forever , or to be lifted up with Prosperity as if we should never be moved , but to look out for the eternal Mansion , and that Kingdom which cannot be shaken . What ever we meet with is mixt and unsatisfactory , we again desire what is not so , this should put us upon seeking after those pure and satisfying Pleasures above . The things we see , handle and taste are fitted for the Conveniency of our vile and dying Bodies , which they like well enough ; but this prompts to go in the way for them to be made glorious and incorruptible . The Soul finds every thing empty and short , whereupon she pants after a proper fulness , which is only in the Fruition of the Godhead , with whom we would be eternally transported . Here is the mischief and danger , all outward Pleasures if moderately used are diversions , but if too much , they quite turn aside out of the way . Even the diversions do mightily hinder ; so that were the Man contented to go on and use them no more then needs must , he would infallibly arrive at the Blessed end : Pass through this World in a constant smooth Temper : Choosing rather to spend his time in the Peaceable Fruits of Righteousness , then in the Clamorous but troublesome Delights of Sin and Vanity ; let his days fly over his Head in doing real Good , then snatching at what the World est●ems good things ; continually make Provision against the time to come , and not to lavish away the present in idle unsatisfying Mirth ; remember the great and higher ends of Life , then barely to eat and drink well , or taste Pleasure . Not to antedate his Happiness expecting it perfect and enduring , which is to be so hereafter . And finally to spie out and avoid the deceitful appearances of it now , and to do whatever Conscience and Reason dictates is to be done to secure unto himself immortality and Glory . Rest is not to be had in transitory things , not Peace in a troublesome World. Neither can earthly things satisfie Heaven born Souls , He that loveth Silver will not be satisfied with Silver , nor he that loveth abundance with increase , Eccles. 5. 10. And he who loveth Pleasure may be surfeited , but never filled .

Were Men really perswaded , that these things are so , they would be freed from much trouble and disappointment , for they deceive themselves with vain Expectations and tormenting Desires . By raising such a conceit of Happiness they pine long for want thereof , and when had are discontented as before . Whilst in pursuit they flatter themselves with abundance of Satisfaction , but after they are obtained with much Labour and Care , they prove to be empty Delusions , and Clouds without water . If we could be made sufficiently sensible of the Vanity of the Creature , and ●hroughly know the nature of things , we should not look for more Contentment then they really yield , nor render our selves miserable by being often deceived . We should set our affections on those things above , if we did verily think nothing would satisfie them here below . The Lord stretcheth forth the Heavens , and layeth the Foundation of the Earth , and formeth the Spirit of Man within him , Zach. 12. 1. Which is o● such a refined and immortal Nature , that nothing ▪ can content but what is of the same quality and continuance with it self . Had we brutish Souls , were the whole so as some little inclinations , then indeed we should be so pleased with sensual Delights that it would be good for us to be here . But think upon them even in the jol●ity and vigour of Youth , which is led on for want of full knowledge expecting more still , and if they transport , it is but the Pleasure of a Beast without Reason and Reflection , for that suggests somewhat is wanting still . The Soul ( if suffered to have its natural tendency and power ) would find out where only it is to be had . But there is a secret unseen Enemy who uses all Arts and Devices to keep off from this . One would admire at his exceeding subtilty in deceiving mankind as he doth in this thing . It is strongly ingrafted into all minds , that they are not only willing , but do actually endeavour to be as Happy as they can , yet many miss of being so . Even reasonable Creatures , who know and have Power to choose the Good and refuse the Evil , and use so much industry in pursuit thereof , yet are deceived . There are many false Opinion● concerning Happiness , which are received without full Examination , when there is but one true . The old Proverb as many men as many minds , is never more verified then on this Object and the means necessary to it . Every single Person doth choose a several path , having Fancies and Thoughts of his own by which he Acts. And though singularity is abhorred in Religion ( the only way thereof ) yet here 't is affected by all : Every one would be Happy , but go his own way , which indeed are turnings out of the way , standing still , and going backwards . There are many who with the Reubenites and Gadites take up their Rest on this side Jordan , so they only are to be blamed , if they come not into the pleasant Land . Others adva●ce a little further , but through prejudice or Self-will refuse to know and follow all directions that are necessary , so they err and wander but do not arrive at it . Others will not hear any thing thereof , so they cannot desire . And thus some being careless and negligent ; some partial , blind and stubborn , others ignorant and unbelieving , it comes to pass that the true Road to Happiness hath so few Travellers . It is most to be admired of those who journey not at all , when they evidently know how they are in Tents of flesh which cannot po●●ibly continue . Why should it seem strange and incredible that God would raise them up in another place after they are removed hence whereof we are so much told ? When he hath already brought us into this World without our Consent , and we heard nothing of it before , or if that was impossible , yet we are assured that Children will be born and of the future Generations , though he makes no such particular discovery to us of that , as of our own future Condition . Besides divine Testimony , the Cloud of Witnesses , there is a desire and firm assura●ce within , that we shall remain forever ; there is an earnest Expectation and Coveting after more then is to be seen or had here , an insatiable thirst after Happiness puts us upon doing those things , which intitle unto and make meet for a blessed Eternity , so strongly hath God fenced up our way to bring us to himself .

All the Sons and Daughters of Men do groan within themselves ; those many and different Actions of the World are to this end ; none grudges any toil or pain for to have it , Who refuses to do any thing to be Happy ? Let it be what it will , he seems contented ; for this do I Labour and Sweat and run and can never do too much but all in vain . Shew us any way and we will follow it . Sayest thou this O Man ? Wilt thou stand to thy word , and not go away sorrowful at the saying , when thou art told how thou mayst be Happy ? Wilt thou then Iook up unto God ? Acquaint thy self with him and be at peace , thereby good shall come unto thee , Job 22. 21. That word imports a full knowledge of him and his ways . Do'st thou think knowledge was given thee in vain ? Wilt thou exercise that , and let it go before thy Actions ? Upon assurance thou will diligently use and seek to advance it ; then prove all things , hold fast to that which is good , thus doing thou must be Happy . If thou do'st prove all things , thou must prove the things pertaining to Gods Kingdom ; and not pass slightly over them as the manner of the World is ; who dwell amongst the Pots , run from one Evil to another , from this sinful Pleasure or Profit , to such an Humour , Fancy or vain Opinion , and have not to do with what is Good , Truth and Reason . These finding nothing but Trouble and Discontent , Emptiness and Vanity lie down and sink down under the Wretched ( and as they think remediless ) Condition of mankind . Whereas they walk up and down in the Earth , a place of Misery and vexation , seek rest and find none ; but do not lift up their Heart to God in the Heavens , from whom alone is to be had all true delight and satisfaction . They follow after false disquieting things , not minding the true Peace provided for the Soul. One would think those mistakes and deceits every where , should drive them sooner to this sure Refuge , yet alass ! such strangers are we naturally to God , that we are apt to seek help of every thing before of him ; and if after all nothing is to be had , then we flie unto him as a reserve and last resort ; hereby intimating , if we could be assisted any other way , we had never came unto him . What base unworthiness is in our nature ? that should deal so with our Maker , who is the Author of all things , even of those we seek for succour . God knows our ignorance , delighteth in Mercy , & is pleased to admit thereof . But here is the failure again , that some do not turn to the Lord their God , nor are obedient to his voice . They take Religion just for a present Dut. 4. 29 , 30 , 31. ease , which if it doth not give forthwith , they become impatient , rashly and falsly concluding there is no good to be found in it ; Every thing before they tryed to the utmost , but of this they do not make a full experiment . They would be contented in reference to other matters to part with any thing , or to wait any time so they may find good ; but will not turn from every evil way , nor tarry the Lords leisure , and so they go away without benefit .

Could we be assured the things of God are for our Happiness , we would be for them , which they are , or nothing in the World is . And it may appear they are equally for the good of the inward Man , as other things to the outward . All besides may be disproved and found insufficient to quiet our restless and craving part . The wise Gentiles did come so far as to constitute the chiefest good in the practice of moral vertue , then which nothing did conduce more to the Peace and Tranquility of the mind . They did grope by the Wall-side of true Religion , but were not within ; They did give attestation to the excellency of God's Ways , though they did not know him ; all one as a reflex beam of light may through a crevis pass into a low Dungeon without ever seeing the Sun. By how much the nearer the approach is to the right end , there is somewhat mo●e rest , then what was wholly besides . A full draught of water doth quench the thirst , when dipping the finger therein , will only cool the Tongue ; however , that is better then to thrust earth , or what is of a contrary nature into the Mouth . The discerning Heathens could know that outward sensible things did not make up the greatest Happiness of this Life . That is situate within a Mans breast , and the rational part cannot subsist with meer conceits , but requires something proportionable to her nature .

It concerns every one what thoughts he hath within himself , Luke 12. 17 , 19. and if he would act sincerely for his own good , he should first strictly debate whether they be true or false ; for if they should prove wrong , he loses all his foregoing labour , which might have been spent in obtaining a real good ; and on the contrary becomes miserable by a disappointment . The general course of Mens doings , do turn upon one principal point ; there being but one time of tryal , one main good or evil set before them , to which all the lesser and single acts do relate . There is one God over all , one rule of action in his Word , one end of everlasting Happiness or Misery . And the several deeds done in the Body , are as so many steps to one or the other . The Law and the Testimony , and the Light in them , discovers the nature of all how many soever they be , and to what they lead . So again , when one is in any misery or trouble he should take heed how he seeks for ease and recovery , for otherwise the last error may be worse then the first , and he may become more miserable by what he thought would be a cure and remedy . Let him look and find out the cause . Have recourse unto the lively Oracles , when he is in sorrow and discomposure of mind . Whether himself be not of the number of those who are Like the troubled Sea when it cannot rest , whose Waters cast up mire and dirt , Isa. 57. 20. And there his melancholy ( as they call it ) is the necessary effect of Sin and Guilt . Their Consciences being wounded , they run up and down seeking a little Comfort , when they carry still that along with them ; they go from one place to another , here and there , and yet are not satisfied . By this means the deadly thing is not taken away , but sticks still fast till it rankles and becomes insensate , so more dangerous . Some being hardened through the deceitfulness of Sin are not sensible ; how this occasions present dulness or disquiet , but impute it to natural disposition , and fasly imagine to have a cure by what was the original cause thereof : These acting contrary to Reason , meet with the usual event of Folly. The pleasures of Sin are but for a season , and after the several times are over ; the melancholick fit returns as bad , rather worse then ever . If they would suffer themselves to be admonished , how they neither make use of the right remedy , nor apply it to the distempered part ; for instead of taking away they feed the Disease , and use stupifying Medicines , which only take away the sence but not prevent Death . The Sinner that labours under remorse , will drink heartily , for sorrow is dry , so endeavouring to drown the spirit within him , which though it sink at night , will rise again in the morning , and because it tells him the truth , it is thought his Enemy for disturbing him ; And therefore he will try again to drive that unwelcome Guest out of his house , which cannot be done . Then continual Business , Recreation or Company shall divert its whispers : Otherwise by gross Ignorance or stupid inconsideration he willingly becomes as bruit Beasts , whom he observes to be disturbed from nothing within . Thus he dreams of relief , as if he should not die , and puts of what would do no other harm then lead him to Repentance , till it is hid from his Eyes .

It is truly said of the Wisdom that is from above , Her wayes are ways of pleasantness , and all her pathes are Peace , Pro. 3. 17. Under that Word is comprized all Happiness , and this throughout the whole Scripture is promised to keeping of the Commandments of God. O that thou had hearkened to my Commandment , then had thy Peace been as a River , and thy Righteousness as the Waves of the Sea , Isa. 48. 18. There is a constant serenity and calmness of mind . The sincere Penitent when he is habituated to the way of Godliness , finds more Pleasure then ever he did in the course of Sin. He i● more comforted in singing Praises , and making spiritual melody in his H●art , then heretofore in drunken Songs , or lacivious tunes . More satisfaction arises to him in meditating on God's Law , then who devise mischief , or let their thoughts run after all manner of filthiness . This is the constant felicity of God's chosen , but they have greater things then these ; the antepasts of Heaven , the earnest and first fruits of the Spirit , that joy of the inward Man which far exceeds the most exquisite delights of Sence . All these are without allay or mixture , there is no Condemnation or Fear , no Repentance or Vexation among them . It is a true and sensible satisfaction , though it may seem mystery and foolishness to carnal Men. Any one may have it upon the terms of the Gospel , who observes all things whatsoever the Author thereof hath Mat. 28. 20. commanded , for want of which so many miss of it . The Covetous doth avoid Gluttony , Drunkenness or such chargeable Sins , and will be apt to cry out with the Pharisee , God be thanked I am none of these ; But he doth not take heed and beware of Covetousness , Luke 12 15. so he is not happy here , For through the love of Money he pierceth himself through with many Sorrows , nor will be hereafter , for such shall not inherit the Kingdom of God , 1. Cor. 6. 10. He whose God is his Belly , is perhaps no Mans enemy but his own , and therefore may expect the peaceable fruits of Righteousness , but in vain , for he hath not here any lasting joy ; it arises only from the Meat and Drink that perisheth ; neither will he attain to the fulness thereof , His end being Destruction from the presence of God , Phil. 3. 18. They do somewhat towards obtaining Happiness , but the other evil deprives thereof . One accursed thing troubles Israel here below , and shall never approach so near as to disturb the rest of the People of God. However the enemies to their own good would have it , yet it is necessary to that of the present time to avoid every evil way , for otherwise there can be no true Peace of mind , no freedom from fear and regret .

In the day of Prosperity be joyful , but in the time of Adversity consider : God also hath set the one over against the other , to the end that Man should find nothing after him , Eecles. 7. 14. Look into them both throughly , and they are little , each passeth away , and it is the same thing afterwards . So they are not to be admired or feared , but the one cautiously used , and the other submitted unto , that they may help forward to eternal Happiness ; for that is happiness indeed , and the principal concern ; when all temporal things slip away like a Dream , which affects a little for the instant , but afterwards is not minded . But good Men can better bear Affliction then others , having joy and gladness within , when the Body is weak and languishing . They have quietness and assurance of mind , when the Flesh is wasted with pain or sickness . This is so manifest , that even the Wicked ( if they have courage to stand by and observe ) will secretly ejaculate , Let me die such a Death , and let my latter end be like his ; Mark the Perfect Man , and behold the Vpright , for the end of that Man is Peace , Psal. 37. 37. when others are attended with Horror , Amazement , or Stupidity and Inconsideration .

All acknowledge those more happy in their Sickness and Death ; but the great doubt and inquiry will be , whether they are so in their Life ; for if that can be brought forth and made to appear in the Light of the living , it would be no small argument for the Conversion of Sinners from the error of their way . The reason why the● follow after the Lusts of the flesh and commit sins most in Fashion , is because they think it is for their present Happiness , their Honour and Reputation which is one part thereof . Now were they fully convinced , that could equally , yea more be had in obedience to Gods Commandment , these would live according to that , unless they are the greatest Fools that can be imagined , considering the disproportion of the rewards of the one , and sad Punishments that are to the other way . If the God of this World hath not blinded their eyes , and they are not altogether become Carnal who cannot discover any thing within , they may consider the great difference of things set before us , Life and Good , Death and Evil , that they may choose the better and avoid the worse . Evil hath a thin appearance of Good , and therefore is catched at and embraced ; so Good hath an outward shew of Evil , and is abhorred and despised . At first sight sin and iniquity seem to further the Happiness of mankind , but in truth is the Cause of Misery ; so righteousness and obedience looked slightly on , appear to bring in convenience and disturbance . Sin hath a shew of Wisdom and Briskness , when in the Act it is folly , afterwards Tribulation and Anguish of Soul ; the other at a transitory glance is foolish and dull , but upon full Tryal is the greatest Prudence , perfect Peace and Satisfaction to the mind of Man . The delusion and mistake is , Men do not see throughly into things , nor look beyond the present unto the end , and consequent of them ; for if they did this , they would not be deceived in that greatest Concern ( for every Soul would have the one and escape the other ) of Happiness or Misery . Judge not according to appearance but righteous judgment . That excessive Laughter and outward Noise ( which sometimes accompany the Pleasures of sin ) make ignorant undiscerning Persons stand in Admiration of it . But is it not all like crackling of Thorns under a Pot , which gives a blaze , but no solid heat , and is suddenly extinct ? Ye which rejoyce in a thing of nought , Amos 6. 13. Is not your heart even in the midst thereof sorrowful ? How many Damps and u●heard Sighs are perceived from within by your selves amongst merry Company ? Are you not more pensive afterwards ? When you are alone ( if you can endure that ) and reflect the next morning ; are they not all vanished away as last nights Dream ? What odds between that and yesterdays Enjoyments ? Is this your utmost Happiness that is mixt , broken of , and interrupted ? Which day by day grows more tiresome , and ceases to delight . A whole Life so spent , as between the last rising of the Sun and setting thereof , doth not satifie at the instant , utterly perishes , and seems as if it had never been ; those Delights are not greatest which make most noise , but rather shallow and hastily run away , when true Satisfaction like deep Water is silent and full .

We may indeed shew forth outward Signs of Rejoycing , for wherefore hath God given us Powers so to do , if we might not Laugh ? He that doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the Children of Men , ( I am perswaded ) doth not delight to see a sad Countenance , disfigured Faces , or a Head hanging down ▪ like ▪ a Bulrush , but Loves a cheerful Aspect as well as a Giver . We may be Christians and Men still . Both merry and facetious as far as consistent with the perfect Law of Liberty . We may use the Creatures and Recreations in a moderate way , and so they rellish more then running to the full Excess of Riot . In the mean while we do not place our happiness in them . We esteem them as Blessings , and are thankful , but do not rest contented being designed for greater things , we do not use them as the chiefest Good , nor consume most of our time and care in them , as the manner of some is : Who therefore term us Melancholly and stupid , but themselves are more properly brutish . Why should they accuse any one for not being exceeding Cheerful in those things which cannot make the Owners so ? That Aspersion is generally cast upon all Gods Servants , as if his ways were nothing but Sowreness and Misery , and so discourage others . It is unworthy to bring an evil Report of the Land they never searched , their words are not much minded who speak evil of the things they know not . But it is much worse in the Spies , who say they have knowledge and experience , if they do lessen it in a whispering and indirect manner ; it is because themselves did flightly view , and so away ; they had a secret Prejudice before , and came in as it were by force , and for their own safety . But had they went through , and into the midst of it , diligently observed all things , dwelt there for some time , the longer the better , they will perceive the Goodness thereof . By that time they have continued as long there as in the wilderness of sin , they will like it much more ; somewhat is to be allowed to a state of Tryal , consequently Temptations ; an imperfect knowledge , those remainders of Original corruption , which are so many weights that we must carry along in the Christian race , but still by Gods aid we can go through here with more Contentment then others in their ways . But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righ●eousness , and all these things shall be added unto you , Mat. 6. 33. Such Provisions and Accomodations as are necessary for your Journey ; if you have them not in so great abundance , yet you shall in a more excellent way ; your Life is more sweet and comfortable , then those who have Riches or Estate . The Apostle ranks those among the enemies of the Cross of Christ who mind Earthly things , Phil. 3. 18 , 19. and therefore 't is improper to insist upon Considerations drawn from them , unless they lead up towards the Heavenly .