Persuasive to a Holy Life: from the Happiness Which Attends It Both in This World, and in the World to Come

Some Mistakes about the Object of Happiness.

HAPPINESS is that which all Men desire, and yet but few obtain: One reason is, because they mistaken their Object, placing it in something wherein it is not to be found; some in Bodily Pleasures, whom Aristotle calls ἀπολαυστικοί others in Riches, whom the same Author calls χρηματιστικοί. Others in Honour and Power, whom he denominates πολιστικοί which things cannot make us happy: Because,

1. They are not in our Power, but may forcibly be taken away from us; and should they continue with us during Life, at Death we must necessarily part with them.

2. They make us not better, being common to good and bad. Now if bad Men may possess them, they cannot render us happy; because, as the Poet truly saith, Nemo malus felix, No wicked Man can be happy.