s, and this makes the most part of men wander up and down in
the pursuit of divers things, which are not that true good of the soul,
and set their hearts on that which is not, until they find their hearts
fall down as wanting a foundation and then they turn about again to some
other vanity. And so the wanderings and strayings of men are infinite,
because the by ways are innumerable, though the true way be but one. Yea,
the turnings and toilings of one man are various and manifold because he
quickly loses the scent of happiness in every way he falls into and
therefore must turn to another. And thus men are never at any solid
setting about this great business, never resolute wherein this happiness
consists, nor peremptory to follow it, but they fluctuate upon uncertain
apprehensions, and diverse affections, until the time and date of
salvation expire, and then they must know certainly and surely the
inevitable danger and irrecoverable loss they have brought themselves, to,
who would not take notice of the sure way, both of escaping wrath and
attaining happiness while it was to be found.

Well, then, this is the great business we have here to do, yea, to make
the circle the larger, it is that great business we have to do in this
world, to know wherein the true well being and eternal welfare of our
souls consist and by any means to apply unto that, as the only thing
necessary, in regard of which, all other things are ceremonies,
circumstances, and indifferent things. And to guide us in this examination
and application, here is one man, who, having almost made shipwreck upon
the rocks which men commonly dash upon, and being by the Lord led safely
by, and almost arrived at the coast of true felicity, he sets out a
beacon, and lights a candle to all who shall follow him, to direct them
which way they shall steer their course. Examples teach more effectually
than rules. It is easy for every man to speak well upon this point in
general, and readily all will acknowledge that here it is, and nowhere
else. But yet all this is outcried by the contrary noise of every man's
practice. These general grants of truth are recalled in the conversations
of men, therefore they cannot have much influence upon any man. But when
we hear one speak, and see him walk so too, when we have the example of a
most wise man, who wanted not these worldly expectations which other men
have, so that he not only propones it to us, but after much serious
advise