Doctrine 1. It is common unto all men, in some sort to desire blessing and happinesse.
For therefore doth he in this place, use a common argument to stirre up all to the practice of piety.
Reason 1. Because *omnia appetunt bonum, all things desire their own good, & in some sort too that which they apprehend as summum bonum, the chiefest good.
2. Because all nature tends unto its owne perfection, and this perfection is happinesse.
3. Because the nature of happinesse is such, that if the understanding doth in any manner comprehend it, the will cannot but in some measure desire it, because it is in all respects desireable.
Use 1. Let us not therefore rest contented with a confused desire of happinesse, but endeavour and labour to stirre up and to increase in our selves the true, genuine and effectuall desire thereof.
2. For direction, not to corrupt this desire that is approved of God, or to choake it with worldly desires, but to goe forward and increase it daily according to that rule, which is given unto us from God.
Doctrine 2. True and solid piety is the only way to attaine unto these blessings.
Reason 1. Because God hath promised it to the Godly alone.
2. Because piety in its owne nature leadeth to God, and joynes us with God, who is the fountaine of all good.