The vanity of the worldThe vanity of the vvorld

Thirdly, They are all vexation while we enjoy them. Be it what it will that we possess of the world, it is but by fits at most, that we take any great pleasure in it: And then, what between cares and designs to secure the continuance of it, and fears of losing it, the comfort ⟨p. 39⟩of enjoying it is wholly swallowed up. ^aFor strong affections begetting strong fears, do always lessen the delight of present enjoyments. This is the unhappiness of all things in the world, that if we set any price and value upon them, we lose much of the sweetness of them, by fearing to lose them.

Thirdly, They are all vexation while we enjoy them. Be it what it will that we possess of the world, it is but by fits at most, that we take any great pleasure in it: And then, what between cares and designs to secure the continuance of it, and fears of losing it, the comfort ⟨p. 39⟩of enjoying it is wholly swallowed up. ^aFor strong affections begeting strong fears, do always lessen the delight of present enjoyments. This is the unhappiness of all things in the world, that if we set any price and value upon them, we lose much of the sweetness of them, by fearing to lose them.

1. a[Greek or Hebrew]. Plut. de Tranquil.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plut. de Tranquil.

Fourthly, They are all vexatious, as in their enjoyment, so especially in their loss. Whatever we set our hearts upon, we may assure our selves, and experience will teach it us, that the pleasure of possessing it, will not near countervail the bitterness of losing it. And as if God had on purpose so ordained it, to take off our hearts from the world, the