The vanity of the worldThe vanity of the vvorld

And the reason of this unsatisfactoriness in worldly things, is because none of them are so good as the soul is. The Soul, next to Angels, is the very top and cream of the whole Creation, other things are but Dregs ⟨p. 91⟩and Lees compared to it. Now that which is our happiness must be better than our selves; for it must perfect us. But these things being far worse, and inferior, the soul in cleaving to them, is secretly conscious that it abaseth, and disparageth it self; and therefore cannot find true satisfaction. Nothing can fill the soul, but that which eminently contains in it all good. But now, as light is only divided, and parcelled out among the Stars, but is all united in the Sun: So goodness is only parcelled out among the Creatures; this Creature hath one share, and that, another; not any of them contains the whole sum of goodness. This is proper to God only, who is the Author, and original of ⟨p. 92⟩them all, in whom all excellencies and perfections are concentered. And therefore in him alone can be found that rest and satisfaction which the soul in vain seeks for, in any thing besides himself.

And the reason of this unsatisfactoriness in worldly things, is because none of them are so good as the soul is. The Soul, next to Angels, is the very top and cream of the whole Creation, other things are but Dregs ⟨p. 91⟩and Lees compared to it. Now that which is our happiness must be better than our selves; for it must perfect us. But these things being far worse, and inferiour, the soul in cleaving to them, is secretly conscious that it abaseth, and disparageth it self; and therefore cannot find true satisfaction. Nothing can fill the soul, but that which eminently contains in it all good. But now, as light is onely divided, and parcel'd out among the Stars, but is all united in the Sun: So goodness is onely parcel'd out among the Creatures; this Creature hath one share, and that, another; not any of them contains the whole sum of goodness. This is proper to God onely, who is the Author, and original of ⟨p. 92⟩them all, in whom all excellencies and perfections are concentred. And therefore in him alone can be found that rest and satisfaction which the soul in vain seeks for, in any thing besides himself.