The vanity of this mortal life, or, Of man, considered only in his present…

Now if we should suppose such a Creature as Man made only for that short time and low state, which we see to be allotted him in this world; It were neither difficult, nor enough, to reconcile the Hypothesis with strict Justice, ⟨p. 65⟩which upon the ground of absolute dominion, may do what it will with its own: But the ill accord it seems to have with so large and abounding Goodness, renders it very unlike the Dispensation of the blessed God. No enjoyment being in that case afforded to this sort of Creatures, agreeable to their common nature and capacity, either in degree or continuance.

Not in degree: for who sees not that the nature of man is capable of greater things than he here enjoys? and where that capacity is rescued from the corruption that narrows and debases it, how sensibly do holy souls resent and bewail their present state, as a state of imperfection! With how fervent and vehement desires and groans do they aspire and pant after an higher and more perfect! We that are in this tabernacle do groan, ¹being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed (that is not enough, to be delivered ⟨p. 66⟩out of the miseries of life, by laying down this passive part, is not that which will terminate their desires) but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

1. 12 Cor. 5. 4.