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

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.

Theirs are not brutal groans, the complaint of oppressed sensitive nature under a present evil; but rational and spiritual, the expressions of desire strongly carried to pursue an apprehended suitable good.

Theirs are not brutal groans, the complaint of opprest sensitive nature under a present evil; but rational and spiritual, the expressions of desire strongly carri'd to pursue an apprehended suitable good.

The truest notion we can yet have of the primitive nature and capacity of man, is by beholding it in its gradual restitution. And is it agreeable to the goodness of God to put such a nature into any, and with-hold the suitable object? As if it were a pleasure to him to behold the work of his own hands spending it self in weary strugglings towards him, and vexed all the while it continues in being, with the desire of what it shall never enjoy? and which he hath made it desire, and