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

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 ⟨p. 67⟩therein encouraged it to expect?

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 struglings towards him, and vext all the while it continues in being, with the desire of what it shall never enjoy? and which he hath made it desire, and ⟨p. 67⟩therein encouraged it to expect?

Nor in continuance: For I suppose it already evident, that the nature of man is capable (in respect of his principal part) of perpetuity, and so of enjoying a felicity hereafter, that shall be permanent and know no end. And it seems no way congruous to so large Goodness, to stifle a capacity whereof it was it self the Author, and destroy its own work.

For if the Being of man is intended for so short a continuance, either he may have the knowledge of this determination concerning him, or not: If he cannot have the knowledge of it, why should any one say what they cannot know; or put such a thing upon God, that is so vilely reflecting, and dishonourable to him? If he may have the knowledge of it, then doth he seem a Creature made for torment, while, by an easy reflection upon himself, he may discern he is not uncapable of a perpetual state; and is yet