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

If they only presume they do well, because they have never asked themselves the question, or spent any thoughts about it; this speaks as much a besotted mind, as any of the rest; and is as unworthy of a reasonable Creature. Why have they the power of thinking? Or who do in any case more generally incur the censure of imprudence and folly, than they who have only this plea for their actions, That they did not consider? Especially when the case is so plain, and the most sudden reflection would discover the iniquity and danger of their course.

If they only presume they do well, because they have never askt themselves the question, or spent any thoughts about it; this speaks as much a besotted mind, as any of the rest; and is as unworthy of a reasonable Creature. Why have they the power of thinking? Or who do in any case more generally incurr the censure of imprudence and folly, than they who have only this plea for their actions, That they did not consider? Especially when the case is so plain, and the most sudden reflection would discover the iniquity and danger of their course.

And one would think nothing should be more obvious, or more readily occur to the mind of a man, than to contemplate himself, and taking notice there is such a Creature in the world, furnished with such abilities and powers, to consider, What was I ⟨p. 89⟩made for? What am I to pitch upon as my proper End? Nor any thing appear more horrid to him, than to cross the very Ends of his Creation.

And one would think nothing should be more obvious, or more readily occurr to the mind of a man, than to contemplate himself, and taking notice there is such a Creature in the world, furnished with such abilities and powers, to consider, What was I ⟨p. 89⟩made for? What am I to pitch upon as my proper End? Nor any thing appear more horrid to him, than to cross the very Ends of his Creation.