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

Nor is there any thing to be done in prosecution of it, so unworthy as to need a corner, or merit to be done as a work of darkness.

Neither yet is it a vain-glorious ostentation, or the affectation of making show of an excellency above the vulgar pitch that I persuade to: But a modest sober avowing of our high design and hope; neither making any near approach to a proud arrogance on the one hand; nor a mean pusillanimity ⟨p. 92⟩on the other. Truly great and generous spirits know how to carry under Secular Honour with that prudent and graceful decorum as shall signify a just owning of themselves without insolence towards others. Real worth though it do not vaunt, will show it self; and while it doth not glare, yet cannot forbear to shine.

Neither yet is it a vain-glorious ostentation, or the affectation of making shew of an excellency above the vulgar pitch that I perswade to: But a modest sober avowing of our high design and hope; neither making any near approach to a proud arrogance on the one hand; nor a mean pusillanimity ⟨p. 92⟩on the other. Truly great and generous spirits know how to carry under Secular Honour with that prudent and graceful decorum as shall signifie a just owning of themselves without insolence towards others. Real worth though it do not vaunt, will shew it self; and while it doth not glare, yet cannot forbear to shine.

We should endeavour the excellency of a spirit refined from earth and dross, and aspiring towards a state of immortality, may express it self; and shine in its native lustre; with its own, not with borrowed beams; with a constant, even, natural; not with an unequal artificial light. That all that will, may see, by the steady tendency of our course, that we are aiming at the great things of another world. Though we, all the while, are not so much solicitous to have our end and purpose known, as to obtain it.