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

But, in matters clearly determined ⟨p. 102⟩by common agreed Principles, to prevaricate out of an indulgence to mere appetite; To give up one self to practices apparently immoral and flagitious, only to comply with, and lest he should not satisfy sensual desires, is the Character of one who hath abandoned the common hope of all good men; and who, that he may have his lot with beasts in this world, dreads not to have it with Devils in the other.

But, in matters clearly determined ⟨p. 102⟩by common agreed Principles, to prevaricate out of an indulgence to meer appetite; To give up one self to practices apparently immoral and flagitious, only to comply with, and lest he should not satisfie sensual desires, is the Character of one who hath abandoned the common hope of all good men; and who, that he may have his lot with beasts in this world, dreads not to have it with Devils in the other.

And it is upon the same ground, equally unbecoming them that pretend to this hope, to be visibly concerned and discomposed for losses and disappointments they may meet with in this kind, when unexpected events withstand their having much of this world, or deprives them of what they have. It becomes them that reckon their good things are to come hereafter, to show by their equal deportment and cheerful aspect in any such case, that they apprehend not themselves touched in their ⟨p. 103⟩most considerable Interests. Yea, though they suffer not losses only, but injuries; and besides that they are damnified (as much as such things can signify) they find themselves wronged; and though further trouble and danger threaten them in the same kind, They should evidence how much it is above the power either of chance or malice, not only to make them miserable, but even to disturb or make them sad. That they are not happy by a casualty; And that their happiness is not in the command of them who cannot command their own. That it only depends on the inward constitution and frame of their own spirits, attempered to the blessed objects of the invisible world, whereby they have the assurance of enjoying them fully hereafter, and the present grateful relishes thereof in the mean time: and hence, That they can be happy without the world's kindness, and in despite of its unkindness. That they