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

How few are they that resent the common and vile depression of their own species! Or that, while in things of lightest consideration they strive with emulous endeavour, that they and ⟨image 6⟩their relatives may excel other men, do reckon it a reproach if in matters of the greatest consequence they and all men should not excel Beasts! How few that are not contented to confine their utmost designs and expectations within the same narrow limits! Through a mean and inglorious self-despiciency, confessing in themselves (to the Truth's and their own wrong) an incapacity of greater things! and, with most injurious falsehood, proclaiming the same of all Mankind besides!

How few are they that resent the common and vile depression of their own species! Or that, while in things of lightest consideration they strive with emulous endeavour, that they and ⟨image 6⟩their relatives may excel other men, do reckon it a reproach if in matters of the greatest consequence they and all men should not excel Beasts! How few that are not contented to confine their utmost designs and expectations within the same narrow limits! Through a mean and inglorious self-despiciency, confessing in themselves (to the Truth's and their own wrong) an incapacity of greater things! and, with most injurious falshood, proclaiming the same of all Mankind besides!

If he that, amidst the hazards of a dubious War, betrays the Interest and Honour of his Country, be justly infamous, and thought worthy severest punishments; I see not why a debauched Sensualist, that lives as if he were created only to indulge his appetite, that so vilifies the notion of man, as if he were made but to eat, and drink, and sport; to please only his sense and fancy; that in this time and state of conflict between the powers of this present world, and those of the world to come, quits his Party, bids open defiance to Humanity, abjures the Noble Principles and Ends, forsakes ⟨image 7⟩