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

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 ⟨p. 104⟩have somewhat within them, by which they are enabled to rejoice in tribulation; being troubled on every side, yet not to be distressed: To take joyfully the spoiling of goods, knowing within themselves they have in Heaven a better and enduring substance. Not to suffer or discover any perturbation or disquiet. Not to have their Souls ruffled or put into disorder; Nor let any Cloud sit on their brow, though dark and dismal ones seem to hang over their heads.

And it is upon the same ground, equally unbecoming them that pretend to this hope, to be visibly concern'd and discompos'd 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 shew by their equal deportment and cheerful aspect in any such case, that they apprehend not themselves toucht in their ⟨p. 103⟩