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

Thus also ought we to look upon Secular Honours and Dignity; neither to make them the matter of our admiration, affectation, or envy. We are not to behold them with a libidinous eye, or let our hearts thirst after them. Not to value our selves the more for them if they be our Lot: nor let our eye be dazzled with admiration, or distorted with envy, when we behold them the ornaments of others.

Thus also ought we to look upon Secular Honours and Dignity; neither to make them the matter of our admiration, affectation, or envy. We are not to behold them with a libidinous eye, or let our hearts thirst after them. Not to value our selves the more for them if they be our Lot: nor let our eye be dazled with admiration, or distorted with envy, when we behold them the ornaments of others.

We are not to express that contempt of them, which may make a breach on civility, or disturb the order and policy of the Communities whereto we belong. Though this be none of our own Country, ⟨p. 107⟩and we are still to reckon our selves but as pilgrims and strangers while we are here; yet it becomes not strangers to be insolent or rude in their behaviour, where they sojourn; how much soever greater value they may justly have of their own Country. We should pay to Secular Greatness a due respect, without Idolatry, and neither despise nor adore it; considering at once the requisiteness of such a thing in the present state, and the excelling glory of the other. As, though in prudence and good manners, we would abstain from provoking affronts towards an American Sachem, or Sagamore, if we did travel or converse in their Country; yet we could have no great veneration for them, having beheld the royal pomp and grandeur of our own Prince; especially he who were himself a Courtier and Favourite to his much more glorious Sovereign, whom he is shortly to attend at home, could have no great temptation ⟨p. 108⟩to sue for Offices and Honours, or bear a very profound intrinsic homage to so mean and unexpressive an Image of Regality.