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

But that lofty foul that bears about with it the living apprehension of its being made for an everlasting state, so earnestly intends it, that it shall ever be a descent and vouchsafement with it, if it allow it self to take notice what busy mortals are doing in their (as they rec•••n them) grand negotiations here below. And if there be a suspicion of an aptness ⟨p. 112⟩or inclination to intermeddle in them to their prejudice to whom that part belongs, can heartily say to it (as the Philosopher to the jealous Tyrant) We of this Academy are not at leisure to mind so mean things. We have somewhat else to do than to talk of you. He hath still the image before his eye, of this world vanishing and passing away; of the other, with the everlasting affairs and concernments of it, even now ready to take place, and fill up all the stage: and can represent to himself the vision (not from a melancholic fancy or crazed brain, but a rational faith, and a sober well instructed mind) of the World dissolving, Monarchies and Kingdoms breaking up, Thrones tumbling, Crowns and Sceptres lying as neglected things. He hath a Telescope through which he can behold the glorious appearance of the Supreme Judg, the solemn state of his Majestic Person, the splendid pomp of his magnificent and vastly numerous ⟨p. 113⟩retinue; the obsequious Throng of glorious Celestial Creatures, doing homage to their Eternal King; the quick celerity of the emissitious Partisans covering the face of the Heavens with their spreading wings, and dispersing themselves into all the four Winds to gather the Elect: The universal silent attention of all to that loud-sounding Trumpet that shakes the pillars of the world, pierces the inmost caverns of the earth, and refounds from every part of the incircling Heavens: The many Myriads of joyful Expectants arising, changing, putting on glory, taking wing, and contending upwards, to join themselves to the triumphant Heavenly Host: The Judgment set: The Books opened: The frightful amazed looks of surprised Wretches: The equal administration of the final Judgment: The adjudication of all to their eternal states: The Heavens rolled up as a scroll; the Earth, and all things therein, consumed and burnt up.

But that lofty foul that bears about with it the living apprehension of its being made for an everlasting state, so earnestly intends it, that it shall ever be a descent and vouchsafement with it, if it allow it self to take notice what busie mortals are doing in their (as they recn them) grand negotiations here below. And if there be a suspition of an aptness