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

We should therefore make this the matter of our earnest study, ⟨p. 128⟩What would be the proper improvements and ornaments of our spirits, and will most fitly qualify them for the state we are going into; and of our daily observation how such things thrive and grow in us. Especially we should not be satisfied, till we find in our selves a refinedness from this earth, a thorough purgation from all undue degrees of sensual inclination and affection; the consumption of our dross by a Sacred Fire from Heaven, a Spirit of Judgment and of Burning, an aptitude to spiritual exercises and enjoyments; high complacency in God, fervent love, a worshipping posture of soul, formed to the veneration of the eternal Wisdom, Goodness, Power, Holiness, profound humility, and abnegation of our selves; a praiseful frame of spirit, much used to gratulations and thanksgivings; a large and universal love, imitating, as much as is possible, the Divine: A proneness to do good to all; a steady composure, ⟨p. 129⟩and serene temper of spirit; the repose and rest of a contented mind, not boisterous, not apt unto disquiet, or to create storms to our selves, or the world; Every way suitable to the blissful Regions, where nothing but perfect purity, entire devotedness to God, love, goodness, benignity, well-pleasedness, order, and peace, shall have place for ever.

We should therefore make this the matter of our earnest study, ⟨p. 128⟩What would be the proper improvements and ornaments of our spirits, and will most fitly qualifie them for the state we are going into; and of our daily observation how such things thrive and grow in us. Especially we should not be satisfied, till we find in our selves a refinedness from this earth, a thorough purgation from all undue degrees of sensual inclination and affection; the consumption of our dross by a Sacred Fire from Heaven, a Spirit of Judgment and of Burning, an aptitude to spiritual exercises and enjoyments; high complacency in God, fervent love, a worshipping posture of soul, formed to the veneration of the eternal Wisdom, Goodness, Power, Holiness, profound humility, and abnegation of our selves; a praiseful frame of spirit, much used to gratulations and thanksgivings; a large and universal love, imitating, as much as is possible, the Divine: A proneness to do good to all; a steady composure,