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

Lastly, It is congruous to our §7expectation of so great things after death, That we live in a cheerful pleasant expectation of it. For what must necessarily intervene, though not grateful in it self, should be reckoned so, for the sake of that which is. This, only, can upon the best terms, reconcile us to the grave, That our greatest hopes lye beyond it; and are not hazarded by it, but accomplished.

Lastly, It is congruous to our §7expectation of so great things after death, That we live in a chearful pleasant expectation of it. For what must necessarily intervene, though not grateful in it self, should be reckon'd so, for the sake of that which is. This, only, can upon the best terms, reconcile us to the grave, That our greatest hopes lye beyond it; and are not hazarded by it, but accomplish't.

Although, indeed, nothing were to be expected hereafter; yet so little suitable entertainment doth this world afford to a reasonable spirit, that the mere weariness of beholding a Scene of vanity and ⟨p. 142⟩folly, might well make a recess acceptable. For is it so grateful a thing to observe the confused scramble and hurry of the world? How almost every one makes it his business to catch from another what is worth nothing! With what toil, and art, and violence men pursue, what when they embrace they find a shadow! To see deluded Mortals, each one intent upon his own particular design, most commonly interfering with another's; some imposed upon by others over-reaching Wit, and all by their own folly: Some lamenting their losses, others their short and unsatisfying acquisitions: Many pleasing themselves with being mocked, and contentedly hugging the empty Cloud; till Death comes and ends the story, and ceases the busy agitation; that is, with so many particular persons, not with the World. A new succretion still springing up, that continue the Interlude, and still act over the same parts, ad taedium usque!