Or if that a man's Reason, with a peculiarity of temper, guide him to an active, negotiating life, rather than that of contemplation; and determine him to the endeavour of serving mankind, or the community to which he belongs. By how much the worthier actions he performs, and by how much more he hath perfected and accomplished himself with parts and promptitude for such actions; The loss and vanity is but the greater thereby, since he, ⟨p. 39⟩and those he affected to serve, are all going down to the silent grave. Of how little use are the Politician, the States-man, the Senator, the Judg, or the Eloquent man? If we lay aside the consideration of their subserviency to the keeping the world in a more composed and orderly state, for the prosecution of the great designs of Eternity, when, ere long, all their thoughts shall perish! What matter were it what became of the world, whether it be wise or foolish, rich or poor, quiet or unquiet, governed or ungoverned? Whoever should make their order and tranquillity their study, or that should intend their thoughts and endeavours to the finding out the exactest methods and rules of government and policy, should but do as they that should use a great deal of pains and art in the curious adorning, and trimming up of a dying person. Or as if some one, among many condemned persons, should be very solicitous to have them march with him in ⟨p. 40⟩very exact order to the place of Execution. If the World be not looked upon as a 'tiring-room to dress one's self in, for an appearance on the Eternal Stage; but only as a great Charnel-house, where they undress, and put off themselves, to sleep in everlasting darkness; How can we think it worth a thought? or to be the subject of any rational design or care? Who would not rather bless himself in a (more rational) neglect, and regardlessness of all humane affairs? and account an unconcerned indifferency the highest wisdom?
Or if that a man's Reason, with a peculiarity of temper, guide him to an active, negotiating life, rather than that of contemplation; and determine him to the endeavour of serving mankind, or the community to which he belongs. By how much the worthier actions he performs, and by how much more he hath perfected and accomplisht himself with parts and promptitude for such actions; The loss and vanity is but the greater thereby, since he, ⟨p. 39⟩and those he affected to serve, are all going down to the silent grave. Of how little use are the Politician, the States-man, the Senator, the Judg, or the Eloquent man? If we lay aside the consideration of their subserviency to the keeping the world in a more composed and orderly state, for the prosecution of the great designs of Eternity, when, ere long, all their thoughts shall perish! What matter were it what became of the world, whether it be wise or foolish, rich or poor, quiet or unquiet, govern'd or ungovern'd? Whoever should make their order and tranquillity their study, or that should intend their thoughts and endeavours to the finding out the exactest methods and rules of government and policy, should but do as they that should use a great deal of pains and art in the curious adorning, and trimming up of a dying person. Or as if some one, among many condemned persons, should be very solicitous to have them march with him in ⟨p. 40⟩very exact order to the place of Execution. If the World be not looked upon as a 'tiring-room to dress one's self in, for an appearance on the Eternal Stage; but only as a great Charnel-house, where they undress, and put off themselves, to sleep in everlasting darkness; How can we think it worth a thought? or to be the subject of any rational design or care? Who would not rather bless himself in a (more rational) neglect, and regardlesness of all humane affairs? and account an unconcerned indifferency the highest wisdom?
