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

Now if a man's thoughts, and the intention of his mind be carried towards God under the former notion; How great an allay and abatement must it needs be to the vigour and zeal of his affection, who shall with the most sincere devotedness apply himself to serve His interest and glory, to reflect upon the universal mortality of himself and mankind, without any hope of compensation to it by a future immortality?

It is agreed on all hands, that the utmost contributions of Creatures can add nothing to Him. And that our glorifying Him doth only consist, either in our acknowledging ⟨p. 42⟩Him glorious, our selves; or representing him so to others.

But how little doth it signify? and how flat and low a thing would it seem, that I should only turn mine eye upwards, and think a few admiring-thoughts of God this hour, while I apprehend my self liable to lose my very thinking-power, and whole being the next! Or if we could spread His just renown, and gain all the sons of men to a concurrence with us, in the adoring of His Sovereign Excellencies; how would it damp and stifle such loyal and dutiful affection, to consider, that the universal testimony, so deservedly given Him, shall shortly cease for ever! And that infinitely blessed Being, be ere long (again, as he was from Eternity before) the only Witness of his own glory!

But how little doth it signifie? and how flat and low a thing would it seem, that I should only turn mine eye upwards, and think a few admiring-thoughts of God this hour, while I apprehend my self liable to lose my very thinking-power, and whole beeing the next! Or if we could spread His just renown, and gain all the sons of men to a concurrence with us, in the adoring of His Soveraign Excellencies; how would it damp and stifle such loyal and dutiful affection, to consider, that the universal testimony, so deservedly given Him, shall shortly cease for ever! And that infinitely blessed Being, be ere long (again, as he was from Eternity before) the only Witness of his own glory!