The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal

and affection of silly creatures like myself, satisfy a
rational and immortal soul? Have I not tried these
things already? Will they have a higher relish, and yield
me more contentment tomorrow than yesterday, or the
next year than they did the last? There may be some
little difference betwixt that which I am now pursuing,
and that which I enjoyed before; but sure, my former
enjoyments did show as pleasant and promise as fair,
before I attained them; like the rainbow, they looked
very glorious at a distance, but when I approached I
found nothing but emptiness and vapor. O what a poor
thing would the life of man be, if it were capable of no
higher enjoyments!
I cannot insist on this subject; and there is the less need
when I remember to whom I am writing. Yes, my dear
friend, you have had as great experience of the
emptiness and vanity of human things, and have, at
present, as few worldly engagements as any that I know.
I have sometimes reflected on those passages of your life
wherewith you have been pleased to acquaint me; and,
methinks, through all, I can discern a design of the
divine Providence to wean your affections from every
thing here below. The trials you have had of those things
which the world dotes upon, have taught you to despise
them; and you have found by experience, that neither
the endowments of nature, nor the advantages of
fortune, are sufficient for happiness; that every rose
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