John Shower on the short duration of earthly things

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Reformed Covenanter

Cancelled Commissioner
... Many who were Rich and Flourishing the last year, may be reduced to Poverty and deep distress, before the end of this: who are now in a capacity to relieve others, within a few months, or a shorter space, may be objects of other Men’s charity. The thing which hath been, is that which may be; and that which hath been seen in one year, may happen in another; so easily, so quickly may a Change be made! Riches may unexpectedly change their Owners, and borrow wings of a thousand Accidents, wherewith to fly to Heaven for a new Disposal. They therefore who possess, should be as if they possessed not; for the Fashion of this world passeth away. Innumerable casualties may effect that change, which no human Art or Skill can possibly foresee or hinder.

Afflictive unexpected evils attend us everywhere: we cannot promise ourselves Tranquillity for a Day, much less one Year to come. They lay in wait for us on every side, enter at every crevice, and commonly overtake us, when we are least apprehensive of their approach. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of Trouble: He cometh up as a flower, and is cut down: fleeth as a shadow and continueth not. What then are Riches, Beauty, Strength, and Honour, the accidents of this Substance, which is itself but a Shadow! How false is the Hope of Man, and how frail is all his glory! One day can make an end of all his Riches and Honours. ...

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