the World passing away.

347

XII.

SUCH are the objects you ought to op- SERMON pose to the transient fashion of the world; Virtue, and God, and Heaven. Fixing your regard on these, you will have no reason to complain of the lot of man, or the world's mutability.-The design of the preceding representation which I gave of the world, was not to indulge vain declamation; to raise fruitless melancholy; or to throw an unnecessary cloud over human life: But to shew the moderation requisite in our attachment to the world; and at the same time, to point out the higher objects both of attention and consolation which religion affords. - Passing and changeable as all human things are, among them, however, we must at present act our part; to them we must return from religious meditation. They are not below the regard of any Christian; for they form the scene which Providence has appointed at present for his activity, and his duty. Trials and dangers they may often present to him; but amidst these he will safely hold his course, if, when engaged in worldly affairs, he keep in view those divine objects which I have been setting before him. Let him ever retain con

you,

wanting to yourselves in improving th opportunities which Providence offe for bettering and advancing yo state? If you have chosen to indulge yo humour or your taste, in the gratifi tions of indolence or pleasure, can y complain, because others, in preference you, have obtained those advantages wh naturally belong to useful labours, a honourable pursuits? Have not the co sequences of some false steps, into whi your passions or your your pleasures ha betrayed you, pursued you through mu of your life; tainted, perhaps, your cl racter, involved you in embarrassmen or sunk you into neglect? It is an saying, that every man is the artificer his own fortune in the world.

It is c

tain that the world seldom turns whol against a man, unless through his ov

fau

SERMON XIII.

On TRANQUILLITY of MIND.

PSALM XV. 5.

He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

TRANQUILLITY of mind, or, in the words of the text, a mind not moved or disquieted by the accidents of life, is undoubtedly one of the greatest blessings that we can possess on earth. It is here mentioned as the reward of the man, whose character had been described in this Psalm, as leading a virtuous life, and discharging his duty towards God and his neighbour. It is indeed the ultimate aim, to which the wishes of the wise and reflecting have ever been directed,

SERMON

XIII.

of the world, we meet with more pro of the truth of this assertion. We great societies of men torn in pieces intestine dissensions, tumults and c commotions. We see mighty armies ing forth, in formidable array, agai each other, to cover the earth with blo and to fill the air with the cries of wide

and orphans. Sad evils these are, which this miserable world is expos But are these evils, I beseech y

to be imputed to God?

Was it he w sent forth slaughtering armies into field, or who filled the peaceful city w massacres and blood? Are these misel any other than the bitter fruit of m violent and disorderly passions? Are t not clearly to be traced to the ambit and vices of princes, to the quarrels the great, and to the turbulence of

and human societies would live in order, harmony, and peace. In those scenes of mischief and violence which fill the world, let man behold, with shame, the pictures of his vices, his ignorance and folly. Let him be humbled by the mortifying view of his own perverseness; but let not his heart fret against the Lord. From the external condition, let us proceed,

II. To consider the internal state of man. It is certain that much disquiet and misery may be found there, although his outward condition appear undisturbed and easy. As far as this inward disquietude arises from the stings of conscience, and the horrors of guilt, there can be no doubt of its being self-created misery; which it is altogether impossible to impute to Heaven.