Mankind have all turned aside from God and his ways into paths of their own choosing. One has chosen the way of open profaneness. To follow the bent of his own carnal inclinations, to walk at liberty in the pursuit of pleasure, to join in convivial com- pany, to be a spectator of every vain amusement, to gratify his passions with every sensual enjoyment, thh is the happiness which he affects, nor does he desire any other heaven than this : could he but ensure a continuance of these delights, with health and vigour to enjoy them, he would attain the very summit of his ambition. Another prefers the way of zvorldlhiess. He has not any great taste for what are called the pleasures of life : he desires rather the more retired comforts of a family ; to provide for whom employs all his solicitude. In prosecution of his plans for their support, he engages with assiduity in his daily work: " he rises up early, and late takes rest, and eats the bread of carefulness;" and looks for all his recom- pence in beholding the increase of his fortune, and the advancement of his dependents. Every thing is made subservient to the promotion of his temporal interests ; nor has he a wish or thought beyond them.
Another, scorning perhaps the sordid vices of the sensualist, and elevated, by means of easy circum- stances, above the cares of the worldling, or desirous perhaps to compensate for the irregularities of his former life, chooses the less beaten track of religious formality. He wishes to be regarded as a person of correct manners, and of virtuous conduct. To set an example to those around him, and to be proposed as a pattern to the rising generation, is a far higher gra- tification to him, than to riot in dissipation, or to amass riches. With these views he is attentive to all the external duties of religion : his prayers, such as they are, are regularly performed in the Church, the family, and the closet. A portion of the Scriptures is read at stated seasons : his servants are instructed : his children are catechized : and his hand is stretched out to relieve the poor and needy. In short, nothing is omitted that may elevate him in the eyes of others,