[If all do not set their hearts upon the same object, there is something which every unconverted man regards with an idolatrous attachment. Has he some prospect of attaining it? his mind goes forth to it in warm and eager desire. Is there reason to apprehend a disappointment respecting it? he is kept in anxious suspense, as though all his happiness were bound up in it. Is he brought to the possession of it? he congratulates himself as having reached the summit of his wishes, and thinks he can never lend himself too much to the enjoyment of his newly acquired comforts. Is he by any means bereaved of his beloved idol ? what vexation of mind, and what dissatisfaction with the dispensations of Providence does he feel ! He is so entirely swallowed up in sorrow for his loss, as to be insensible of all his remaining blessings. Of course, men will differ widely as to the particular gratifi- cation which they affect: some find their delight centered in their wife or children ; others in their wealth and honour ; others in their ease and pleasure ; and others again in some indulgences, which habit has rendered essential to their happi- ness : but the same love of carnal things, however diversified as to its objects, pervades mankind of all ages and of all descriptions.]
But we should maintain an equableness of mind un- der all circumstances, however pleasing or afflictive — [We are not required to exercise a stoical apathy under the various events of life; we may rejoice or weep, according as the occurrences of the day are suited to excite the affection of joy or sorrow. But " our moderation should be known unto all men ;" nor should any thing of a temporal nature so occupy our minds, as to make us forget that we have concerns of infinitely greater importance. Have we " formed a connexion" that promises us the highest bliss? we should so enjoy the creature as to be ready to surrender it up again to God, when- soever he may be pleased to call for it. Are we " weeping" for the loss of a dear relative, or on account of any other calamity? we should not so give way to sorrow as to forget that we have God for our friend, and heaven for our inheritance. Has any thing of a very "joyous" nature befallen us? we should still remember, how unsatisfying it is in its nature, how contracted in its use, how precarious in its continuance, and how short in its duration ; and we should regulate our joy by such considerations as these. Have we been blessed with such success, that we are enabled to " purchase" great possessions? we should be watchful over our spirits, that we do not say, like the fool in the Gospel, " Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry \" a Luke xii. 18, 19.