rate than men commonly do. The objects themselves, which in that
place of sorrow lie before our view, naturally give us a seriousness
and attention, check that wantonness which is the growth of
prosperity and ease, and head us to reflect upon the deficiencies of
human life itself; that EVERY MAN AT HIS BEST ESTATE IS ALTOGETHER
VANITY. This would correct the florid and gaudy prospects and
expectations which we are too apt to indulge, teach us to lower our
notions of happiness and enjoyment, bring them down to the reality
of things, to what is attainable, to what the frailty of our
condition will admit of, which, for any continuance, is only
tranquillity, ease, and moderate satisfactions. Thus we might at
once become proof against the temptations with which the whole world
almost is carried away; since it is plain that not only what is
called a life of pleasure, but also vicious pursuits in general, aim
at somewhat besides and beyond these moderate satisfactions.

And as to that obstinacy and wilfulness, which renders men so
insensible to the motives of religion; this right sense of ourselves
and of the world about us would bend the stubborn mind, soften the
heart, and make it more apt to receive impression; and this is the
proper temper in which to call our ways to remembrance, to review
and set home upon ourselves the miscarriages of our past life. In
such a compliant state of mind, reason and conscience will have a
fair hearing; which is the preparation for, or rather the beginning
of, that repentance, the outward show of which we all put on at this
season.

Lastly, The various miseries of life which lie before us wherever we
turn our eyes, the frailty of this mortal state we are passing
through, may put us in mind that the present world is not our home;