Page:Sermons preached in the African Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Thomas', Philadelphia.djvu/168

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the shortness and
[ser. viii.

passing away. We may lawfully enjoy, yet we should always endeavor to preserve ourselves from immoderate attachment to the most endearing objects. We should sit loose from the world, and be found cultivating that pious frame of mind that will enable us in cheerful submission to take our departure whenever a wise and gracious Providence shall call us so to do. Such a temper as this will keep the mind properly balanced. With its affections set on things above and not on things on the earth, it will not be puffed up with the joys, nor cast down by the sorrows of earth. If, with such a temper, the Christian be in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, possessing natural sensibilities, he may weep. But knowing that all his troubles and adversities will soon end in the tomb, he weeps as though he wept not. Does the sun of prosperity shine upon his path? He rejoices as he should, and gives thanks to the Author of every