of Occafzons of Sorrow. 233 quietude from them ; nay, and makes them S E R M. fuLfervient to our higheft interefts, the occa- X. fions of improving our minds in virtue, and fitting them for more excellent enjoyments. Of this there is a remarkable and very comprehenfive infrance in the text. Where- as the generality of men, on the firft face of objects and events, as they appear to fenfe, immediately engage their delire or averfion, and determine their purfuit ; they eagerly follow after what at firft feems agree- able, with profufe delight, and as eagerly flee from the contrary. Feftival folemnities, and parties of pleafure where mirth is in- dulg'd without any reftraint, have a gay inviting appearance ; molt people are there- fore fond of them, and readily embrace every opportunity of fuch entertainment; but events which have a more fevere and mournful afpeft, fuch as bring death to re- membrance, are ftudioufly avoided. Now Solomon advifes the very reverfe of this ; he judges it better to go to the houfe of mourning, than to the houfe offettling ; to accuftom our hearts to the attentive confideration of afflicting occurrences, particularly death, than indulge them in licentious jollity; for though the latter is preferr'd at prefent by weak
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