To separate us from worldly things

(Letters of William Tiptaft)

"Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity
 of vanities, all is vanity." Ecclesiastes 1:2 

As long as we live in this world we shall find that
our hearts again and again cleave to the dust.

All things here, however, are very uncertain and
unsatisfactory. It is a great mercy when we
can use the world as strangers and pilgrims.

There is nothing worth living for in this vain world.

Vanity is stamped upon all created good.

All dealings with the world are of a deadening
nature; therefore, whatever unnecessarily brings
us into contact with the world should be avoided.

To separate us from worldly things, we need
stripes, scourges, rods, and afflictions--besides
various other crosses. Our souls so very much
cleave to the dust.