AND NEGLIGENT PRACTICE. 225 tween strictly religious and frothy books. History, welLchosen travels, select bio- graphical works, furnish not only harm less, but profitable reading. The study of these would improve their views ; and by expanding their minds, furnish them with topics for general conversation and useful reflection. It would enlarge their charity, by letting them see that many authors are not wicked, though they do not al- ways confine their works to religious discussion. Whatever invigorates our capacity of receiving knowledge, whatever add's new and sound ideas to our stock, is not to be despised as useless, or rejected as sinful. Be it observed, however, that general literature must not be allowed to absorb our time, nor interfere with what is of indispensable obligation ; yet, if it be clear from every thing light, sceptical, or unsound, it safely fills up the other- wise idle intervals of a religious life, which without it is liable to sink into meaner recreations, and inferior pursuits. L 5
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