SERM. XXIII.] GRAVITY, DECENCY, &C. 391 this will preserve that gravity of mind which becomes a christian, and keep us in a prepared temper to fulfil pre- sent duty, and towait the final event of all things. DIRECTION II. If we would maintain that venera- ble decency in our frame of spirit, and in our deport- ment, which becomes the gospel, let us set ourselves about some useful employment for the service of God,' or our fellow-creatures, or for our own best improve- ment. If Satan find the mind empty of thought, and the hands void of all business, he will be ready to fill them with temptations to iniquity and mischief; and the triflers of this world will be ready to seize upon such a person as a fit partner for their impertinences, and al- lure him into follies beneath thedignity of human nature, and the character of a christian. I have often pitied some of the descendants of ho- nourable and wealthy fauiiles of both sexes, the unhap- piness of whose education has given them nothing to do, nor taught them to employ their hands or their minds : Therefore they spend their hours in sauntering, not knowing whither to go, and are at a loss what to do with themselves to wear their life away. Upon this account' theygive themselves up sometimes to the mean and scan- dalous pleasures of the lowest of the people, and spend their hours in chattering and vulgar merriment. They make the business of their dress the study and labour of half the day, and spend another part of it in trifling dis- course and laughter, 'and in scattering jests and scandal upon their neighbours or acquaintance. All these pieces of folly and immorality would he rectified, if they would but find out for themselves some daily and proper busi- ness to be employed in. King Solomon at his leisure hours studied natural and moral philosophy, he dis- coursed of the nature of vegetables, from the cedar to the hyssop, and of beasts, birds, and fishes, besides his proverbs and rules of prudence for the government of human life ; ] Kings iv. 32, 33. St. Paul, when he was not employed in his sacred work, yet he would not be idle ; and having no need to study for his sermons, which he had by inspiration, therefore he wrought with his hands at tent-making, and maintained himselfby it : " Not, says he, because we have not power to eat your bread while we teach you the gospel; but to make our- c4
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