476. CHR,ISTIAN MORALITY, VIZ. fSERM. XXIX+ honourable title in idleness, or bear the sword in vain, which bath been too frequent a practicein thisgreat city, and therebyvice has grown rampant, and reformation of manners bath been shamefully discouraged. Those who are made ministers of the gospel, let them snake it their business to win souls to salvation, to bring in sinners tó faith and holiness, and to edify the saints by their exhortations, by their doctrine, by their examples We should he instant in season, and out of season, re- prove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doc- trine," 2 Tim. iv. 2. Let him that ministers, wait on his ministry : He that teacheth, on teaching ; he that ex- horteth, on exhortation : Rom. xii. 7. Let us not waste our time and our best talents in the pursuit of laborious trifles, in intricate and perplexing controversies, which are less necessary to the life of christianity, or on useless and angry squabbles, which divide and tear the church. Nor let us throw away these thoughts andhours, on pom- pous ornaments oflearning, on critical or polite studies, or curious and artificial works, which should be devoted to matters of more sacred importance. If we are engaged in trades, manufactures, or mer. chandize in the world, let us shew all industry, and honest labóur and care, and thus walk with God, every man in his calling wherein he is called, till the providence of !God evidently leads him to other work : 1 Cor. vii. 24, And thus we may refute the calumnies of those who would seek all occasions to reflect upon us for our stricter profession.of religion. There are many encou- raging promises given to diligence in the word of God. I shall- mention but one at present that agrees with my present subject. Prov. xxii. 29. Seest thou a man dili- gent in his business; he shall stand before Icings, he shall not stand before mean men. That is, " his good report and, his reputation shall grow and increase, that he shall be brought into more hónourable company, and to a more exalted station." If we are servants, let us devote our time and thoughts to the business which our superiors have entrusted us with, and seek their interest with an honest soul. If we arc children and scholars under instruction, let us apply our minds to learn the thingswe are taught, and attend to
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