sERM. xXix.] A GOOD REPORT, &C. 477 the instructions of those who teach us. Every one of us have our proper work, which demands our application to it. There are many enemies to this virtue, many practices inconsistent with the character of diligence, as it is cele- brated and recommended in the word of God. First, Sloth or laziness stands foremost in this rank. Surely the powers of our mind and body were never made to be useless, Go to the ant, thou sluggard, and learn industry of that little animal. Can we think we were born to be cumberers of the ground, and mere bur- dens of the earth we dwell on Let us shake off this stu- pid and infamous humour, let us rise to an active life, and answer the ends of our creation. And for the same reason it is, that there ought to be a restraint put upon an excess ofsleep and slumber. You know the charac- ter of the drowsy wretch, that turns from side to side upon his bed, as a heavy door upon its hinges ; and the sluggard, who with folded hands sits still and lets the weeds grow over his corn ; but these men shall be , clothed with rags, Prov. xxiv. 12. Secondly, Luxury, and an intemperate love of plea- sure, is another enemy to diligence in our callings. It is an odious character that is given to the inhabitants of Crete by one of their own poets ; and the Spirit of God confirms the truth of it, Tit. i. 12. The Cretans are evil beasts, slow bellies; so shamefully engaged in glut- tony and the luxury of the palate, that they render them- selves heavy, stupid, and unfit for business ; A lazygene- ration of men, that have much more inclination to eat and drink, and live like brutes, than to employ themselves in any.honest labour, that is worthy of human nature, or becomes a man. Under the same reproof I may justly bring an exces- sive indulgence of sports or recreations, beyond what is necessary for the refreshment of nature, and the recruit of our spirits, in order to fulfil duty with more diligence This was intimated in a former discourse. It is but a character ofill report, when a man is too often found in the place of sports and unnecessary. diversions, while he ought to be in his shop, or in other proper business of his life. Prov. xxi. 17. " He that loveth pleasure, shall be
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