SERM:. VIII.1 WITH:THE BLESSINGS OF IT. 113 densome to their neighbours, nor useless inhabitants of- the earth.; The. business of a scholar is to improve his mind in daily knowledge; and as for all the learned' professions; their business is. to lay out that knowledge for the easeand happiness of mankind. in this world, or the next. It is the proper business of a sinner to seek after con vertinggrace, to return to God by repentance, to secure his salvation by faith in the Son offPod, and all instances of new Obedience. It is the proper. business' of 'a true christian to grow in grace, to :adorn his profession with- holiness, and abound in good works. It is the necessary and daily business of a mortal and an accountable crea- ture to prepare for death and judgment, that he_may die in peace, and give up his account with joy, if he should be summoned awayon a sudden. Thus it appears every creature hath some proper business, both relating to this life, and the life to come : And therefore a sauntering and idle life is a high offence to the God of nature and grace, time and eternity. 2. " Trifling or wasting time in impertinences, is ano- ther vice contrary to this part of diligence." Doing no- thing to the purpose, is little better than doing nothing at all : As if a youth designed for the study of divinity'; should lay aside his bible, and spend his whole time hi measuring squares and circles, and mathematical figures; or ifa manoftrade, or an artificer, who must provide daily bread for himself and his household, should waste his days in coffee- houses, still learning, and still discoursing of the rights of election of the kings of Poland, or in adjusting the bloody quarrels between the Turkish and the Persian armies. This is such an impertinence in the sight of God and men, as deserves the just reproaches of men, and punishment from the hand of providence. -To wear out those seasons in prating and tattling, which are ap- pointed for useful labour or business, is a wretched abuse of time, and merits the frequent censure of Solomon the wisest of men. " The talk of the lips tendeth, only to poverty, and a prating foot shall fall ;" Prov. xiv. 25. and x. 8. And too many there are who pretend to christianity, but they are only talking christians instead of being active in the duties of their appointed station, and their zeal for religion appears no where but in their VOL,. II.I, t
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