EÎElI(YN XXIX. 491 tihorieth, on exhortation; Ram. xii. 7: Let ùs nöt waste our time and our best talents in the pursuit of laborious trifles; in intricate and perplexing Controversies, which are less neces- sary to the life of Christianity; or on useless and angry squab- bles, which divide and tear the church. Nor let its throw away these thoughts and hàurs, on pompous ornaments of learn- ing, on critical or polite, studies, or curious and artificial works, which should be devoted to matters of more sacred ins- portance. If we are engaged in tracleS, inatiùfaCturet, at merthandíáe in the world, let us shew all industry ; and honest labour and care, and thus walk with God; every man in his editing, wherein he is called, till the providence of God evidently leads him to other work; 1 Cor: vii: 25; And thus we may refute the calum- nies of those who would seek all occasions to reflect upon us for our stricter profession ofreligion. There aremany encouraging promises given to diligence in the word of God: I shall men- tion but one at present that agrees with my present subject; Prov. xxii: 29. Seest thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings, 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 honourable company, and to a more exalted station." If we are servants, let us devote our time and thoughts to the business which our superiorshave entrusted us with, and seek their interest with an honest soul. If we are children and scho- lars, under instruction, let us apply our minds tolearn the things we are taught, and attend to the instructions' of those who teach us. Every one of us have our proper work, which demánds our application to it. There are many enemies to this virtue; many practices inconsistentwith the character of diligence; as it iscelebrated and recommended in theword of God. First, Sloth or laziness standsformost in this rank. Surely the powers of our mind andbodywere never made tobe useless. Go to the ant, thou sluggard, and learn industry of that little animai. Can we think we were born to be eumberers Of the ground, and mere burdens of the earth' we dwell on ? Let us shake off this stupid 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 of sleep, and slumber, You know the character 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 beclothed with rags; Prov. xxi. 14. Ad2
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