performance of the duty before us, be it of what nature it may.

Every man has some duty to perform, the rich as well as the poor, though their work may be different. God, the Master of us all, will have no idle hands in his vineyard. It is the poor eminently, to whom industry is of so great importance, and to whom that importance is now to be shown.

First. Let us describe idleness in its sources and streams.

The usual sources of idleness are, a love of pleasure, indolence, self-will, and pride. One source of idleness is, a love of pleasure; which makes you uneasy when you are not with your playmates, and urges you to hurry over, and slight, or even neglect your business; that you may renew your sports. But depend upon it, sport and pastime, though they may give you an appetite, will never procure you any thing to eat. Pleasure should not be used as our business, but to fit us for our business the better. Soloman says, "he that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man.' Proc. xxi. 17.

Again, an indolent lazy disposition is the source of much idleness. This is worse than the former. That betokens an

active disposition, and it may be easy to turn such activity away from frivolous pleasures, to real and useful business: but indolence is roused with great difficulty. When persons hate to stir at any rate, or for any thing, they are deeply sunk indeed. They are despised by every one, and the best remedy for it is the horse whip. The desire of the slothful killeth him, for his hands refuse to labour." Prov. xxi. 25.

Self-will is another hateful source of idleness. Persons through partiality to some other employment, obstinately refuse that which providence and their friends have made their duty. They hate the business they are put to, merely because they are put to it; or have been long used to it, and long to change. However wrong it may be to force persons to a business they dislike, it is far worse of them to neglect what is given them, by those who ought to know best, and most likely do the best they are able for them.

Pride produces much idleness. Many think themselves too good to work at all, though perhaps it was by that business they despise, that their friends have risen

to in the world. Many, if they cannot get employment in one way, will not work in another, because it is not so genteel, or does not pay so well. They will rather be idle than earn less than what they are used to earn ; and then have the impudence to want their friends, or the parish to keep them in their idleness, and pay them for their pride. He that will not work, let him not eat, says, the the apostle Paul.

These are sources of idleness: the hateful streams which flow therefrom, are sleeping too long, playing truant, staying of errands, neglecting business, and too frequent holidays.

Yet

Idleness is apt to shew itself by laying too long in bed in the morning. What says Solomon to such, Prov. vi. 9. "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard, when wilt thou arise out of sleep. a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travaileth, and thy want as an armed man." And again, Prov. xx. 13. "Love not sleep lest thou come to poverty, open thine eyes, and thou shall be satisfied with bread." Sleep is to refresh us for renewed labour, as

drink is to quench our thirst. By too much sleep, as by too much liquor, we sin against God. If a person who lives only fifty years, sleeps ten hours instead of eight every night, he will by thus losing two hours a day, losc as much as six whole years in that time. Is it not a shame to cut our lives short in this manner? How much money might he have earned in that time; how much good done to his family and friends; how much care might he have taken of his soul, by devoting that time to reading and prayer? On which account it may be said, that his sleeping so long in bed, may cause him to awake in hell.

An idle disposition leads young people often to play truant, to omit coming to school, and to neglect their learning when they are there. The foolish excuses brought sometimes, shew an idle mind, tired of instruction, and prefering to run about the streets and fields, rather than attend to get knowledge, to serve God, and keep the sabbath day holy. Those who despise knowledge and wisdom, show themselves ignorant and foolish. God says, Prov. iii. 13. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man

that getteth understanding, for the merchandize of it is better than the merchandize of silver, and the gain thereof than of pure gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to it." Let it appear by your constancy and diligence in attending school, that you believe what God says; depend upon it you will find it true.

Staying of errands is another piece of idleness, exceedingly common, and exceedingly detestable. "As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to them that send him." When a person is sent on an errand, his time is not his own, but belongs to those who send him. To waste that time, is equal to robbing his master, or wasting his goods. Nay, perhaps by your loitering, the business you go upon may fail, and your master may lose considerably. If your loitering arises from your attending to any business of your own, from your gossipping with your acquaintance, or even from your staying with your parents and friends, it is equally wrong. Without leave is given, you have no right to do so, and especially if you are forbid.