this temper inclines us always to fufpect S. RM2 the worft. Charity rejoiceth not in imiquityţi this temper triumphs in the difcoverý1 of errors and failings. Charity, like the fun, brightens every object on which e fhines; a cenforious difpofition cafts every character into the darkeft fhade it will bear.

IT is to be farther obferved, that all impertinent curiofity about the affairs of others tends greatly to obftruct perfonal reformation; as it draws men's thoughts afide from what ought to be the chief ob ject of attention, the improvement of their own heart and life. They who are so of ficioufly occupied about their neighbours, have little leifure, and lefs inclination, to obferve their own defects, or to mind their own duty. From their inquifitive re fearches, they find, or imagine they find. in the behaviour of others, an apology for their own failings: And the favourite result of their inquiries generally is, to ref fatisfied with themselves. They are saf leaft as good, they think, as others around them. The condemnation which they

SERM. pass on the vices of their neighbours, they

VIII.

interpret to be a fentiment of virtue in themselves. They become thofe hypocrites defcribed by our Lord, who fee clearly the mote that is in their neighbour's eye, while they difcern not the beam that is in their own.

IN oppofition to fuch a character as this, the doctrine plainly inculcated by the text is, that to every man a particular charge is given by his Lord and Master, a part is affigned him by Providence to act; that to this he ought to bend his chief attention; and, instead of fcrutinising the character or state of others, ought to think of himfelf, and leave them to ftand or fall by their own master. What shall this man do? faid Peter. What, replies our Lord, is that to thee? Follow thou me,

WHERE perfons poffels any important ftation, or distinguished rank, in the world, the application of this doctrine to them is manifeft. If they have any candour, they cannot refuse to acknowledge that God and the world have a title to expect from

them

them a diligent attention to their proper SERM. part in life; and that to waste their time in idle inquiries about others, with whom they have nothing to do, is reprehenfible and finful. But there are multitudes of mankind, to whom this appears in a very different light. They are humble and private men, who are willing to conceive themselves as of little importance in the world. Having no extenfive influence, and no call, as they think, to distinguish themselves by active exertions in any sphere, they imagine that they may innocently lead an idle life, and indulge their curiofity, by canvaffing at pleasure the character and the behaviour of those around them, With perfons of this de fcription every fociety too much abounds.

-My brethren, no one ought to confider himself as infignificant in the fight of God. In our several stations we are all fent forth to be labourers in God's vineyard, Every man has his work allotted, his talent committed to him; by the due improvement of which he might, in one way or other, ferve God, promote virtue, and be useful in the world. Occupy till I come, is the charge

VIII.

SERM charge given to all Chriftians without exception. To be entirely unemployed and idle is the prerogative of no one, in any rank of life.

Even that fex, whofe tafk is not to mingle in the labours of public and active business, have their own part affigned them' to act. In the quiet of domeftic fhade, their are a variety of virtues to be ex ercifed, and of important duties to be difcharged. Much depends on them for the maintenance of private economy and order, for the education of the young, and for the relief and comfort of thofe whofe functions engage them in the toils of the world. Even where no fuch female duties occur to be performed, the care of preparing for future ufefulness, and of attaining fuch accomplishments as procure juft efteem, is laudable. In fuch duties and cares, how far better is time employed, than in that fearch into private, concerns, that circulation of rumours, thofe difcuffions of the conduct, and defcants on the character of others, which engrofs converfation fo much, and which end, for the most part, in feverity of cenfure ?

In

In whatever condition we are placed, to act always in character should be our con ant rule. He who acts in character is above contempt, though his ftation be low. He who acts out of character is, defpicable, though his ftation be ever fo high. What is that to thee, what this man, or that man does? Think of what thou soughtest to do thyself; of what is fuitable to thy character and place; of what the world has a title to expect from thee.. Every excurfion of vain curiosity about others, is a fubtraction from thats time and thought which was due to ourfelves and due to God. Having gifts, fays the apostle Paul differing according to the grace that is given us, whether miniftry, let us wait on our mi→ niftring; or be that teacbeth, on teaching; or be that ex harteth, on exhortation. He that giveth, let him do it with fimplicity; be that ruleth, with diligence; he that fheweth mercy, with cheerfulness*,

In the great circles of human affairs there is room for every one to be bufy

SER M.

..VIII.

Rom. xii. 6-9.

and