ing from it in object and design; and consequently in worth and moral esteem.

To be impertinently busy, doing that which conduceth to no good purpose, is in some respect worse than to do nothing, or to forbear all action; for it is a positive abuse of our faculties, and trifling with God's gifts; it is a throwing away labour and care, things valuable in themselves; it is often a running out of the way, which is worse than standing still; it is a debasing our reason, and declining from our manhood, nothing being more foolish or childish, than to be solicitous and serious about trifles: for who are more busy and active than children? who are fuller of thoughts and designs, or more eager in prosecution of them, than they? But all is about ridiculous toys, the shadows of business, suggested to them by apish curiosity and imitation. Of such industry we may understand that of the Preacher, "the labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them;" for that

a man soon will be weary of that labour, which yieldeth no profit, or beneficial

return.

But there is another industry worse than that, when men are very busy in devising and compassing mischiefs; an industry whereof the Devil affordeth a great instance; for the cursed fiend is very diligent, ever watching for occasions to supplant us, ever plotting methods and means to do harm, ever driving on his mischievous designs with unwearied activity; "going to and fro in the earth; running about as a roaring lion," looking for prey, and " seeking whom he may devour."

And his wicked brood are commonly like him, being "workers of iniquity," "painful men," men that will do all things; who will spare no pains, nor leave any stone unturned, for satisfying their lusts, and accomplishing their bad designs.

So indeed it is, that as no great good, so neither can any great mischief be

effected without much pains: and if we consider either the characters or the practices of those who have been famous mischief-doers, the pests of mankind and disturbers of the world, we shall find them to have been no sluggards (Catiline, Marius, Stilico, Cæsar, &c.)

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These two sorts of vain and bad industry the Prophet Isaiah seemeth to describe in those words; They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web;" of which expressions one may denote mischievous, the other frivolous diligence in contrivance or execution of naughty or vain designs; and to them both that of the Prophet Hosea may be referred; "They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind;" guilt, remorse, and punishment, being the consequences of both. And of them both common experience doth afford very frequent and obvious instances, a great part of human life being taken up with them. For,

How assiduously intent and eager may we observe men to be at sports! How soon will they rise to go forth to them! With what constancy and patience will they toil in them all the day! How indefatigable are they in riding, or running about after a dog or a hawk, to catch a poor beast or silly bird!

How long will men sit poring on their games, dispensing with their food and sleep for it!

How long and serious attention will men yield to a wanton play! How many hours will they contentedly sit thereat! What study will men employ on jests and impertinent wit! How earnest will they be to satisfy their vain curiosity!

How in such cases do men forget what they are doing, that sport should be sport, not work; to divert and relax us, not to employ and busy us; to take off our minds a little, not wholly to take them up; not to exhaust or tire our spirits, but to refresh and cheer them, that

they may become more fit for grave and serious occupations !

How painful will others be "in hewing them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that will hold no water;" that is, in immoderate pursuit of worldly designs! How studiously will they plod, how restlessly will they trudge, what carking and drudgery will they endure in driving on projects of ambition and avarice! What will not they gladly do or suffer, to get a little preferment, or a little profit? It was a common practice of old, and sure the world is not greatly mended since the Psalmist did thus reflect, "Surely every man walketh in a vain shew; surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them."

How many vigilant and stout pursuers are there of sensuality and riotous excess; such as those of whom the Prophet speaketh, "Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may