ation, beware what you do! be entreated to be wise for your own present peace, and for the sake of an eternal destiny of blessedness.

4thly. The subject naturally suggests the inquiry, "Why stand ye here all the day idle ?"

What calculations and exertions of the merchant to gain an earthly and fading treasure! What are the toils of the farmer to accumulate perishing wealth! How does the professional man exert all the powers of soul and body, that he may be distinguished among men! Then may we strive for the rewards of a glorious immortality, and to be the favourites of all the blessed in the universe.

Whether at the sixth, ninth, or eleventh hour, the Saviour calls to work in his vineyard. Then let youth, middle aged, and aged, feel interested in this subject, and work while it is called to-day; for the night shortly cometh, in which no man can work. There is work enough yet to do, and the reward is as great and glorious as is worthy a God to bestow. Heaven, earth, and hell, call loudly upon all to be diligent in doing the will of their heavenly Father. Time and eternity present motives of infinite magnitude. The salvation of the soul demands, that "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Shall a mortal creature, in view of his immortal interests, remain idle? Rather by diligence in active obedience let us bear much fruit towards God, that so a glorious entrance shall be administered into the kingdom of his dear Son in eternal life. Amen.

SERMON X.

A VAIN CURIOSITY REPROVED.

JOHN XXII. 22.

What is that to thee? follow thou me.

THE directions of the word of God are as varied as the circumstances of man require. They are suited to his fallen state; and calculated to lead him in the pathway of life. The blessed Saviour was ever ready to give salutary counsel; and his instructions discover superiour excellence, because they were so wisely and timely given. He who spake as never man spake, on every occasion was faithful, and would direct the attention and pursuit of man to his dearest interest for time and for eternity. No favourable opportunity was unimproved, nor seasonable instruction withheld. His words were ever fitly spoken, whether of compassion or severity; of encouragement or rebuke.

After having put the question to Peter three different times, "Lovest thou me," he adds, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself and walkest whither thou wouldst; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee and carry thee whither thou would not. This spake he signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following, which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing

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him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."

Peter had earnestly professed his readiness to die with Christ; yet, when put to the trial, he shamefully failed him. But our Lord next assured him that he would at length be required, and enabled to perform that engagement. In his youth he had been used to gird himself, and to walk at liberty as he pleased. But in his old age, he would be required to stretch out his hands, that others might bind him and carry him to endure those sufferings, at which nature would be reluctant. This signified the death by which he would glorify God, as a martyr for the truth. Jesus next called upon him to signify his readiness to adhere to his cause, even unto death, by rising up and following him; with which Peter complied without hesitation. But turning about, he saw John also, without any command, showing the same willingness to suffer death for the sake, and after the example of his beloved Lord. This led Peter to inquire, What he was to do; Was he also to be a martyr? To this our Lord replied, That if it were his will he should abide on earth till his coming, that was no concern of Peter's, who ought not to indulge a vain curiosity, but to follow him. This would be an evidence of his readiness to adhere to his instructions, to copy his example, and to suffer for his sake.

This illustration of the inquiry of Peter, and the answer of the Saviour, may lead us to see that mankind are apt to inquire into those things, in which they are not immediately concerned, rather than into those in which they are most deeply interested. Some particular subjects of inquiry of this kind, will be noticed and illustrated.

1st. A peculiar proneness to queries, respecting the state of individuals as prosperous or adverse.

As it respects the common affairs of life, some discover a fondness and inquisitiveness to become acquainted with the concerns of others, to which they are neither called by duty nor interest. Mankind may with propriety inquire into the situation of their neighbours, as it respects either their prosperity or adversity. But how careful should they be to possess a right spirit and intention, when such inquiries are made. Would they learn the welfare of others to rejoice with them, and not for envy, they do well. Would they inquire into their misfortunes, to sympathize with them and afford relief, instead of rejoicing in their calamities, their conduct would be truly becoming and commendable.

Objects of distress and charity are to be sought out, that the balm of consolation may be administered to their minds, and the hand of plenty reached forth to supply their wants. Inquiries of such a nature are truly laudable, and have the approbation and blessing of heaven. In the varied pursuits and transactions of life, would any wish to know the concerns or state of others, to benefit them, the direction of the Saviour, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others," secures from censure, and commends. But when any would pry into the affairs of their fellow men, and indulge a vain curiosity to become more acquainted with their circumstances than their own, the words of the text should be plied: "What is that to thee? follow thou me. Rather let such more carefully mind their own business, and meddle less by their inquisitiveness into the prospects of others.

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Happy would it indeed be, if none merited a more severe rebuke. But some discover a restlessness to pry into the secrets, and learn the disappointments of others, to spread them abroad, and do any injury. Hence, not only a propensity for curiosity, but a malignant disposition is manifest. Some are ever ready to hear of the failings of oth

ers, not to weep for their sins in secret, but to make them publick. This is frequently done by persons who themselves can derive no benefit, nor be serviceable to the community. And we are even taught in the sacred oracles, that some are forward to pull out a mote from their brother's eye, when they have a beam in their own eye. But such persons would do well to bear in mind the reply, Physician, heal thyself." Charity should begin at home, as it respects secular concerns, in ordering the common affairs of life. Let individuals thoroughly understand and regulate their temporal pursuits, and the concerns of the community will be well. Let them discharge the various duties which they owe to themselves and others, rather than to be over anxious to know the particulars or peculiarities of their fellow men. Let each one feel interested to attend to his own calling, as it respects the pursuits of common life, and this will serve to check a fondness and inquisitiveness to become acquainted minutely with the concerns of others, to which we can neither be called from duty, nor from interest.

2dly. Some persons discover a vain curiosity in discoursing on the entrance of sin into the world.

Such an inquiry may be properly made, as it is a subject of vast importance, and in which we are interested. But divine revelation must be taken for our light, and circumscribe our inquiries. Now the sacred oracles inform us, that through the temptation of the serpent, our first parents violated the positive command of God, fell from their holy estate into a state of sin and condemnation; and that in consequence of their transgression, all their posterity become sinners. And without the Bible for our guide, when and how sin entered the world, we could not certainly know. But the curious minded press the inquiry farther. Did the Lord bring about the fall of man himself? Or did he only give permission? Or why, that is, what are