IT is to be farther observed, that all impertinent curiosity about the affairs of others tends greatly to obstruct personal reformation; as it draws men's thoughts' aside from what ought to be the chief object of attention, the improvement of their own heart and life. They who are so officiously occupied about their neighbours, have little leisure, and less inclination, to observe their own defects, or to mind their own duty. From their inquisitive researches, they find, or imagine they find, in the behaviour of others an apology for their own failings: And the favourite results of their inquiries generally is to rest satisfied with themselves. They are at least as good, they think, as others around them. The condemnation which they

own.

In opposition to such a character as the doctrine plainly inculcated by the is, that to every man a particular c is given by his Lord and Master; a p assigned him by Providence to act; to this he ought to bend his chief atten and, instead of scrutinising the cha or state of others, ought to think of self, and leave them to stand or fall by own master. What shall this man do Peter. What, replies our Lord, is t thee? Follow thou me.

WHERE persons possess any imp station, or distinguished rank in the v the application of this doctrine to th manifest. If they have any candour, cannot refuse to acknowledge that and the world have a title to expect

themselves as of little importance in the world. Having no extensive 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 curiosity, by canvassing at pleasure the character and the behaviour of those around them. With persons of this description every society too much abounds. - My brethren, no one ought to consider himself as insignificant in the sight of God. In our several stations we are all sent 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, serve God, promote virtue, and be useful in the world. Occupy till I come, is the charge

to act.

In the quiet of domestic sh there are a variety of virtues to be ercised, and of important duties to be charged. Much depends on them for maintenance of private œconomy and der, for the education of the young, for the relief and comfort of those wh functions engage them in the toils of world. Even where no such female du occur to be performed, the care of prep ing for future usefulness; and of attain such accomplishments as procure just este is laudable. In such duties and cares, 1 far better is time employed, than in t search into private concerns, that circ tion of rumours, those discussions of conduct, and descants on the character others, which engross conversation so mu and which end, for the most part, in sève of censure?

do thyself; of what is suitable to thy character and place; of what the world has a title to expect from thee. Every excursion of vain curiosity about others, is a subtraction from that time and thought which was due to ourselves and due to God. Having gifts, says the apostle Paul, differing according to the grace that is given us, whether ministry, let us wait on our ministring; or be that teacheth, on teaching: or he that exhorteth, on exhortation. He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth with cheerfulness. *

he that

mercy,

In the great circle of human affairs, there is room for every one to be busy

* 1 Rom. xii. 6—9.

and