The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a…

(4.) A Fourth dangerous Evil from which this Prudence will secure you, is Pragmaticalness or Curiosity, which is a busy meddling with matters which belong not unto you. You have business enough of your own to employ all your wit, time and strength; either in the works of Piety and Devotion; or charity to the Souls and Bodies of others; of civility to your Friends and Relations; and of Industry in your own Callings. And there is no Wisdom in intermeddling in others Affairs without a just cause, and a clear call: and God never calls you thereunto, when it interferes with the necessary Duties abovesaid. But especially beware of the Athenian Disease, who spend their time in nothing else, but either to tell or hear some new thing: Acts 17. 21. I know the Nature of Man is bent upon News; and Religion not only permits, but approves of our being concerned for the prosperity of God's Church. But it is a natural itch, and not any pure devotion, which inclines most Men to inquire after such things; and much time is lost, much hazard is run, and little good is gained by this idle course.

(4.) A Fourth dangerous Evil from which this Prudence will secure you, is Pragmaticalness or Curiosity, which is a busy meddling with matters which belong not unto you. You have business enough of your own to imploy all your wit, time and strength; either in the works of Piety and Devotion; or charity to the Souls and Bodies of others; of civility to your Friends and Relations; and of Industry in your own Callings. And there is no Wisdom in intermedling in others Affairs without a just cause, and a clear call: and God never calls you thereunto, when it interferes with the necessary Duties abovesaid. But especially beware of the Athenian Disease, who spend their time in nothing else, but either to tell or hear some new thing: Acts 17. 21. I know the Nature of Man is bent upon News; and Religion not only permits, but approves of our being concern'd for the prosperity of God's Church. But it is a natural itch, and not any pure devotion, which inclines most Men to inquire after such things; and much time is lost, much hazard is run, and little good is gain'd by this idle course.