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I. IDLERS ARE GENERALLY CARELESS. It is said that a stitch in time saves nine. But the idler seldom takes the stitch in time. He is careless in his habits, careless over his soul, and careless about everything. An idle man thinks any way of doing a thing will do if it gets done. He has not sufficient interest to take pains with his work. Whatever you do for Christ, do it well; because God sees your work. He not only looks on the work of stupendous magnitude which is being done by an angel; but He also sees you at your post of deacon and helper and teacher and visitor.

II. IDLERS ARE OFTEN SINFUL. Experience proves this. An English proverb tells us that, "An idle brain is the devil's workshop," — and it is confirmed by an old Latin proverb, which says, "Evil thoughts intrude in an unemployed mind as naturally as worms generate in a stagnant pond." Let me show how idle Christians become sinful. You join a church, but that is all you do for Christ; you never speak a word to the perishing, never visit the sick. Your soul is an empty spiritual house, which the devil uses as a purified workshop where he invents sinful thoughts and wicked actions.

III. IDLERS ARE ALWAYS MISERABLE. Another old English proverb tells us that, "The used key is always bright." But the key which hangs on the nail soon becomes rusted. And your soul will soon rust unless you employ it in good work. Do not allow yourself to be even for only half an hour without finding something useful to do.

IV. IDLERS SOON TIRE OF WORK. Some people only pray when they are compelled by misfortune. They soon tire of what is to them the task of prayer. An idle prayer gets nothing; it is like a rusted sword.

V. IDLERS ALWAYS MEAN WELL.

VI. IDLERS ARE OFTEN OF A KINDLY DISPOSITION. They are too lazy to be angry. But they are always ready to do a good turn, if it does not last too long. Christians belong to a life-saving institution. What would you think of the lifeboat men if they sat smoking their pipes the shore when there was a wreck crowded with human beings at the entrance of the harbour? Christians, there are human wrecks about! Come to the rescue!

(W. Birch.)

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KJV: As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.

WEB: As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, Sodom your sister has not done, she nor her daughters, as you have done, you and your daughters.