Whetting the Scythe

“Certainly the best of 02tr hours should be taken tip about the best busifiess, and not in recreations. Those are to be blamed who as soon as they rise thijik about amusements, kfiit pleasure lo pleasure, and wear away the scythe in whetting, not in This is a specially wise hint. Doubtless many occupy the chief of their thoughts upon mere sport and pastime, and wear out their minds by anxiously considering that which can only be allowable as a relief from anxious consideration. To expend more pains upon their pleasures than upon their duties is the mark of ungodly men, and the sign of folly. That which should be a rest from thought is made to be the theme of thought, and so a second wear and tear is created by the very process which ought to have prevented it: the scythe is not only worn away by its cutting, but by its whetting.

Christian man, remember this. Let not allowable diversions become occasions for transgression. This they will be if they cause waste of time; for in such a case you will be reported to your Master as a steward who has wasted his goods. Nor will you be blameless if your recreations weary the brain and heart, and cause a new and unremunerative expenditure of force. Above all, you will be greatly censurable if there is the slightest tinge of sin about the amusement: “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” “Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth.”