Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1838-06-28

TO Toll and strive not merely to extract
1000 IRON the earth by the sweat of bis
otow' out to earn an honest livelihood
IN some oil the lawful pursuits of man.
oy dliigent application to the duties
thereof. But would say especially,
taking my stand by the text, that man
must never think it beneath him to cul-
nvate that earth from which he was ia.
kenNand to which he is soon to return
~ as he innocent occupation of blissful
Euen-it has been the most innocent
aud honorable in every age and cline
SINCE paR was driven from Eden
Happy they who are permitted by the
sweat Of their brow to eat bread from the
kindred earth.
In proof that diligence in all proper
pursuits is required of man, and that idle>
ness is most offensive to God, we shall
appeal to his word, according to which
his ministers are bound to preach
Some think that such theme as this is
not sufficiently evangelical, and that
preacher is sinking into the mere moral
lst when he discourses on such subject.
l would not wonder if indolent chris
tians, who will not work, should thus
think; but that any others should would
indeed be matter of surprise. Every
sermon is evangelical, no matter what
duty it enjoins, if it enjoin the same
from right motives and with right ends.
The apostles and Christ himself preached
ON every duty. and il any man now speak
let him speak as the oracles of God.
We cannot only adduce precept and
warning against the slothiul, but we can
point to the very example of Christ, who
was ever going about doing good, and
Instead Of pleasing himself, made it his
meat and drink to do his heavenly Fa-
theirs will. Yea more; in opposition TO
the pride and Incidence of man which is
ever seeking ease and luxury, we may
bid him look at the chosen birth place
Of Christ-we might send him on long
aud weary journey up to Jerusalem with
the child Jusus and his parents. on foot,
himself only twelve years old. Yea,
more; we might point him to that which
has always been believed-that from
henceforth he labored with his supposed
father at his occupation, until the time
for his public ministry had arrived
Thus dad our Emmanuel. when clothed
IN the human form, and bearing all our
burthen OF sin and sorrow, choose to
sanctify poverty and toll, and fulfil this
condition OF our fallen humanity-that
is eat bread by the sweat of his brow
Who shall deSpise toll and labor after
this high and holy example of volun-
tary choice Off?
Now listen to few of Gods express
words concerning it. "When we were
with you, this we commanded you"
saith st. Paul. "that if any would N OF
work, neither should he eat.' "Study"
says he, 'to be quiet. and to do your own
business, and to work with your own
hands, as we commanded you" And
again-though he Of all men mi have
been released from such duty, yet on
account Of the present emergency aad
by way of example, he calls them to
! witness how his own hands ministered
to his necessities and to them that were
with him. The apostle Paul had been
brought up to the trade of sail or tents
maker in Judea, and there was common
saying, that he who did not teach his
son trade or profession, taught him to
steal. In other ancient states this was
required by law, and he who was found
without any occupation was denied the
right OF citizenship and was banished.
Let nae also adduce the testimony OF
the chief of the wise men, who seems,
from the frequent and emphatic manner
in which he mentions this subject, to
have considered it one Of great impor.
lance. Let an idler read the proverbs
OF Solomon. and then go and hide his
face for very shame. "Seest thou man
said Solomon. "diIigent in business, he
shall staud before kings-he shall not
stand before mean men," To labor and be
content with what man hath is sweet
life. "The sleep Of laboring man is
sweet" On the contrary, how truly
does be say, THE desire of the sloth-
full killeth him, for he reiuseth to labor"
The soul OF the sluggard desire.b but
hath nothing. And drowslness shall
clothe a man with rags" 81 went by
the field Of the slothful," he says, sand
10, 1T was all overgrown with ihorns, and
Dettles covered the place thereof, aue
the stone wall was broken down."
But 1 pass BY all other admoDition.
OF this wise man TO come to this one
60 to the aunt, thou sluggard conside
her ways and be wise; which having n,
overseer, guide, or ruler, providelh he
meat IN the summer and gathereth he
food i'll the harvest" Solomon her,
sends us not to some celebrated exam
plies OF human effort and perseverance