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

with its help. He might see them stow
ing away their provisions in some vel
prepared abode to be ready for use wher
1t would be impossible to obtain it else.
where. He would see what is not tc
be seen in any human society-that there
is not one idler there; all are busy in
preparing what all will soon need and
share. What lesson, to his shame
might many slothful one learn of the
ant, who never eats the bread of idleness!
Having thus shown the will of God
from the word of God Oh the subject OF
our discourse, we will proceed to state
some reasons which experience furnishes
[ why diIigent action is SO beneficial and
Incidence is SO injurious to the human
frame, whether of body or soul. 1t has
been well said, "that the perfection and
happiness Of every being. and every
thing In the world, consists in the right
application and exertion of their powers
to the ends and purposes for which they
were designed. And whenever they
are diverted from these purposes and ap-
piled to others, they become useless and
unhappy. 1.-THE body be not employ ed
it becomes bloated, languid, enervated.
Sloth seizes it at first, aud all the mfr.
mites of life pursue sloth, and then the
languid pleasures of inactivity are fol-
lowed by the sharp pains of slow and
racking distempers. Whereas labor as
it is the sure pledge of health. SO it is the
sure source OF all those pleasures that re-
suit from it. There is pleasure even
IN the WEAKNESS which succeeds tempe
rate exercise, which far excells all the
enjoy ments of sloth. What an exquisite
relish does it give to the plainest aud
coarsest food? What softness even to a
pillow of stone' The sleep OF labor
ing man is sweet, whereas the very rest
and ease of slothful man is burthen
to him. is certain that men may eat
till the most delicious food loses all its
relish, and so they may rest till feathers
lose all their softness-tiIl pillows and
beds of down can supply them with no
one easy spot whereon to recline their
languid head; and if they choose to doze
IN that uneasy condition. sleep, which
is refreshment to body weary with
labor. can only be an additional grievance
to body weary with rest."* So also
!
dustry is as much preferable to ldleness
as brightness is to ust.-plainly imply
ing that idleness to the mind is what
rust IS to metals. And in truth 1t is So
1t does not only tarnish its lustre and
make it unfit for use, but it eats into it.
The mind was formed for exercise as
well as the body; and il it be left unem>
Ployed, 1t will not only grow dull and
rusty, but it will prey upon ITSELF and
though it should not degenerate altogeth-
er into the condition OF the sluggard's
ineyard-though it should not fall into
all the ruin and detestatiou of vice, it
will never want sufficient supplies of
spleen and evil appetites to punish its
indolence."f
The same writer well remarks, 'that
vacant mind is the proper habitation
OF the dewitt is the house to which he
cometh and findeth empty-then goeth
he and taketh with him seven other spir-
its more wicked than himself, and they
enter in and dwell there. Or if demo ms
from below arise not to take possession,
the wicked one hath spirits enough on
earth TO come and prey upon the idler,
who tired of his own company, gladly
throws open his house to the reception
OF other idlers and tipplers, who soon
encourge each other 20 all manner OF
vice. Property hies-cards and the
bottle are resorted to-pove1ty like an
armed man comes in at the door-what
can he do-he cannot dig-to beg
he is ashamed-he sinks down into con.
tempt. if he does not rush into despera-
ton. How different with the diigent
man. Happy in mind, healthful in body,
possessed Of competency, all men re>
sPect bim--he has not only the meaps
OF his own comiort-not only provideth
for his own house, but has something
for the poor and unfortunate, which per-
haps he has gained by the labor of his
own hands, or the diligent use of other
faculties, whereby he has complied with
the will of God in his formation.
*Dr. De!any. fIbld
Go be contnued.)