Nebraska advertiser., 1859-08-11
Miscellaneous.
The Value Of Employment.

T1e value OF EmplOIulent.
Since both soul and body are made for
exertion, there is nothing more conducive
to cheerfuIness, the result of their joint
health, than fit employment. A house be-
reft of tenants goes to decay. A vehicle
laid up without use rustS and moulders. A
fine piece of machinery is never so safe,
as when fabricated and moving. Body
and soul made for perpetual activity, must
work, and work together, in order TO be
in good condition. OF all engines, the
human body is the most amazing. From
the days of Socrates, as reported by Xe-
nophon, philosophy has been studying the
mechanics, the chemistry, the vital force,
the adaptions, the final causes of this
structure; so wonderfully made. There
are no steps forward to new principles in
physics, in optics, in the growth of struc-
lures, which does not find itself anticipat-
ed by some marvellous realization of its
idea in the human body. Considered as
a working engine, there is none which
works so cheaply, with so little waste, or
so long, and which contains such provi-
sions for its own repair. How every sur
vey of the skiIlful mechanism shows that
it was made to move. Its central, propel-
ling engine, never stops, except in cases
which cause instant dread of DEATH
Heart, lungs and brains, play on through
all the thousand nights of sleep. An In.
stinCt of nature prompts the young to be
IN O lroOCt DarDotuoT yoo,ioy, A bSoluto raSt
there is none. And if, from necessity or
choice, any approach to immobility be-
comes the habitude of body, as is the case
in some sluggish and morbid natures, the
result is lethargy and endless disturbance
of the vital functions. This frame was
made for labor.
Equally true is this of the yet more
subtle because spiritual part. OF mind
that does not think, no man can frame a
notion. The human mind is made to be
active. 1t is inquiring, and thirsty for
knowledge. Its active powers irreSiStab-
Iy seek for some object on which to exert
themselves. Healthful, moderate repose,
chiefly by change of employment, is good;
but entire, continual, unbroken quiescence
is misery. Never was there more dire
mistake than that of men who abandon
the honest and useful business of life, un-
der the pretext of rest. Unless they have
singular resources in science, literature,
or philanthropy, they sink into lassitude,
weary of the everlasting holiday, let their
hearts corrode with sullen thoughts, and
sometimes fall prey to evil habits or
premature dotage. Philosophy no less
than religion, enjoins-unless where in
vincible necessities from infrmity or age
clearly speak another language-that we
should live working, and die in the har-
ness. Hence the value of trade or call
ing, and of working at it. l believe it
lengthens life. l believe it slaves off
tribes of maladies and conceits. I'm sure
it promotes that spring and elevation of
soul, without which life is long disease.
If you would find the most wretched man
or woman in your neighborhood, look for
the one who has nothing to do. Unless
allowed to prescribe employment, even
the best physician cannot cure the valetu-
dinary complainer. For after all has
been said, employment begets cheerful
ness; and "merry hearth doeth good
like medicine"