due. Every man has a kind of right as well as interest, in the labours of each individual of the community. For as in the body of the man, so is it in the body of the state; there is no member, be his station what it may, who has it not in his power to render himself profitable to his fellow-members, by discharging the functions of his proper office.

Nor is the spiritual well-being of mankind less connected with the discharge of these duties than their temporal welfare. Man's fallen and corrupt state makes such employment necessary for the good of his soul as well as of his body. "Idleness," says the wise son of Sirach, "teacheth much evild." It engenders strife, voluptuousness, pride, envy, fretfulness, ill-will. Hence it was the advice of an ancient Father of the Church, "Be always doing something good, that the Tempter may never find thee at leisure:" and doubtless this is one of the best securities against the many temptations which continually beset us.

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Occupation, then, useful and proper occupation, is necessary to all. The highest are not exempt from it as a matter of duty: the

d Ecclus. xxxiii. 27.

lowest are not of so little importance to the community that they can neglect it without injury to others, as well as to themselves. Every individual fills a certain space in society, is stationed at a certain post, to which some duties are annexed, and where his influence must so far be felt, that good or evil will be the effect of his conduct; and the eye might as well say to the hand, I have no need of thee; or the head to the feet, I have no need of you; as any member of society pretend that there are no calls upon him for taking his share in the concerns of the social body.

But, secondly, the Apostle enjoins that we should not only abide in our callings, but abide in them" WITH GOD."

It is presumed that every one to whom this admonition is addressed, whatever be his worldly calling, acknowledges himself to have embraced one of an infinitely higher and more important kind," the calling that is in "Christ Jesus";" and that he knows it to be his bounden duty so to demean himself in his character of a man of the world, as to shew withal that he is a CHRISTIAN. Nor will it be difficult to prove that religion may be so associated with the secular concerns of e Rom. i. 6.

life, as to promote rather than obstruct a man's usefulness in his worldly occupations, and greatly to enhance his value as a member of society.

The Scriptures instruct us, that “ godliness "is profitable for all things, having the pro"mise of the life that now is, as well as of "that which is to come;"-that "all things "work together for good to them that love "God;"-that if we "seek first the kingdom "of God and His righteousness, all these things" (the necessary things of the present life)" shall be added unto us;”—that "the

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eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and "His ears are open unto their prayers;❞— that "the blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, "and he addeth no sorrow with it;"-that "the just man walketh in his integrity, and "his children are blessed after him." assurances as these the scorner may despise and ridicule. But the Christian, knowing "in WHOм he has believed," and that "HE is "faithful who hath promised," will continually bear them in mind;-his heart will "stand fast in the Lord;" and the consequence will be such firmness of purpose, and such internal confidence, as will best prepare

f 1 Tim. iv. 8. Rom. viii. 28. Matth. vi. 33. Psalm xxxiv. 15. Prov. x. 22. Prov. xx. 7.

him for every concern that demands his attention.

This desirable frame of mind will also be greatly strengthened by considering, on the other hand, the scriptural denunciations against those who disregard the Divine counsels and precepts. The fearful declarations, that "the desire of the wicked shall perish;' —that they shall "eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own de"vices;”—that "the prosperity of fools shall

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destroy them;"—that “his own iniquities "shall take the wicked himself;"-that "the steps of his strength shall be straitened, and "his own counsel shall cast him down ;”these warnings will not only deter the believer from similar practices, but will repress any emotions of envy or fretfulness on observing the occasional success of irreligious men. They will teach him to hold still in the Lord, and abide patiently upon Him, and not to grieve at him whose ways may prosper by doing after evil counsels".

But the main support and encouragement of the faithful Christian, respecting every thing which here concerns him, is the lively hope of "an inheritance incorruptible and

g Ps. cxii. 10. Prov. i. 31, 32. Prov. v. 22. Job xviii. 7. h Psalm xxxvii. 7.

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undefiled, and that fadeth not away." This enables him to form a just estimate of the value and the proper use of this present life. The man who looks at this world only is perpetually falling into grievous mistakes or ridiculous follies, in his expectations of what it is to afford him. He hunts after happiness, and never attains it. He chases one bubble after another, and his labours end in vanity and vexation of spirit. One scheme is baffled; another is started; disappointment still ensues: the spirit is fretted, irritated, soured; or at best is "careful and troubled about

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many things," not having sought the "one

thing needful," not having " chosen that

good part which cannot be taken away!" This is the consequence of false theories of human happiness; of seeking in this life what is reserved for the next; of expecting here the possession of that which at present can only be enjoyed by anticipation, through faith in Him who hath promised it as our final reward in a future state. The considerate Christian is far less liable to these disappointments. His expectations of earthly good are less sanguine. His affections being set upon higher objects, he lifts up his heart to God; and regarding himself as only "a i Luke x. 41, 42.