Address to the Inhabitants of the Colonies, established in New South Wales And Norfolk IslandJohnson, Richard
Religion
Address to the Inhabitants of the Colonies, established in New South Wales And Norfolk Island
Johnson, Richard
Prisoners -- Australia; Sermons -- Australia -- 18th century; Speeches, addresses, etc.
IV. Beware of idleness. This is the forerunner of many evils.
Poverty, disease, disgrace, misery, and too often an untimely death,
are the consequences of sloth and indolence. Yield not to idleness; if
you indulge it, you will find it grow upon you. Therefore, be diligent
and industrious in your lawful callings. It is written in the Bible,
and confirmed by experience and observation, The idle soul shall
suffer hunger, but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
[Prov. xix. 15. & xiii. 14.]
V. Be careful also to pay due respect, submission, and obedience to
your superiors. It is the good pleasure of God that some should be
placed in more exalted, and others in a more humble station. And
it is a proof of his wisdom and goodness. The present state of the
world, and the general good of mankind, render such distinctions
necessary. But whether we are high or low, whether called to command,
or required to obey, our duties and obligations are mutual. It is in
society as in the human body. There are many members, and every member
has its proper place, and its proper office. Let every soul be subject
to the higher powers [Rom. xiii. 1.].
I have thus given you my best advice respecting what you ought to do,
or to avoid. Permit me to invite your serious attention to what I have
written. Consider it carefully FOR YOUR OWN SAKES. It concerns your
PRESENT comfort. For though no works of ours, or what are called, moral
virtues, can possibly procure us the favour of God, (for our best
services are imperfect and defiled, and need forgiveness) yet that
knowledge and experience of the gospel, which I have explained
to you in the first part of this Address, (and of which I earnestly
pray you may be made partakers) must be accompanied by a correspondent
conduct, such as I have set before you in the second part. And
this knowledge and this conduct will always be attended, though not
always in the same degree, with an inward settled peace, whereby the
mind is reconciled to support crosses and afflictions, however great,
or of long continuance, with a degree of fortitude and resignation.
Persons under this influence will say, when they meet with troubles,
I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned
against him [Micah. vii. 9.]. Should it please God, to answer the earnest
desire of my soul, by giving you an experience of the gospel peace, you
will thank and praise him, even for bringing you hither; and you will see
and confess, that your heaviest afflictions have, in the event, proved to
be your greatest mercies.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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