The Hearth-Stone: Thoughts Upon Home-Life in Our CitiesOsgood, Samuel
Religion
The Hearth-Stone: Thoughts Upon Home-Life in Our Cities
Osgood, Samuel
Christian life; Conduct of life
"Not slothful in business," he said at a time, when in the first love of
their new faith, many were in danger of slighting practical affairs for
the raptures of devotion, or in impatience for the second coming of
Christ, and the age of Millennial rest. "Not slothful in business," may we
not say now, great as is the temptation with many to think, that we do not
need any such advice in an age and country where business seems to ride
over every thing else, and trample down all fervor of spirit and service
of God. Reflect a little upon the clause in its connection, and we shall
see how admirably all the words go together, and fill out the sense.
Interpreting them so, we will speak of the business man in and out of his
business character, and especially in his character at home, or as a man
of affections--at home, that place where he must show pretty thoroughly
what he is at heart, to family and friends. To see what he is elsewhere,
we will look at him first at his work, for his course there will decide in
a great measure his spirit elsewhere. Look into his store, or study,
workshop, or office, and what is he doing? Whatever it may be, it is the
serious work of his life, and is taking most of his time and thought. He
says to himself, however much or little he likes his occupation, "This is
my business, and thus I use my faculties, and earn my livelihood, and
maintain my family, and win whatever means or influence I can for objects
that I approve." He is willing very honestly to accept the motto, "not
slothful in business" for himself and all in his employment. Does he know
how much meaning lies within those words?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account