This week we begin a new book on Wednesdays.
Typically this means we will be reading a book on pastoral work. But this time Steele will teach us about the need to work in general.
Firstly Steele explains that the purpose of man is to work.
Secondly Steele says that everyone who is capable of it should be constantly employed in some useful station of life. He then gives the following reasons why:
(i) that the nature and reason of things require it;
(ii) it is the express command and appointment of God;
(iii) justice to our families and the public require it;
(iv) our own safety and comfort much depend on it.
Steele than reflects:
(i) an indolent life is blameable, whatever excuses may be made for it;
(ii) let parents be persuaded to educate their children for a life of business and usefulness.
I appreciated Steele's rebuke to those who would excuse themselves from laborious responsibilities due to their religious activities: 'Devotion is sometimes pleaded in vindication of this ; but I fear it seldom is a just and sufficient excuse, even in the case of persons in an affluent state; but it is peculiarly vain, when used by those whose circumstances in life render an employment necessary for the support of themselves and their family. It is a gross absurdity, that any should think themselves excuseable, who neglect the proper duties of social and relative life, through an excessive application to the external duties of religious worship : who live as if they were all soul, and had no body related to the things and persons of the present state ; and permit their families and business to languish for want of their presence, while they are indulging the intemperate fervours of an indiscreet zeal of an unseasonable and mistaken piety. '
Those who neglect other duties due to religious activity fail to understand that other duties are good works in the eyes of God.
And to neglect them is sin.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment