Dignity of Labour.—

In early life David kept his father's sheep; his was a life of industry; and though foolish men think it degrading to perform any useful labour, yet in the eyes of wise men industry is truly honourable, and the most useful man is the happiest. A life of labour is man's natural condition, and the most favourable to mental vigour and bodily health. Bishop Hall says, “Sweet is the destiny of all trades, whether of the brow or of the mind. God never allowed man to do nothing.” Rome was more than once saved by a man who was sent from the plough. Moses had been keeping sheep for forty years before he came forth as the deliverer of Israel. Jesus Christ himself, during the early part of las life, worked as a carpenter. His apostles were chosen from among the hardy and labourious fishermen. From these I infer, that when God has any great work to perform, he selects as his instruments those who by their previous occupation had acquired habits of industry, skill, and perseverance; and that in every department of society, they are the most honourable who can earn their own living by their own labour. Children of pride! what say you to these things?