Composition by Abigail Houston (1837)
Diligence calculated to ensure success: Idleness to destroy the character.
Ever since the fall of Adam it has been the duty of mankind to earn his living, by the sweat of the brow, and he is so constituted, that it greatly conduces to his happiness. The mind is not satisfied with present attainments, but is looking forward to something future. If this object be riches, honour, or knowledge, his motto is "diligence." Without this he has not the least probability of success; and he toils, and labours as if all his enjoyment depended on the accomplishment, of his design.
It wonderfully sweetens his repose at night, which prepares him for the duties of the succeeding day, and at the close of the week to enjoy the Sabbath as a day of rest from bodily toil, and to engage in higher and nobler employments, even the worship of God and the salvation of the soul. Thus he passes on from week to week with the same constancy, as the waters of the gentle rill till they mingle with the ocean.
Diligence is abundantly taught in the gospel. "It saith the hand of the diligent maketh rich." And this we commanded you, that if any man would not work, neither should he eat. Christ inculcated it by his example in going about doing good. We have also admirable instances of it in the insects. The Bee
Improves each shining hour.
And gathers honey all the day,
From every opening flower.
The Ant, for one poor grain
labours, and toils, and tugs.
If revelation, and the creatures that God hath made declare this to be the duty and privilege of man, surely it is calculated, to grant success.
On the other hand idleness destroys the character. The mind is considered as always active, for good, or evil. If it is not stored with elevated ideas it will be with base ones.
"It destroys all energy of though; all desire of benefiting himself or others; stupefies the understanding, and makes a wide inlet to the mind for the reception of all manner of iniquity."
It is justly expressed in the lines,
But Satan finds some mischief still,
For idle hands to do.
While not engaged in any pursuit, the mind is free for any temptations which the adversary of souls may suggest; evil companions are ever ready to lend their aid, and they are very likely to yield to them.
Idleness has a tendency to disregard the commands of God and this will eventually end, in the destruction of the character, and at the last, will bear the condemnation of the wicked and slothful servant, who hid his talents in the earth.
Abigail Houston
Lowell, June 7, 1837
