27. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
How miserable and ruinous is the habit of sloth! It is a dead palsy, under God only to be checked by early discipline and constant resistance. Sometimes however the man makes a vigorous and successful effort. He rouses himself even to the toil of hunting. But his fit of exertion is soon over. He cannot be at the pains of preparing his prey for his repast. (Contrast Genesis 27:30, 31.) He leaves it to others, perhaps even to his dogs; and quickly relapses into his beloved habit.
Is not this a graphical picture of the slothful professor? He will take up religion under a strong excitement. He begins a new course, and perhaps makes some advances in it. But “having no root in himself,” his good frames and resolutions wither away. (Matthew 13:20, 21.) The continued exertion required (Ib. 11:12) ; the violence that must be done to his deep-rooted habits; the difficulties in his new path; the invitations to present ease; the delusive hope of better success at a future day — all these hang as a weight upon his efforts. So that, not knowing the only secret of resistance to his powerful enemy — earnest and persevering prayer; he grows slack, and with just life enough to feel himself dying, he sits down upon his little attainments; thus virtually throwing them away; content to lose heaven itself, if it is to be gained at such a cost. (Chapter 13:4; 21:25; 26:15.) What use — professor! is it to make an effort, if you do not seek the grace of perseverance? No present blessing can be enjoyed without grasping something beyond. (Philippians 3:12-14.) Godliness without energy loses its full reward. (2 John 8.) The enfeebling influence of doubts and fears often arises, not from a deep feeling of corruption, but from an indolent habit, and a want of a realized conviction of the infinite stake of the soul, calling for instant and persevering labour.
Real substance (Chapter 8:21; 15:6) is the reward of the diligent; precious, as the fruit of his toil; and increasing by his unwearied exercise. (Matthew 25:16, 28, 29.) Live then — Christian — more in thy work — “spend and be spent” in it. Thy privileges will be enlarged. Thy substance will be enriched. Thy God will be honoured. (John 15:8. Philippians 1:11.) Thy crown will be secured. (2 Peter 1:11.)
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