were all men in this state, this earth would be, as it was intended to be, a heaven below.
But, alas! men are now selfish. Man, in his fallen state, has perverted the order of his nature,—has departed from the Divine likeness in which he was created, and his chief concern is to get something for himself, thinking little of the good and happiness of others. And all men being such, this life is now a struggle among selfish competitors, and the earth thus has become changed from a heaven into a kind of hell: for self-love is the ruling principle of hell, as love to others is that of heaven. Hence, some snatch away the food of others, and these, consequently, are in want; and so, turning away from their selfish fellow-men, they look up to heaven, and cry for bread; and God could give them bread directly, if it were best for them that he should do so. But the Lord is desirous not only that they should have present bread for the body, but more desirous that they should have and feel the need of that "bread of life," that state of love and goodness, which alone can nourish their souls to life everlasting. He is desirous to convert them, to change and regenerate their natures. Hence, he does not answer their prayer directly, but requires that they go first and work, looking up to him at the same time for guidance. And while they are thus in action, he can guide and direct them,—gradually remould their spirits, push out evils here, introduce good affections there, and so, little by little, amidst trials, temptations, combats, strivings, daily labors, and every form of activity, he gradually accomplishes their
