for their own sake; and consequently, as soon as he is through with them, he hurries away, like a man escaping from prison.
This is too generally, it is to be feared, the state of mankind at this day, and hence the general repining and discontent, as well as unfaithfulness and dishonesty in the performance of business duties and obligations, so prevalent in society. When, therefore, one hears it said, that the duties of a man's profession or regular occupation are to be accounted a chief source of happiness in life, the statement seems a paradox. Yet it is most true,—as the experience not only of the good, but even of the bad, can testify. What greater punishment can you inflict upon an imprisoned criminal, than to deprive him of all occupation and employment? After a short period of idleness, he will beg for work. And why is this? Because he finds that occupation soothes him, and brings him something like content and cheerfulness, even in the solitude of his cell. And why has it this effect? Because it fulfils a great law of man's constitution, impressed upon it by its Divine Maker. God Himself works: is not His handiwork here all about us? "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work," said the Saviour. The reason is, that action is the necessary state of love. Love is ever active, in the endeavor to bless those whom it loves: such endeavor is consequent upon its very existence. God, therefore, who is Love itself, must be active. He acts indeed, in His own Divine and Infinite manner, calmly, like His own Sun, pouring forth His light and heat and blessing on all in the universe,—yet, like that Sun, though to appearance calmly, still burningly; for love is ever ardent,—and how intense must be the
