THE PLOUGHMAN'S ADVANTAGES. 25 



to be instrumental in a work which God himself deigns 

 to bless. The ploughman breaks up the fallow ground, 

 and sows the appointed seed, but it is God that gives 

 the increase.* 



The ploughman 's task is a healthy one. When he sets 

 forth at break of day, breathing the pure air, and listen- 

 ing to the sweet songs of early birds ; when he treads 

 the dewy sward, or the furrowed field which sends forth 

 a pleasing smell, he is surrounded with healthful in- 

 fluences, his spirits are cheered, his strength is renewed, 

 his whole frame is braced for exertion. He has an ad- 

 vantage and pleasure connected with his early rising 

 which the workman in a manufactory knows nothing 

 of, although he perhaps has risen equally early to his 

 task. 



" The whistling ploughman braves the wind, 

 And drives his well-fed steeds along, 

 Leaving the furrow'd waves behind, 

 Piled by the ploughshare, deep, and strong ; 

 Blithely the lark above him springs, 

 And in the sky's blue temple sings." 



The ploughman has reason to be thankful for his lot 

 in life, and to brave without repining the trials and 

 weariness he may sometimes suffer. To labour is his 

 calling, and if at times he seems over-done with work, 

 he may remember that he is saved from many of the 

 troubles and anxieties which beset those who have to 

 work with their heads more than with their hands. 



The ploughman is able to make some provision for the 

 future. A young ploughman just beginning life may 

 certainly, if active and sober, lay by a small part of his 

 wages every week against a time of sickness or of need. 

 He should do this for several years before he thinks of 

 marrying. It is a cruel thing to bring want upon a 

 deserving woman, who has perhaps lived in comfort 

 either at home or in service, up to the time of her mar- 

 riage. If the couple get into debt and difficulty, there 

 * See 1 Cor. iii. 6. 



