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Literary
May 23, 1820
The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
This essay praises emulation as a positive motivator for youth when free of malice, contrasting it with the ensnaring fear of man that leads to sin and neglect of duty. It cites biblical figures like Aaron, Saul, Pilate, and Peter as examples, urging trust in God to overcome temptation.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Emulation, when without any mixture of malice or envy, is a noble principle of action, and a powerful incitement to the acquisition of excellence. Prudent parents and teachers are at pains to cherish it in young persons, and find, that when properly directed, it has better effects than the fear of punishment, or the hope of reward.
The fear of Man bringeth a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
"This cowardly fear of man is often a most distressing obstacle in the path of duty; and in a variety of ways proves an ensnaring temptation. Numbers, fearing reproach, are afraid of Christ and his cause-and others neglect their bounden duties and forsake the ordinances of God. Some, having committed one crime from the fear of man, add others to conceal it. Even Christians, from fear of their brethren, who differ from them, are tempted to dissemble and draw others into dissimulation-and Ministers, from the fear of censure or unpopularity too often consult the inclinations of the people and of some leading men, or powerful friends more than the sacred oracles. Masters of families are often so afraid even of their servants and children, that having long neglected family worship, they dare not set about it, even when convinced that it is their duty. But no enumeration can reach the tenth of those cases in which the fear of man, proving stronger than the fear of God, draws in persons of almost every character, to commit sin, or to neglect duty. Thus Aaron made a molten calf-and Saul spared Amalek, "transgressing the commandment of the Lord"-and the parents of the blind man refused to acknowledge Christ who restored his sight; and Pilate condemned him-and Peter denied him : and his disciples forsook him and fled+ "because they feared the people.". But our business in this life is with present duty, and not with the consequences of discharging it- for these belong to God-and a humble yet unwavering trust in him, will preserve us from temptation, or enable us successfully to resist it.
The fear of Man bringeth a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
"This cowardly fear of man is often a most distressing obstacle in the path of duty; and in a variety of ways proves an ensnaring temptation. Numbers, fearing reproach, are afraid of Christ and his cause-and others neglect their bounden duties and forsake the ordinances of God. Some, having committed one crime from the fear of man, add others to conceal it. Even Christians, from fear of their brethren, who differ from them, are tempted to dissemble and draw others into dissimulation-and Ministers, from the fear of censure or unpopularity too often consult the inclinations of the people and of some leading men, or powerful friends more than the sacred oracles. Masters of families are often so afraid even of their servants and children, that having long neglected family worship, they dare not set about it, even when convinced that it is their duty. But no enumeration can reach the tenth of those cases in which the fear of man, proving stronger than the fear of God, draws in persons of almost every character, to commit sin, or to neglect duty. Thus Aaron made a molten calf-and Saul spared Amalek, "transgressing the commandment of the Lord"-and the parents of the blind man refused to acknowledge Christ who restored his sight; and Pilate condemned him-and Peter denied him : and his disciples forsook him and fled+ "because they feared the people.". But our business in this life is with present duty, and not with the consequences of discharging it- for these belong to God-and a humble yet unwavering trust in him, will preserve us from temptation, or enable us successfully to resist it.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Religious
What keywords are associated?
Emulation
Fear Of Man
Trust In God
Moral Duty
Biblical Examples
Literary Details
Key Lines
Emulation, When Without Any Mixture Of Malice Or Envy, Is A Noble Principle Of Action, And A Powerful Incitement To The Acquisition Of Excellence.
The Fear Of Man Bringeth A Snare, But Whoso Putteth His Trust In The Lord Shall Be Safe.
But Our Business In This Life Is With Present Duty, And Not With The Consequences Of Discharging It For These Belong To God And A Humble Yet Unwavering Trust In Him, Will Preserve Us From Temptation, Or Enable Us Successfully To Resist It.