Inactive wishes are but waste of time,
And, without efforts, pray’rs themselves a crime:
Vain are their hopes, who miracles expect,
And ask from heaven what themselves neglect.
Reflection.
Mankind, indolent and discontented, are very apt to murmur at the dispensations of Providence, and to call for divine assistance to extricate them from their difficulties, when it is in their own power to accomplish what they desire. They, who will not stir a finger to promote their own interest, have little title to expect any foreign assistance: but when they have exerted their utmost skill and assiduity, their prayers, if there is need for them, will be enforced by every argument drawn from their own merit, and the compassion of those to whom they make their application. Industry includes in itself this double blessing: It commonly enables us to gain the point we aim at; and in that case heightens the relish of our enjoyments, when we consider that we have attained them by our own art and perseverance: but if we should happen to fail in our endeavours, it excites the pity of those who are able to serve us; and gives a grace to our petitions for assistance and relief.
What needs any man make his court to the servants, says Sir Roger L’Estrange, when his access is open to the Master? and especially when that Master is as ready to give as the petitioner to ask.
With regard to secular matters, we are told a pleasant story of one of our princes, King Charles II. He had often observed a country gentleman attending to speak with one of his first ministers; and once passing through the apartment where the gentleman happened to be alone, he asked him his business. He told him, that he was attending upon his minister, as he had often done, for such a post in his Majesty’s gift. The King asked him, what he was to give for it to the minister? He said £1000. The King humorously told him he should have it, and bid him give him £500, and keep t’other £500 himself; and if he or his friends wanted any more such bargains, he might apply to himself directly, and be served at half price.