Christian, don't be lazy!

Hi all. Young folks are not taught much history anymore. Likewise, good literature is becoming more and more scarce unless you dig around for it.

Here's a very unusual piece that emphasizes how Christians can learn zeal from others - farmers, in this case. Just one caveat: In the 1600's, the word "religion" simply referred one's life-wide relationship with God and his will for their behavior.  It had nothing to do with the overtones of Phariseeism which is now attached to it by modern word-benders. Today it's become a synonym for outward expressions and formalities, usually disingenuous. 

      The Husbandman
Religion WHEN advanc¹d in pow¹r,
Will make you HUSBAND every hour.
'Twill make MEN strive with all their might,
And therein FIND a sweet delight.
If there were NOUGHT besides that pay
Christ gives TO cheer us in our way;
Should we not DO the best we can?
For there¹s NO such reward from man.
Shall others WORK, and not regard
Their strength TO get a small reward?
Whilst we TURN slugs, and loiter thus?
O that THEIR zeal might quicken us.
Why are our HANDS, and feet so slow,
When we UNTO our business go?
How can we THEN Christ¹s pay expect,
And yet the CHRISTIANS work reject,
If this, then ALSO that embrace
Them both; IF not, we both disgrace.
Some if THEY could these two divide,
'Twould PLEASE them well, with Christ to side
But if they MAY not, then it were
As good CEASE pleading, they¹ll not hear:
Rouse up FROM sloth, my soul betake
Thee to thy WORK, no cavils make.
O strive, AND try Saints say that even,
The pain they TAKE, hath much of heaven.
But yet THEIR best wine¹s kept till last,
Their rest, and EASE comes all so fast.
       John Flavel

Now, read the capitalized words in each line down ↓ the page for an extra bonus message, in timely rhyme of course. This is some type of sonnet, I beleive.

It's an important message, btw, as uninformed and lazy persons still desire all the rewards of Jesus without bothering with his cross. I am also tempted to behave in such a way. The soul of the sluggard desires and has nothing but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied. Proverbs 13:4

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed ‹not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence ‹continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Phil. 2:12-13