It is frequently a question with one, to decide on practical matters, as to what is duty; personally I can say, that I have been unnecessarily troubled on this score. How it may be with others, I cannot say; but I have discovered, that duty with me has always been plain enough, when I have been humble enough to perform it; but when pride urges to something transcendent, or discontent lifts her deformed head, and says “there is a lion in the way,” and lesser duties are left neglected or lost sight of in ambitious or extravagant schemes, then, truly, duty is obscure, for God resists the proud; and one is then left to walk in the light of the sparks of his own kindling.
One imagines that he might be doing a great deal better, or be a great deal more useful in some other sphere, and that his or her talents might be much more advantageously employed, or he might perhaps be far happier in some other situation.
Or some great change is contemplated, or important step taken, involving property, or time, or other great interests in its obscure, unwritten folds, and no prophet being present to rend away the veil from the future and reveal the hidden mysteries of its future results, much anxiety is experienced in pondering upon plans and schemes, which never have time to be matured.
Thus life passes with some, in plans never developed, or in utopian schemes, which if attempted, only result in mortifying failure, and age comes on, only bringing with it the memory of illusive dreams and fancies; and perhaps all the time, the person thought himself conscientious, and desirous to walk in the way of duty, while in reality, self was the idol, and pride dictated plans, which simplicity carried out, sustained by folly and indiscretion.
Now if we could all see clearly, we should always find a present duty, which being performed, would develop new ones, and thus life might be filled with duty, and the question, “What is duty?” would seldom be asked; and when the question would suggest itself, as sometimes it may, then would light spring up out of darkness; for the meek will be guided in judgment, and grace will be given to the humble.
One perhaps is desirous to distinguish himself by some great act of charity, or benevolence, while he is doing injustice to others, by being deeply in their ledgers for fine living. Now duty does not call two ways at the same time. Let him retrench his expenses, and use his best endeavors, until he can say, I owe no man.
Another perhaps imagines he ought to preach the gospel; that duty calls him to proclaim the third message; while perhaps his own family bear witness to his unfitness for such office, by their conduct testify that they have needed, and still need proper instruction upon the first principles of right: Let such an one begin at the alphabet of right, and he will see that the question, “What is duty?” can be promptly answered in his case.
Doubtless, if all would properly fill, each his proper and appropriate sphere in the best manner, the school teacher be a better teacher than ever, more assiduous, more loving and kind, more systematic, more attentive; the mechanic do better work than ever, be more reasonable, and accommodating, and prompt, and true; the farmer be a better farmer, more merciful to his laborers and his teams; his land be better tilled, his crops better protected and secured than ever; the laborer be more assiduous, and faithful; in fact, every one in his or her sphere, be desirous of doing the very best things in the best manner, the question “What is duty?” would seldom arise, and God would be glorified.