Chapter XLIX: Doctrine of Scripture on This Subject

THE Holy Scripture clearly lays down this doctrine: “Let servants be subject to their masters, pleasing them in all things, not contradicting, not defrauding, but in all things showing good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus ii. 9).

What does the Holy Ghost say to those persons who work for Catholics? Pay particular attention to the words, for they are full of meaning: “But they who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but serve them rather, because they are faithful and beloved” (1 Tim. vi. 2).

This seems to be very strange advice to give — to tell a man not to despise his master because he is good and amiable towards him. What can be the meaning of it?

I will tell you. The good, kind employer puts aside all pride and haughtiness, and speaks kindly and with some degree of familiarity to all his dependents. Now, when the person spoken to is proud, with but little good sense, he takes this all wrong.

He loses respect, and begins to get impudent and disagreeable. The Holy Ghost means to warn us against such conduct, and says what amounts to this: If your employers, in wishing to make you happy, and out of Christian love and interest in you, treat you as a friend and a child, do not take advantage of such treatment to be impudent and disagreeable to them.

Do not let the devil fill your heart with wicked pride, to despise them and disobey them; but rather be more anxious to serve them with faithfulness and love.

The same remark applies to every kind and loving employer, whether he belong to the “household of faith” or not, and whatever the employment may be. There is the same temptation to forget one’s self through pride, and the same obligation to be more humble, respectful, and attentive.

Now, what is said of unreasonable and ill-tempered employers? “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward” (1 Peter ii. 15) — i.e., to the cross and ill-tempered. “For this is worthy of thanks, if for conscience towards God a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, sinning and being buffeted, you suffer it? But if, doing well, you suffer patiently, this is thank-worthy before God” (1 Peter ii. 19, 20).

And the example of our Saviour is given to add weight to this: “For unto this you have been called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. Who, when He was reviled did not revile: when He suffered, He threatened not, but delivered Himself to him that judged Him unjustly” (1 Peter ii. 22, 23).