example and exhortation that hard work alone develops and perfects a man's life. 38-39 The craftsman may trust in the inspiration of God and feel His presence with him in his work. 40-The virtuous housewife finds dignity in her labour, and joy in her husband's praise. 41-42 -Boaz, greeting the labourers in the field, and caring for the welfare of Ruth, sets an example to employers of labour. 43-Agriculture does not always prosper. 44-45—God will give rest to the weary and careworn labourer. 46-48Man must work to maintain himself and those dependent on him, and if he work honestly from right motives God will prosper him.

(A.V., Authorised Version; R.V., Revised Version; APOC., Apocrypha.)

I, 1-3.

Labour the Ordinance of God.

1.

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground. Genesis iii, 19. (a.v.)

2.

Hate not laborious work; neither husbandry, which the Most High hath

ordained.

Ecclesiasticus vii, 15. (APOC.)

3.

Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech. Doth the plowman plow continually to sow? doth he continually open and break the clods of his ground? When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and put in the wheat in rows and the barley in the appointed place and the spelt in the border thereof? For his God doth instruct him aright, and doth teach him. This

also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel,

and excellent in wisdom.

Isaiah xxviii, 23-29. (R.v.)

I, 4-8. Labour brings Blessings to Man.

4.

That every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labour, is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes iii, 13. (R.V.)

5.

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. Proverbs xiv, 23. (a.v.)

6.

The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

Ecclesiastes v, 12. (R.V.)

7.

Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things, than he that glorifieth himself, and lacketh bread.

Ecclesiasticus x, 27. (Apoc.)

8.

The life of one that laboureth, and is contented, shall be made sweet

My son, lead not a beggar's life better it is to die than to beg.

Ecclesiasticus xl, 18, 28. (APOC.)

I, 9-12.

9.

We beseech you, brethren, . . . that

...

ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

I Thessalonians iv, 10-12. (A.V.)

Duties of Employers.

10.

Entreat not evil a servant that worketh truly, nor a hireling that giveth thee his life. Let thy soul love a wise servant; defraud him not of liberty.

Ecclesiasticus vii, 20-21. (APOC.)

11.

Ye masters. . . . forbear threatening; knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

Ephesians vi, 9. (R.V.)

12.

Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians iv, 1. (R.V.)

Duties of the Employed.

13.

I, 13-16.

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, . . . . in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.

Ephesians vi, 5-7. (a.v.)

14.

Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.

I Timothy vi, 1. (R.V.) 15.

Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be wellpleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying; not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

16.

Titus ii, 9-10. (R.V.)

Servants, be in subjection to your

masters with all fear; not only to the