labor. "Six days thou shalt work" (Ex. xx. 9). "Hate not laborious work, nor husbandry ordained by the Most High" (Ecclus. vii. 16). "Endeavor to work with your own hands, as we commanded you" (1 Thess. iv. 11). That which God has commanded can assuredly be nothing ignoble or vile. Moreover, work has been sanctified by the example of the Redeemer Himself, who came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister" (Mark x. 45). For thirty years the Son of God helped Joseph in his work as carpenter. In the light of our holy faith the calling of a workman is certainly a noble one. By the light of faith workmen obtain a better understanding of their duties in life, and the first step toward fulfilling them is to know them. Faith leads men to be honest and conscientious in their work.
4. Conscientiousness is a powerful means of removing the faults commonly complained of in workmen. This springs from faith; worldly motives are generally insufficient to make men truly conscientious. If a workman is conscientious, there is seldom any cause for complaint; he will be diligent in his work, and he will have the interest of his employer at heart; he sees in his work the fulfilment of God's will, and is not disturbed by little difficulties and trials that spring up from time to time; he is willing to make a sacrifice for God's sake.
