They should, 1. Not treat them, harshly, but kindly; 2. Give them their just wages and sufficient nourishment; 3. Urge them, by word and example, to fulfil their religious duties, and to do all that is right; and 4. Keep them from evil and all occasions of sin.
'If thou have a faithful servant, let him be to thee as thy own soul: treat him as a brother' (Ecclus. xxxiii. 31). 'Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in Heaven' (Coloss. iv. 1). 'But if any man have not care of his own, and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel' (1 Tim. V. 8).
26. What are the obligations of Civil Rulers to their inferiors?
Civil Rulers are ordained by God for the good of the people; therefore they should, 1. Promote public welfare as much as lies in their power; 2. Perform the duties of their office with wisdom and incorruptible justice; 3. Punish evil; and 4. Be to all a pattern of a Christian life.
'The power is God's minister to thee for good' (Rom. xiii. 4). 'And charging the judges, Josaphat said: Take heed what you do; for you exercise not the judgment of man, but of the Lord; and whatsoever you judge, it shall redound to you. There is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor desire of gifts' (2 Paral. xix. 6, 7). Therefore, at elections for public offices, it is necessary, above all things, to consider piety, judgment, and an honest and energetic will in the person to be elected.
Application. Always honor your Civil Rulers as the ministers of God for your own good, and never listen to those enemies of all law and order, who 'promise liberty, whereas they themselves are the slaves of corruption' (2 Peter ii. 19). Besides observing the laws, all are bound to live together in harmony, as far as possible, and to endeavor, each according to his means and ability, to promote virtue, peace, good order and the common welfare.
