Page:Labour - The Divine Command, 1890.djvu/61

Rh worked for are, in Russia, of the number of about thirty millions; but if our wives are not to work, as says the commandment, what would happen? Just one thing: the world would perish with hunger.

So we see clearly and certainly that our wives work for you, and accomplish your task: you eat the fruit of their labor. I wonder that you do not fear the justice of God. But I forget that you buy your food with money. Do you think that excuses you?

27. If a woman should destroy her children, would she not merit severe punishment for violating God's commandment against murder?

And should not men be equally punished for violating the command God has given them? It has been said: if they will not work, neither should they eat. But no, they eat several times a day with avidity; without that they could not live.

28. A woman who has destroyed her child does penance all her life. From her soul she implores pardon of God, and to her dying hour she will fast and pray in penitence for her sin. Thus she may hope to obtain forgiveness from God for her crime.

But thou, reader, dost thou repent all thy life for having eaten the bread that another has earned? Dost thou ask pardon of God and man? No, thou dost not even think of it; thou art only proud of thy wealth, thou livest well, and thinkest to owe God nothing.