Page:Labour - The Divine Command, 1890.djvu/62

58 29. To woman, who is weaker than man, God has given an imperative duty. We also of the lower class, being weaker than thou in spirit, have an imperative duty.

But thou, being better educated and more intelligent than we are, dost as thou wilt in the matter. If thou choosest to do so, thou wilt labor with thy hands, but not otherwise; and no one can compel thee to work.

Since thou knowest thy duty, and leavest it for others to fulfil, we may judge thee without mercy, for thou dost not act in ignorance. As for me, who have all my life eaten my own bread, and nourished others through my labors, I show perhaps a poor spirit, but I have thus gained God's forgiveness.

30. One may ask why this commandment which transcends in importance all others, should be unknown among men.

I think the cause is as follows:

If it were given to laborers to explain the law, they would give it its full extent and meaning. Then all the emperors, kings, and princes would comprehend that the first and most sacred duty is that of laboring with one's hands. Then the lower classes, which are now so oppressed, could take breath, and could carry in their hearts the key of all laws, "Do not covet what belongs to thy neighbor."

31. Those who explain our laws scarcely know what grain is, or how it is produced; thus they