in the slightest degree violated. The smallest thing should never be appropriated without permission; "He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much: he that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much." Only a wafer, only a sheet of paper, only a few pins, and a multitude of other small matters, are all only violations of trust which may seriously affect the integrity of a servant.
Violation of truth is a compromise of integrity. The law of God is superior to the law of man, and a servant must obey God rather than man. It is very questionable whether, at the command of a master, a servant ought to be guilty of evasion or falsehood. In the common command given to a servant of, "I am not at home to-day," there is very questionable morality. The servant knows he is evading the truth, but he quiets his conscience with, "It is master's order." If masters require their servants to speak the truth at all times, it is dangerous themselves to set an example of evasion. How much more just would be the instruction—"I am engaged, and must not be interrupted to-day:" or, "I have accounts to investigate, letters to write, which require silence:" or, "I am indisposed, and cannot receive visitors," as the case may be. No sensible person would object to this; the integrity of the servant would not be compromised, and the privacy of the master would not be intruded upon. Let servants think of this, and respectfully remonstrate with their employers if induced to violate it.
Be faithful in your service, labour as diligently and cheerfully in the absence as in the presence of the master, for this is the purpose of the apostolic advice: You are to do your duty, "not with eye-service, as
