15. *But _whatsoever ye do_, that is not contrary to the commands of God, _do it heartily_, ἐκ ψυχῆς _from your soul_, your whole soul, from the bottom of your heart. This naturally results from the _doing it, as unto the_ Lord, and is therefore twice mentioned in the same sentence with it. Whatsoever you do, do it with your might, do it as quick as you can, and as well as you can. Do it at least as well as you would do, if it were for yourself. If you are hired by the day, do as much work in each day as you can. The custom of the trade is nothing to you, nor the example of those that work with you. Do as much to-day as you can without hurting yourself, or disabling you from doing the same to-morrow: and just as much as you would, if it were your own work, or if you were to be paid by the piece. Do the same thing, if you are an houshold-servant; putting forth all your strength, ridding away all the business that you can, and using therein all the understanding which God has given you, in order to do every thing in the most excellent manner, whereof you are capable.
16. These general directions, all servants are to observe, of conscience toward God, and that whether their masters be good or bad, Heathens, (in fact, if not in name) or Christians. For the character of the master, while he is such, does not vacate the duty of the servant. Suppose they are mere Heathens, men that neither love nor fear, nor serve God, (a very possible case even in what we call a Christian country) still _let as many servants as are under the yoke_ (for the service of these is a _yoke_ indeed) _count their own masters worthy of all honour¹_. Tho’ they are unbelieving and unholy, yet in consideration of the place which God has assigned them, for his sake, and in obedience to his appointment, _count them worthy of all_ the _honour_ above described. Pay them all the reverence in your heart, and shew them all that outward respect, both in word and action, _that the name of_ God _and his doctrine be not blasphemed_ by those ungodly men, who would not fail to lay the blame of your neglect, on the religion which you profess. On the other hand, _as many as have faithful masters_, real believers in Christ, let not this administer any pretence, for less exactness in their duty. _Let them not despise them, because they are brethren._ Let them not on this account abate any thing of the inward reverence they owe, or of their outward respect and obedience. _But rather do them service_, observe the preceding directions with regard to them, more earnestly and exactly, _because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit_: enjoying the same communion with God on earth, and looking for the same inheritance in heaven.
¹ 1 Tim. vi. 1.
17. But besides these general ones, there are several particular directions given by the apostle to all Christian servants. As 1. _Be honest, not purloining_, (Tit. ii. 10.) not _secreting_, or privately _keeping back_ any thing for yourself: not taking, using, disposing, or giving away the least thing belonging to thy master, without his leave, without his knowledge and consent first asked and obtained. To do otherwise is no better than plain theft, and cuts off all the pretensions to honesty. Equally dishonest it is to hurt or waste any thing, or to let it be lost thro’ their carelessness or negligence. Whatever therefore your fellow-servants do, keep yourself pure: and let not the custom of the world, but the word of God be the rule of all your actions.
18. Secondly, _Be true_, not barely, tell no willful lie, either to your master or your fellow-servants, but let _all your conversation be in simplicity, and godly sincerity_. Even if you are overtaken in a fault, use no deceit, no equivocating or prevarication to hide it, or to excuse either yourself or any of your fellow-servants, or prevent anger that may ensue. Herein also St. _Peter_ observes, Christ _left you an example, that you might tread in his steps. He_ not only _did_, committed, _no sin, but there was no guile found in his mouth_. Let there be none found in yours: in spite of all temptations to the contrary, _speak the truth from your heart_, and whatever inconveniences spring herefrom, God will turn them all into blessings.