[33]
Brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee, thou shalt not compel him to serve as a Bond-servant. This is expressly against making Slaves of any of our poor Brethren, or compeling them to serve as Bond-servants. If thy Brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, are the words of the verse; the poor Africans who fall into the hands of the Men-wolves that prowl on their coasts, are obliged to serve their lifetime, and their children after them: This is being Bond-men with a witness, and as we have great reason to believe they are poor enough when they steal them, they are kept so forever after, not having means to make a penny themselves. The Africans will be understood, if not primarily intended, to be the people mentioned in this text! It is said, Thy Brother who dwelleth by thee: When they are in Africa it is certain they are at a great distance; but when they come to America or the West-Indies they then dwell by us; therefore I think, from the above citations, no person can buy these people, and oblige them and their children to serve as Slaves, without incuring the displeasure of God and his punishments for disobeying his just commands.
It may be added, as in v. 42d of the same chap. For they are my servants, which I brought
forth
