There is false religion, as well as true religion, in the world. There is also false, as well as true humanity. There is a healthful, as well as a morbid sensitiveness, on almost every question which may be mooted, on human relations and obligations. Moderation, candor, and charity, are, therefore, always in good keeping with our position, when any one of these grand subjects is agitated with unusual earnestness and zeal. I, therefore, with all deference to the opinions of others, will attempt to express my own, on the subjects now pressed and pressing upon our attention.
The idea of master and servant, is as old as the Bible, and has existed since the days of Cain and Abel. It was said to Cain, being the first-born of mankind, that if he did well, "he should rule over his brother" Abel, and unto him his brother would look up. The younger shall serve the elder, is one of the most natural and ancient oracles in the world. It was said by the inspired Noah, that Canaan should be a servant to his brethren. From this, I only argue, that the idea of servitude is coeval with society, antediluvian and postdiluvian.
Two thousand years before the Christian era, the patriarchs were generally masters, and some of them great masters, over their fellow-men. Was it voluntary or involuntary, is not now the question. There was a necessity, in the very essence of society, for this relation. Orphans, and unfortunate persons, must be served, and they must serve in return. Such was, and is, and always will be, the irremediable condition of mankind.
It is of the essence of benevolence, that widows, orphans, and the destitute, be provided for; and it is of the essence of justice, that, when practicable, they should voluntarily, or involuntarily, serve in return. But these are only suggestions or reflections, growing
