This may always be
necessary for the highest welfare of all concerned. But the history of
this relationship in connection with our human nature has been such, to
a great extent, that we associate with it only the idea of pillage,
oppression, cruelty. Already there are cases without number in which no
such idea would ever be suggested to a spectator, and they will increase
in proportion as Christianity prevails. There is more real 'freedom' in
thousands of these cases of nominal slavery than in thousands who are
nominally free. How did it happen that the Hebrew servant, who chose to
stay with his master rather than leave his wife and children, was not
made nominally free, and apprenticed or hired? Why was his ear bored,
and perpetual relations secured between him and his master?"
"For the master's security, I presume," said Mr. North.
"I should say," said I, "for the mutual benefit of both. The master then
became responsible for him; his support was a lien on his estate, the
children must always be responsible for his maintenance. The awl made its
record in the master's door-post, as well as in the servant's ear.
"Now, suppose," said I, "that God chooses to supply this nation with
menial servants to the end of time.
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