October Twenty-ninth.
THE DUTIES OF MASTERS AND SERVANTS.
"And ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening? knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."—Eph. vi. 9.
THE very station of Master supposes that the person filling it is superior to the persons whom he employs, in information as well as in power: but at the present day, this is not reflected upon with the seriousness which its importamce demands. Few are the masters and mistresses who set before their servants examples which they may with safety follow. We know not whether we are carrying the illustration too far, in comparing the master to the priest of his own household; but if we are not, it is certain that the neglect of duty in the master is not only the peril of the servant's soul, but the blood of that servant will be required at the master's hand. It is an extreme case, and here we do not press it as an absolute one, but it is not unworthy the reflection of all who have "servants under them." Missionary Societies and Tract Societies exist, and much good unquestionably results from them. There are books inculcating the duties of servants, and giving instructions for the best method for performing those duties, but we know not of any book which inculcates the duty of masters; and yet nothing can be more certain than that each has duties to perform. The servant must be obedient, must be honest, sober, and industrious. Ought the master not to set an example of these virtues? Ought he not to be careful, discreet, temperate, and mindful
