his relation to Philemon, had been far from attractive, and he seems to have left him without repairing the wrongs he had done him or paying the debts which he owed him.  At Rome, by the blessing of God upon the exertions of the apostle, he was brought to reflection and repentance.

5.  In reviewing his history in the light of Christian truth, he became painfully aware of the injuries he had inflicted on Philemon.  He longed for an opportunity for frank confession and full restitution.  Having, however, parted with Philemon on ill terms, he knew not how to appear in his presence.  Under such embarrassments, he naturally sought sympathy and advice of Paul. His influence upon Philemon, Onesimus knew must be powerful, especially as an apostle.

6.  A letter in behalf of Onesimus was therefore written by the apostle to Philemon.  After such salutations, benedictions, and thanksgiving as the good character and useful life of Philemon naturally drew from the heart of Paul, he proceeds to the object of the letter.  He admits that Onesimus had behaved ill in the service of Philemon; not in running away, for how they had parted with each other is not explained; but in being unprofitable and in refusing to pay the debts[32] which he had contracted.  But his character had undergone a radical change.  Thenceforward fidelity and usefulness would be his aim and mark his course.  And as to any pecuniary obligations which he had violated, the apostle authorized Philemon to put them on his account.[33] Thus a way was fairly opened to the heart of Philemon.  And now what does the apostles ask?

7.  He asks that Philemon would receive Onesimus, How?  “Not as a servant, but above a servant."[34] How much above?  Philemon was to receive him as “a son” of the apostle—­“as a brother beloved”—­nay, if he counted Paul a partner, an equal, he was to receive Onesimus as he would receive the apostle himself.[35] So much above a servant was he to receive him!

8.  But was not this request to be so interpreted and complied with as to put Onesimus in the hands of Philemon as “an article of merchandise,” CARNALLY, while it raised him to the dignity of a “brother beloved,” SPIRITUALLY?  In other words, might not Philemon consistently with the request of Paul have reduced Onesimus to a chattel, as A MAN, while he admitted him fraternally to his bosom, as a CHRISTIAN?  Such gibberish in an apostolic epistle!  Never.  As if, however to guard against such folly, the natural product of mist and moonshine, the apostle would have Onesimus raised above a servant to the dignity of a brother beloved, “BOTH IN THE FLESH AND IN THE LORD;"[36] as a man and Christian, in all the relations, circumstances, and responsibilities of life.

[Footnote 31:  Philemon, 18.]

[Footnote 32:  Verse 11, 18.]

[Footnote 33:  Verse 18.]