A leading signification gives us the manual laborer, to whom, in the division of labor, muscular exertion was allotted.  As in his exertions the bodily powers are especially employed—­such powers as belong to man in common with mere animals—­his sphere has generally been considered low and humble.  And as intellectual power is superior to bodily, the manual laborer has always been exposed in very numerous ways and in various degrees to oppression.  Cunning, intrigue, the oily tongue, have, through extended and powerful conspiracies, brought the resources of society under the control of the few, who stood aloof from his homely toil.  Hence his dependence upon them.  Hence the multiplied injuries which have fallen so heavily upon him.  Hence the reduction of his wages from one degree to another, till at length, in the case of millions, fraud and violence strip him of his all, blot his name from the record of mankind, and, putting a yoke upon his neck, drive him away to toil among the cattle. Here you find the slave.  To reduce the servant to his condition, requires abuses altogether monstrous—­injuries reaching the very vitals of man—­stabs upon the very heart of humanity.  Now, what right has Professor Stuart to make the word “servants,” comprehending, even as manual laborers, so many and such various meanings, signify “slaves,” especially where different classes are concerned?  Such a right he could never have derived from humanity, or philosophy, or hermeneutics.  It is his by sympathy with the oppressor?

Yes, different classes.  This is implied in the term “as many,"[48] which sets apart the class now to be addressed.  From these he proceeds to others, who are introduced by a particle,[49] whose natural meaning indicates the presence of another and a different subject.

  [Footnote 48:  [Greek:  Ochli] See Passow’s Schneider.]

  [Footnote 49:  [Greek:  Dd.] See Passow.]

2.  The first class are described as “under the yoke”—­a yoke from which they were, according to the apostle, to make their escape if possible.[50] If not, they must in every way regard the master with respect—­bowing to his authority, working his will, subserving his interests so far as might be consistent with Christian character.[51] And this, to prevent blasphemy—­to prevent the pagan master from heaping profane reproaches upon the name of God and the doctrines of the gospel.  They should beware of rousing his passions, which, as his helpless victims, they might be unable to allay or withstand.

  [Footnote 50:  See 1 Cor. vii, 21—­[Greek:  All’ ei kai dunasai
   eleuphoros genesthai].]

  [Footnote 51:  See 1 Cor. vii, 23—­[Greek:  Mae ginesthe doulos
   anthroton].]