Finally, even if forever did refer to the length of individual service, we have ample precedents for limiting the term by the jubilee.  The same word is used to define the length of time for which those Jewish servants were held, who refused to go out in the seventh year.  And all admit that their term of service did not go beyond the jubilee.  Ex. xxi. 2-6; Deut. xv. 12-17.

The 23d verse of the same chapter is quoted to prove that “forever” in the 46th verse, extends beyond the jubilee. “The land shall not be sold FOREVER, for the land is mine”—­as it would hardly be used in different senses in the same general connection.  In reply, we repeat that forever respects the duration of the general arrangement, and not that of individual service.  Consequently, it is not affected by the jubilee; so the objection does not touch the argument.  But it may not be amiss to show that it is equally harmless against any other argument drawn from the use of forever in the 46th verse,—­for the word there used, is Olam, meaning throughout the period, whatever that may be.  Whereas in the 23d verse, it is Tsemithuth, meaning cutting off, or to be cut off.

III.  “INHERITANCE AND POSSESSION.”—­“Ye shall take them as an INHERITANCE for your children after you to inherit them for a possession.”  This refers to the nations, and not to the individual servants, procured from these nations.  We have already shown, that servants could not be held as a property-possession, and inheritance; that they became servants of their own accord, and were paid wages; that they were released by law from their regular labor nearly half the days in each year, and thoroughly instructed; that the servants were protected in all their personal, social, and religious rights, equally with their masters, &c.  Now, truly, all remaining, after these ample reservations, would be small temptation, either to the lust of power or of lucre.  What a profitable “possession” and “inheritance!” What if our American slaves were all placed in just such a condition!  Alas, for that soft, melodious circumlocution, “Our PECULIAR species of property!” Truly, emphasis is cadence, and euphony and irony have met together!

What eager snatches at mere words, and bald technics, irrespective of connection, principles of construction, Bible usages, or limitations of meaning by other passages—­and all to eke out such a sense as accords with existing usages and sanctifies them, thus making God pander for their lusts.  Little matter whether the meaning of the word be primary or secondary, literal or figurative, provided it sustains their practices.