“SO THAT YE ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE.”

Among the lessons of instruction which our Savior imparted, having a general bearing on the subject of slavery, that in which he sets up the true standard of greatness, deserves particular attention.  In repressing the ambition of his disciples, he held up before them the methods by which alone healthful aspirations for eminence could be gratified, and thus set the elements of true greatness in the clearest light.  “Ye know, that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles, exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.  But so shall it not be among you; but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister; and whosoever of you will be chiefest, shall be servant of all.”  In other words, through the selfishness and pride of mankind, the maxim widely prevails in the world, that it is the privilege, prerogative, and mark of greatness, TO EXACT SERVICE; that our superiority to others, while it authorizes us to relax the exertion of our own powers, gives us a fair title to the use of theirs; that “might,” while it exempts us from serving, “gives the right” to be served.  The instructions of the Savior open the way to greatness for us in the opposite direction.  Superiority to others, in whatever it may consist, gives us a claim to a wider field of exertion, and demands of us a larger amount of service.  We can be great only as we are useful.  And “might gives right” to bless our fellow men, by improving every opportunity and employing every faculty, affectionately, earnestly, and unweariedly, in their service.  Thus the greater the man, the more active, faithful, and useful the servant.

The Savior has himself taught us how this doctrine must be applied.  He bids us improve every opportunity and employ every power, even, through the most menial services, in blessing the human family.  And to make this lesson shine upon our understandings and move our hearts, he embodied it in a most instructive and attractive example.  On a memorable occasion, and just before his crucifixion, he discharged for his disciples the most menial of all offices—­taking, in washing their feet, the place of the lowest servant.  He took great pains to make them understand, that only by imitating this example could they honor their relations to him as their Master; that thus only would they find themselves blessed.  By what possibility could slavery exist under the influence of such a lesson, set home by such an example? Was it while washing the disciples’ feet, that our Savior authorized one man to make a chattel of another?