Much has been said and written about slavery as an evil—­a curse—­a misfortune, &c.  It is admitted on all hands that slavery is an evil; but it would be well for those who undertake to propose remedies for it, first to ascertain wherein the evil consists; or in other words, what are the circumstances which give rise to it.  It is essential to the success in medical practice, that the physician correctly understands the disease which he proposes to treat.  I have shown in the preceding Chapter that slavery originated in sin; or otherwise, that Ham entailed it on his posterity by violating the laws of God.  The evils of slavery, to the present day, originate in the same cause, viz, a violation of God’s commands; a failure on the part of masters and servants to comply with the requisitions of the Holy Bible.  It is disobedience to God’s commands, that makes slavery an evil and a curse.  The curse of slavery originates in the disobedience of slaves, and the cruelty of masters.  “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters—­masters give unto your servants that which is just and equal.”  Here, in a sentence of twenty words, the Apostle Paul prescribes a remedy for the evils of slavery, a remedy too, that has never failed—­a remedy that will remove the curse of slavery; and under some circumstances, make it a blessing to both masters and servants.  A compliance on the part of masters and servants with the requisitions of God’s word, will disarm slavery of all its evils and terrors.  It will bring peace and consolation to masters and servants.  Herein is manifest, the wisdom and goodness of God.  When the gospel was first promulgated slavery existed in the world, in a form, no doubt, which made it a sore evil—­a grievous curse.  The cries of the oppressed had come up before the throne of God.  He was moved with compassion for masters and servants.  Go, said He, to his beloved son, to yonder world, and remove the curse of slavery.  Instruct servants to love and obey their masters, to serve them freely and cheerfully—­without murmuring or repining—­and to be content with their lot.  Instruct masters to give unto their servants that which is just and equal.  To never loose sight, in the treatment of their slaves, of the great principles of love, justice and humanity.

Jesus Christ and his apostles went forth to preach the gospel of peace and glad tidings.  Their object was to confer the largest possible amount of happiness on the bond and free, that they were capable of enjoying under the circumstances.  The gospel contemplated the present happiness of the human race, as well as their future interests.  It had no design of detracting anything from the happiness of masters or servants; on the contrary, it contemplated the augmentation of the happiness of all who should be brought under its influence.  Slavery existed.  Masters were cruel and oppressive, and slaves were disobedient.  This condition of slavery made it a sore evil—­a grievous calamity, to both masters and servants.