We will quote the passages usually adduced to prove that it is the duty of some men to be slaves, and of others to be slaveholders. "Servants, be obedient to them that are _your_ masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." Eph. 6: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. "Servants, obey in all things _your_ masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God." Col. 3: 22. "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and _his_ doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise _them_, because they are brethren; but rather do _them_ service, because they are faithful and beloved partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort." 1st Tim. 6: 1, 2. "_Exhort_ servants to be obedient unto their own masters, _and_ to please _them_ well in all _things_; not answering again; not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." Titus, 2: 9, 10. "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." Col. 4: 1. We will inquire in the first place whether these passages teach that it is the duty of some persons to be _slaves_. And it may be remarked that if a class of human beings _ought_ to sustain this horrible relation, the law requiring them to do so, should be written in the plainest possible manner. If any one should claim _me_ and _my_ family as slaves, upon a pretense that God had authorized our enslavement, I would demand a warrant for so terrible a degradation, which no reasonable man could question. Let us see whether the scriptures cited prove _unquestionably_ that to live in a state of slavery is a duty which God requires.