5. If the sacred writers above quoted had intended to address slaves, they would, in the first place, have done so plainly by _calling_ them slaves. In the second place the directions would have been applicable to persons in a state of slavery. As to the terms used in the directions, we have seen that they do not apply properly to slaves; and the directions themselves afford proof that they were given to persons who were not chattel slaves. The advice and exhortations imply freedom from _absolute authority_ and a power of choice not compatible with slavery. They are exhorted to perform service "AS THE SERVANTS OF CHRIST, DOING THE WILL OF GOD FROM THE HEART." That is, they were to be actuated by the highest motives, and were not to toil as the servants of men, but of God. Again, they are advised not to "DESPISE" their masters. Such directions have no pertinence, if addressed to human chattels. To whom then were they addressed? We answer, to voluntary laborers or servants who received a compensation for their work. The relations of servant and master or laborer and employer are necessary, legitimate and honorable relations. All men have not the skill to acquire or manage capital, and capital is essential to the accomplishment of great enterprises, to the march of improvement, and the progress of civilization. Capital invested in railroads, canals, machinery, factories, ships, merchandise, etc., requires many laborers to manage it; and the directions we are considering require that those laborers be honest, faithful, pleasant, and industrious in the discharge of the duties they engage to perform. And even though an employer be not a very good man, as is often the case with men of capital, christian servants or laborers are instructed to attend to their duties in the fear of God and in a manner that will recommend to those employers the religion which they profess. Yea, though servants have an engagement with a hard-hearted, overbearing, abusive heathen master, the apostles would have them perform their part, with the utmost fidelity, suffering "_wrongfully_" if need be, for the sake of Christ. These directions are judicious, and their observance would work to the advantage of laborers in all countries. Now it is clear that those scriptures do not teach unquestionably that it is the duty of some persons to be slaves. If the apostles had said, "slaves be obedient to your masters for you are their _property_ and they have a right to you and all you can earn, _because_ you are property," then the matter would have been settled. Then we should admit that _some_ men ought to be slaves, but upon the heels of this admission would follow a question very difficult to settle viz: _Who is to obey_ the command to be a slave? How is it to be determined who shall become a human chattel and who the owner of said chattel?