Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 3.pdf/187

 of the comfort, as well as the instruction, of those who serve?

But there is also another thing to be considered. When one individual is placed by the Providence of the Lord in a state of servitude to another, it is intended that both shall be benefited. The master, by the servant's attention, faithfulness, and care; and the servant, by the example, kindness, and instruction of the master. An illustrious author has observed, that "the life of religion is to do good;" and what can be a more good or useful work for a master, than to instil into the mind of a servant, as well as set before him an example, "To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God?"

A reproof given with kindness, and in a spirit of love, an exhortation properly timed, and enforced by the example of the master and mistress, will be more beneficial than many formal homilies. The master owes to the servant that justice which he himself professes to admire. He cannot, however, expect reverence from a servant, if he be profane himself. He must not imagine his servant will be honest, unless he sets the example of strict integrity. If he is overbearing or intemperate, he cannot expect mildness and temperance. Let him set an example of Christian duty, and he will be of far more value to his servant, than that which results from mere pecuniary benefit,