Page:The American Democrat, James Fenimore Cooper, 1838.djvu/94

88 It is apparent throughout the code of christian morals, that a perfect reciprocity between the duties of social station is nowhere inferred. "Nevertheless," says St. Paul, "let every one of you in particular, so love his wife, even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband." There is an obligation of deference imposed on the wife, that is not imposed on the husband. "Servants be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as unto Christ." By these, and many similar mandates, we perceive that the private duties of station are constantly recognized, and commanded, by the apostles, as well as by the Saviour.

The old abuses of power, with the attendant reaction, have unsettled the publick mind,in many essential particulars, on this important point. Interested men have lent their aid to mislead the credulous and vain, until a confusion in the relations between the different members of society has arisen, that must, more or less, lead to confusion in society itself.

After the direct family relations, come the private duties that are generally connected with station, as between master and servant.

Whoever employs, with the right to command, is a master; and, whoever serves, with an obligation to obey, a servant. These are the broad signification of the two words, and, in this sense they are now used.

It is an imperative obligation on those who command, to be kind in language, however firm, and to use a due consideration in issuing their orders. The greater the duty of those, whose part it is to obey, to comply with all just and reasonable requisitions, or, in other words, to conform to the terms of their service, the greater is the duty of the master to see that he does not exact more than propriety will warrant. On the