And ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening.
Treatment of servants
Aparty of friends setting out together upon a journey, soon find it to be the best for all sides that while they are upon the road one of the company should wait upon the rest; another ride forward to seek out lodging and entertainment; a third carry the portmanteau: a fourth take charge of the horses; a fifth bear the purse, conduct and direct the route; not forgetting, however, that, as they were equal and independent when they set out, so they are all to return to a level again at their journey’s end. The same regard and respect; the same forbearance, lenity, and reserve, in using their service; the same mildness in delivering commands; the same study to make their journey comfortable and pleasant, which he whose lot it was to direct the rest would in common decency think himself bound to observe towards them, ought we to show to those who, in the casting of the parts of human society, happen to be placed within our power, or to depend upon us. (Archdeacon Paley.)
Masters
I. Their station--one of relative superiority--limited and temporary.
II. Their duty--they must be just--kind--forbearing threatenings.
III. Their responsibility--to Christ their Master in heaven, who judges without partiality. (Dr. J. Lyth.)
Kindness to servants
The celebrated Earl of Chesterfield left, by his will, legacies to all his menial servants, equal to two years’ wages each, considering them “as his unfortunate friends, equal by birth, and only inferior by fortune.” John Claude, when on his dying bed, thus addressed his son, who, with an old servant, was kneeling before him--“Be mindful of this domestic; as you value my blessing, take care that she wants nothing as long as she lives.” (Baxendale’s Anecdotes.)
Forbearing threatening
Once, when a very young girl, I was impressed by the manner and words of a good woman. She sat swaying back and forth with a puzzled look on her sweet face. She was thinking how to get rid of a petty annoyance. Arising, she rang the bell. A servant entered in a noisy way. “Sarah, you may sit down.” The girl threw herself sullenly on a chair, averting her face. “I am sorry to have to find fault in you, Sarah.” “O, yet needn’t be, for I’m quite used to hearin’ yer scold.” “I don’t think I have ever scolded you. I try to watch myself against that sin. Have I ever scolded you?” “Well, ma’am, not to say ravin’ scoldin’ as some do, but yer tells me things and makes me ashamed of meself.” “I want to be kind to you, poor girl, for you are a stranger in a strange land. I was going to ask you to try and be more pleasant to the children. It is now a whole week since a smile has been seen on your face. Now, must I lose my good girl or keep her?” Sarah looked down, and said: “I think, ma’am, if I do me work well, I might look grave-like if it suits me.” “Don’t you see my little girl will catch your sullen ways. No, Sarah, you must be a cheerful, pleasant girl if you are to stay; and now I want you to decide it for me.” “I’ll stay, ma’am.” And as the tears filled her eyes, she added: “Ye’s are the best mistress in the wide world.” Years passed, and Sarah remained a cheerful servant till a wise boy took her for a wife, and many tears fell for the loss of the faithful servant. Who shall count the value of words fitly spoken? (Christian Globe.)
