PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

Slavery. 161
that good usage is thrown away upon low and or·
dinary minds; that they are insensible of kindness,
and incapable of gratitude. If by '~low and ordina.
ry minds" are meant the mind$ of men in low and
ordinary stations, they. seem to be a1fected by benefits
in the same way that all others are, and to be no less
ready to requite them: and it would be a very unaccountable
law of nature if it were otherwise.
Whatever uneasiness we occasion to our domestics,
which neither promotes our service, nor answers the
just end:: of punishment, is manifestly wrong; were
it only upon the general principle of diminis~ing the
sum of human happiness.
By which rule we are forbidden,
1. To enjoin unnecessary labour or confinement,
from the mere love and wantonness. of domination.
2. To insult our servants by Ilarsh, scornful, or
opprobrious language.
s. To refuse them any harmless pleasures.
And by the same principle are also forbidden causeless
or immoderate anger, habitual peevisbness, and
groundless suspicion. ~
CHAPTER III.
SLA.VERY.
THE prohibitions of the last Chal-lter extend
to the treatment of slaves, being founded upon a
principle independent of the contract between masters
and servallts.
I define slavery to be " an obligation to labour for
the benefit of the master, without the contract or
consent of tIle servant."
This obligation may arise, consistently with the law
of nat'Jre, frolu three cause8: .