These  facts  should  convince  us  that  the  apostolic  directions  in  the
New  Testament  ought  to  form  the  rules  for  the  government  of  our
conduct  in  this  matter.  If,  after  this,  the  master  is  criminal,  it
cannot  be  by  sustaining  the  relation  of  master,  according  to  the
rules  given  by  divine  inspiration,  but  by  the  violation  of  those  rules*
There  is,  however,  one  passage  of  Scripture  which  not  only  shows
the  criminality  of  abolition  doctrines,  but  also  so  plainly  and  fully
prescribes  our  duty  in  relation  to  them,  that  we  think  it  proper  to
quote  it  at  length.  It  is  in  1st  Timothy,  6th  chapter,  1-5  verses  —
^  Let  as  many  servants  as  are  under  the  yoke  count  their  own  mas-
ters worthy  of  all  honor,  that  the  name  of  God  and  his  doctrine  be
not  blasphemed.  And  they  that  have  believing  masters,  let  them
not  despise  them,  because  they  are  brethren ;  but  rather  do  them
service,  because  they  are  faithful  and  beloved  partakers  of  the
benefit.  These  things  teach  and  exhort.  If  any  man  teach  other-
wiiBy  and  consent  not  to  wholesome  words,  even  the  words  of  our
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  the  doctrine  which  is  according  to  godli-
ness, he  is  proud,  knowing  nothing,  but  doting  about  questions  and
strifes  of  words,  whereof  cometh  envy,  strife,  railings,  evil  sur-
misings,  perverse  disputings  of  men  of  corrupt  minds,  and  destitute
of  the  truth,  supposing  that  gain  is  godliness :  from  such  withdraw
thyself  We  think  it  is  as  plain  as  words  can  make  anything,  that
modern  abolition  principles  and  spirit  constitute  the  case  of  those
men  who  teach  othertviae  than  the  apostle  approves,  and  from  the


S08  ACT  OF  THB  YIBGIKIA  STNOD.
