Thou the foe hast reconcil'd, One with God, and one with thee. LETTER VII. CHOICE AND MANAGEMENT OF SERVANTS. A MOST important branch of domestic economy, and of female duties! For the broad general principle by which our conduct is to be regulated, we must in this, as in other things, come to "the law and to the testimony;" and, having grasped the principle, must seek to exhibit its workings in the minutest ramifications of our daily practice. Let us turn then to the Bible ;-we shall find that in the Epistle to the Ephesians, immediately after an animated exhortation to servants to do their duty in humility, singleness of heart, faithfulness, piety, and alacrity, the Apostle adds-" And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening; knowing that your Master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him." The duties of masters and servants are evidently reciprocal. In the epistle to the Colossians, we find a brief but most impressive admonition. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." The principle involved in these texts, is of wide and important application; I leave you to follow it out; I am not attempting to write sermons, but letters, and I can only offer you a few general and desultory remarks. "Do unto others as you would they should do unto you," includes, perhaps, all that I have to say, and it would be well if we could act always under the influence of this sweet law of love, and mutual consideration. As it regards the choice of your servants, I would first say, be careful as to whom you admit into your house. In the hundred and first Psalm, that beautiful vow and profession of godliness, David expressly brings this subject forward. "Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house; he that telleth lies, shall not tarry in my sight." The blessing of a pious and faithful servant cannot perhaps be adequately prized;-one, who acknowledging a Master in heaven, the heart of an earthly employer may safely trust. We feel the heavenwide difference between heart-service and eye-service; between the high principle of doing all things to the glory of a heavenly Master, and the low earth-born motive of self-interest in seeking to please an earthly master. The statement of the poet of the Crusades, is true and scriptural; Non v'e fede in uomo che a Dio la nega.' When we are once sensible of the blessing and value of piety, it will be prayed for, and sought for in our domestics. Yet some discretion and judgment are necessary. It is so easy to speak the language of Canaan, and to borrow its outward costume, that we may, by making religion a leading point in our inquiries, be only laying a snare in our fellow-creatures' way, and giving a temptation to lying and hypocrisy. If you find that the candidates for the vacant situations in your family are persons of good moral character, and possess the other necessary qualifications for your service, I do not think that you would be justified in refusing their services, on the ground that you have no reason to believe that they possess the high qualification of real sterling piety. Yet there is one exception to this rule; in a nurse, more especially where the children are very young, piety is as essential, as it is in a governess. In engaging your servants, state briefly but explicitly, the chief duties that will devolve upon them, and what they will be required to do. It is the part of the master and mistress to point out the servants' work; that of the servants to obey the directions given. It is also right to state your practice of having your household assembled at family prayer, and your expectation of seeing your servants morning and evening. If any objection be made to this regulation, you are perfectly justified in declining to receive the individual. You will probably mention also your rule of requiring your servants to attend your own place of worship; and, as Sunday is not unfrequently in worldly families used as a holyday, it is desirable to state that you do not allow any member of your family to visit on the Sabbath, though on other days occasionally, you may be able to give that indulg |