at Rome, and converted him. What then
became of this fugitive slave? Did St. Paul conceal him, or did he
advise him to flee still farther from his master, in order to elude
pursuit and apprehension? Did he say to Onesimus, why brother
Onesimus, you are now a Christian; Philemon, your master is a
Christian; we are all Christians; and one Christian has no right,
under any circumstances, to retain another in bondage? No! Thank God,
St. Paul promulgated no such doctrine. What then did he say to
Onesimus? Go home, and be subject to your master, Philemon. Love him
and serve him, in the singleness of your heart. Do it freely and
cheerfully; without murmuring or repining; and whatever service them
shalt render unto thy master, Philemon, it shall be accounted unto
thee, as service rendered unto the God of heaven. Dear brother
Onesimus, thy condition is now changed; for, whereas Philemon was
formerly thy master; he is now thy master and thy brother, and thou
shalt obey him and love him as such. Go home brother; and here is a
letter I have written to brother Philemon, your master. Onesimus
returns home with this letter in his pocket. Anxious I have no doubt,
to see his good old master. His feelings and views had undergone a
change. He loved his master then; whereas, he formerly hated him, and
fled from his service. No time is lost; he returns home in haste to
his master. They meet. He approaches Philemon and extends his hand,
while tears trickle down his cheeks. Master, (says he to Philemon), I
have been a wicked and unfaithful servant; but thank God, I found St.
Paul at Rome and he has converted me to Christianity; and here is a
letter from brother Paul. And did you see brother Paul, exclaimed
Philemon? Oh! yes, said Onesimus; his countenance lighting up and his
eyes dancing in their sockets for joy. And is dear brother Paul well?
How does he do? Oh! very well master, very well, indeed. Philemon then
proceeds to open the letter, and what does he read therein?

"I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ--unto Philemon, our dearly
beloved brother--Grace to you and peace from God--Hearing of thy love
and faith--Which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus Christ; I beseech
thee for my son, Onesimus, That thou shouldst receive him forever."

Receive him, said St. Paul, not only as a good and faithful servant,
now profitable to thee; but receive him as a brother beloved--an heir
of salvation. Here is clearly set forth the duty of ministers,
ma