subjects wholly or partly secular, would have a charm for them. These
supplied that lack of warmth which they were conscious of as to
religion; their church-meeting, no doubt, seemed to them dull, unless a
subject was introduced which gave opportunity for discussion, and for
things which gendered debate, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings,
evil surmisings.

"The result of the conference on the part of the Laodicean Committee
with the Colossian Church was, that a general meeting was appointed to
discuss the subject of the return of Onesimus into slavery. It was a
private session of members of the two churches. They claimed the
privilege as Christians of discussing any question relating to the
government and the laws, taking care that no spies were present; still,
with all their precautions, false brethren made trouble for them by
giving private information to the civil authorities against some of
their number, whom they disliked; and this led to some oppression and
persecution.

"But the meeting was fully attended. Two members of the church who were
faithful servants to slave-holding brethren were set to guard the doors.
The slaves were allowed to be present and listen to the discussion. This
was carried after much debate, some contending that it would expose the
Christians to just reprehension from the civil authorities; and others
maintaining that it would do the slaves good to hear such doctrines
advanced and enforced as would be quoted from the Apostle relating to
masters and servants.

"The discussion was opened by a brother from Laodicea, an office-bearer
in the church, a private citizen, devoted to study, and an author of
some repute. He was formerly odist at the festivals of Cybele. His
pieces were collected and published under the title of 'Phrygian
Canticles.' His name was Olamus.

"He took the ground that Christianity abrogated slavery. He quoted the
well known words of Paul, so familiar to all who had heard him preach:
'In Christ Jesus there is neither Jew nor Greek, barbarian, Scythian,
bond nor free; but all are one in Christ.' 'The Spirit of the Lord is
upon me because he hath sent me to preach deliverance to the captives,
the opening of the prison doors to them that are bound.' 'Whatsoever ye
would that men should do unto you, do you even so to them.'

"He maintained that to own a fellow-creature was inconsistent with this
law of equal love; that it was giving sanction to a feature of
barbarism;