MASTERS AND SERVANTS by A. Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 25, 1877

MASTERS AND SERVANTS.

By A. Smith

The term servant, as now used, evidently does not imply the abject servitude that it did in the days of the apostles, being modified by surrounding circumstances.

The domestic generally has a place at the family board, and shares the freedom

of the social domestic circle. She may honor her calling, and command respect.

But now, as formerly, there are families who are selfish and exacting toward their domestics, never caring for their well being either physically, socially, or morally; forgetting that the God of Heaven knows it all, and will render a just recompense for their sin.

In such families, the servant, if she be sensitive, has a hard lot to endure; away from the dear home circle, among strangers, tired and sick in body, and discouraged in spirit, she toils on for a mere pittance. Perhaps she is a child of God, and sighs for a higher sphere of action where she can render more perfect service to her Saviour. But the precious word of God addresses her where she is with the sweet assurance, that, if her humble services are performed with carefulness, as if under the scrutiny of holy angels, and as unto the Lord, it will be so accepted; and the way may be opened for more extended usefulness. See Eph. 6:5-8; Titus 2:9, 10.

The term servants as used in the Bible, we believe, applies not only to those who are such by calling, but also to those who perform service for a limited time as by the day, by the job, or by the piece, so far at least as strict integrity is concerned in the performance of the work. If work is slighted or time wasted, the fact must be noted by the recording angel; and as we are commanded to do “all as unto the Lord,” “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” &c., a failure here must be a moral wrong.

It has been well said that “whatsoever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.”

He who is a bungler about his work, and lacks order, will carry the same principles into his religious life.

The master or employer should not be too exacting of his employees, lest he displease the Lord, who identifies himself with his humble followers, and in the final award declares, “Ye did it unto me.” See Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1; Phil. 10, 21; Matt. 18:6, 10. A. Smith.