He could not lawfully and properly temporize with a _malum in se_, ("that which is in itself sin.") If any one doubts, let him take the case of Paul's sending Onesimus back to Philemon, with an apology for his running away, and sending him back to be his servant for life.

The relation did exist, may exist.

The _abuse_ of it is the essential and fundamental wrong.

Not that the theory of slavery is in itself right.

No; "Love thy neighbor as thyself," "Do unto others that which ye would that others should do unto you," decide against this.