Their treatment depended, as it does now, on the temper of their masters.

The power of the master over the slave was, for a long time, that of _life and death_.

Horrible cruelties at length mitigated it.

In the apostle's day, it was at least as great as among us.
After all the spouting and vehemence on this subject, which have been exhibited, the _good old Book_ remains the same.

Paul's conduct and advice are still safe guides.