There he perceived that God recognized the relationships of slavery, that the golden rule was enjoined, not to dissolve the relation, but to make it benevolent to all concerned.

He found the Almighty establishing the relation of master and servant among his own chosen people, and decreeing that certain persons might be servants forever, being, as he himself terms them 'an inheritance forever.' "Hereupon, he said, his troubles ceased.

He gave up his speculations and casuistry, and concluded to take things as he found them and to make them better.

He became more than ever the friend and patron of his servants, rendered to them, to the best of his ability that which was just and equal, felt in buying servants and in having them born in his household, somewhat as pastors of churches, he supposed, feel in receiving new members to be trained up for usefulness, here, and for heaven.

He said that he had a hundred and seventy-five servants, and that he doubted whether there was a happier, or more virtuous, or more religious community anywhere.
"'But,' said the young Northern lady, who had recently come to be a teacher in the family where we visited, 'what will become of them when you die ?' "'Why, Miss,' said he, 'what will become of any household when the parents die?
The truth is,' said he, 'I believe in a covenant-keeping God.