Year: 1860

Among the books of the New Testa-
lament there is short letter, written en-
tirely on private subject, and having
no reference to the proof or elucidation of
any doctrinal truth; which yet has it's
place in the Sacred Canon unquestioned
from any quarter, and has been always
understood as designed by the Holy
Ghost for the General edifcation of the
Church. From the nature of the subject
of which it treats, it attracts little atten-
ton from the general reader. Yet, since
it exhibits an example how Christian
Apostle behaved under certain peculiar
circumstances, which circumstances have
become our own in every essential par
ticular, we naturally recur to it for in
struction. There is this advantage in an
example over precept: the example for
instance, interprets the precept, and solves
whatever there may be doubtful in it, ii
there be reasonable ground for doubt
When we see the rule actually applied in
q particular case; when we see a man like
st. Paul, acting under the inspiration of
the Holy Ghost, doing in his own per-
son precisely that which is in accordance
with his public teaching, we have a prac-
tical illustration of his meaning; and we
know and feel that we are doing right
when, under parallel circumstances, we
act as he did. One might almost sup
pose that the Providence OF God has an
ticipated the very crisis in which this
country is now placed, and had caused
this comparatively unheeded letter to be
written as a guide to Christian conscience
now.


Philemon was citizen of Colosse, in
Asia Minor, and evidently a man OF
wealth and consideration in his own city
But that of which it principally concerns
us now to speak, is the esteem in which
he was held by such man as ST. Paul
He had been converted by that Apostle to
the Christian faith; he is commended for
his Glove and faith towards the Lord Je-
sus. and towards all saints" St. Paul
calls him "our dearly beloved and fellow
laborer," whom he always mentioned in
his prayers" and in whose Glove he had
great Joy and consideration" because,
says he, "the bowels of the earth are re-
freshed by thee, brother" We may look
in vain through all the Epistles for a sim
liar instance of tender friendship and
personal esteem for man in the private
walks of life. Many such are indeed
mentioned with distinguished honor; but
no one of them has been handed down to
us so richly embalmed d-so consecrated
hy the dear affection of "the chielest of the
Apostles" as Philemon of Colosse.


Philemon was STAKEHOLDER.


One of his slaves, Onesimus, escaped
from his bonds and found his way to
Rome where St. Paul then was, an hon
orable prisoner within limits, but allowed
to exercise the ministry. There, Onesi-
mus hears the Apostle preach, and is con,
verted to the faith of Christ. He seeks
an interview with the Apostle, whom he
had probably known at the house of his
master in former days; confesses to him
that he is fugitive, and solicits his coun'
sci.


A case is now presented, in which al
the circumstances concur to bring't to @
decision, and before competent tribunal
the rights and duties of all concerned
The decision we have in the following
passage, in the letter of st. Paul to Phil
emon: ....''


II beseech thee for my son Onesimus
whom l have begotten in my bonds
which in time past was to thee unproft'
able, but now profitable to thee and to
me; whom have sent again thou there
fore, receive him, that is mine own bow,
els whom l would have retained with me
that, in thy stead, he might have minis
tered unto Elm the bonds of the Gospel
But without thy mind would do moth,
ing"


The essential facts brought to our no
tice in this epistle, so far as they concern
our present purpose, are these:


One of the best and most exemplary Of
Christian men, and the bosom friend o.