The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-01-30

Ion in this town on the lin INST Wo were request
oa 70 nubIish the following communication address
ed to the meetng;-l
Tothc Caledonia County Anti SIavery Con0ention!
Being prevented by illness, from attending the
County Anti-Slavery Convention holden this day at
g. Johnsbury, and feeling a deep interest in its
measures, take the liberty to send by letter few
thoughts which may testify TO my love for the cause,
and perhaps afford profitable contemplation to breth
rem present
My heart is with YOU 1t CLOVIS in every sont-
ment of rational liberty that falls from your lips 1t
reoices the thought that you assembled by an
attachment to immortal principles; that you advo-
cate the of right, of human worth, and uni
versal freedom; that you defend the press from the
fury of brute force; the liberty of speech, and right
of petition from an influence that would silence
every tongue, and suppress every prayer on which
the sound of freedom fingers; and in which ITS pure
spirit broathes.
The present is peculiar crisis. 1t demands our
devoted interest, our most prudent, but dccided
effort. The enemy assumes so many forms OF OPP
posilion,-no pouring the torrent OF his powers
upon rghtu and Conscientious petition, anon fall
nrn murderous fury upon the liberty Of the press;
to day. charging upon Us the guilt of tonatlcsm, to-
morrow, of willful and determined destruction to
Union ana government; meeting US at one liHle
with the authority Of law at another, the suprema
cy of the mob; that need to maintain steady
adherence to principle, and preserve constant
guard against any manifestation that prejudice and
hatred can convert against u.s. There is certainly
dangeri in our midst The strife Of opposing princ-
pies has become serious and decided. Human
pride and blindness have reached extreme that
may well startle The true principles of ration
a., rI,o.
tment of account liability which finds natural resi-
dence in every healthy moral nature, is driven away
The tide of influence seems to acknowledge no law
but that of force. Virtue is starving, whilst vice is
fed. Religion finds but few unyeding defenders
and mourns that her affairs cold and her temples
of praise desolate Patriotism is identified with
wild and unmeaning passion; and ruler and subject
the land over, seem TO be hurrying blindIy to ruin
Our respect for existing institutions has become
idolatry, and forgetting that is susceptible OF
improvement, we imagine that the wisdom of a
vanished age must be the model for the present;
that principles our Fathers did not advocate in all
their bearings, must not be urged by their children
We are threatened by evils numerous, and yet
so connected by invisible and latent afinitcs that
it is difficult to determine upon which should lal
the heaviest blow. That they must all be met, we
important inquiries. These enquiries, far as they
regard their o,cn views and conduct, the friends of
abolition profess to have settled. But there is after
M danger that we be influenced by tho peculiar
sentiment Of class in community, to wit; that gen.
ero principles eoW most efectnaly correct particular
indiridual voIations. This opinion may result
from the difficulty Of anal lying, and isolang
that 1t may be met its individual standing; OF
from desire accOnnljsil. the O overthrow
Of all systems and combinations Of iniquity, ant
thus in the general wreck to behold the destrucuof
Of its ports, whatever be HE occasion of its eXis
Icuce it is dangerous, ard should find no counte
nance by associations. Not that would dis
suade the inculcaton fgencral pioty; by no means
Every lover CT righteousness should preach the
great and glorious principle of Divine Truth. The
heart of man cannot too often feel the weight o
such principles. They cannot be too often or too
mpressively urged upon his regards; but this is no
sufficient. 1t is not in accordance with apostolic
example The power of the Gospel in order t.
be felt must be brought to bear upon individual sins
And it is remarkable that the commands, and pre-
oept of scripture although universal in their app
cation, are yet personal and direct. EThou shall
not kill" Except ye repent
If we would assail the system of Slavery with
success, must meet it with the direct principle
of its sinfulness, and consequent danger~ Our first
great aim must be the awakening Of CONSCIENCE
God has wisely given this attribute to his fallen
creatures that he may have in every heart witness
of the right. Whilst then those who do not Join
hands with us in this cause, advocate the plausible
doctrine above mentioned, let us go beyond them
and descend TO detail. Let oppose iniquity no,
only in It's systematic presentation, but its indvdu
al characteristics.
Another danger, common to growing associa
tons, and one which threatens own, is dsun
ion. Ii is not improbable that many have entered
ranks who not prepared to welcome all oul
principles and measures They may be conscien
in their differences, and have at heart the wei
fare of cause; but we should not conide in tLai
views SO far as to sanction any modification not ac
cording with our strict principles. The recent I'M
successful ATTEMPT 10 divide our ranks and ell ect