Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1838-05-12

IndTuly DC DelleVeu3 tIat tnelr dellDcrate
opinions and earnest recommendations can
be without effect. Our chief dependence
after all, however, must be upon PUBLIC O.
lpINIoN; but we, have too much confidence
in the truth and Justice of our cause TO en-
terrain a doubt Of our success, if every
member Of this assembly will regard it as
his own PERSONAL coNcERN,--as well rs a
sacred duty which he owes to himself, his
posterity and his country,---to use his ut
most efforts to advance the great work.
Judging from the past, we have no cause
10 distttst the future. Six months ago
the first meeting took place at Augusta.
1t was composed of 80 members represent
ing two States and one Territory. Now
we have five States and one Territory re-
presented by 1870 members. The proceed
ings of that Assembly have gone abroad,
and wherever they have been received,
produced a powerful influence on public o.
pinion, of which we have the most crafty
ing evidence in the Legislation of several
States on one Of their recommendations,
and the increased interest every where felt
in the subject of their deliberations.
Thus encouraged, we should go on in
that confidence, which a good cause should
never fail to inspire. But to secure sue
cess, we must be prepared TO make the ne
cessary efforts. Of one thing we may be
assured, that this great victory cannot be
easily achieved. 1t is the order of wise
and beneficent providence tina: nothing
truly great or good, can be attained with
out pains or labor.
This, is the price which must be paid to
secure success; and if we are not prepar-
ed to make the necessary exertions, we
must yield the prize. Nor can our nigh
ty work be accomplished in a day. All
essential changes in the condition Of
country; must be worked out by slow de-
grees. We may be assured, that nothing
short Of a high resolve,-which no oppos-
ition can move; devoted zeal, proof a
gainst all discouragements, and an untiring
perseverance, which shall rise superior to
all difficulties, can enable us, to work out
Our "political salvation" Let US not de-
ceive ourselves then. with the vain belief,
that our progress in this work will be ev-
snfi,Us' br uuI JvrnrI anu the CUruIal sup
port of our fellow citizens. Conscious
that we are actuated by the purcst mo-
tives, and that "al the ends we aim at,
are our country's" we must nevertheless
be prepared for all manner of opposition.
The measures we propose come into con-
fiict with too many deeply rooted preju-
dices, and too many adverse interests, 10
enable us to hope, that even our motives
shall escape detractiOn, and our purposes
misrepresentation. We have those a.
round us, whose prospects in life, in
great measure depend upon the defeat Of
our plans. A large portion Of the Union,
which always has exerted and still exerts,
almost controlling influence upon public
opinion, at home and abroad, will be rous-
ed into action, to deprive US Of public con-
fidence, and to drive US from our course.
We shall be ridiculed, as the supporters Of
wild Utopian theories; as visionary enthu-
siasts, wasting their strength in the pur-
suit ofimpracticable schemes We shall
be charged with ungenerous prejudces,
and unkind feelings, towards our Northern
Brethren, Feelings which are strangers to
our bosoms, 81that stale though polenIslan
der, will be revived, Of HOSTILITY TO THE
UNION. Now, if in the consciousness of
rectitude, we are not fully prepared to en-
counter ALL THIS, and MoRE,--ifwe are not
unalterably determined, to go on in our
course, ''through good report, and through
evil report,"-if we are not firmly and UNI
changeably resolved, to trample down all
opposition--it would be better that we
should stop here, and attempt to advance
no further. These difficulties are thus
fairly stated, not for your discouragement,
but that we may be fully prepared to meet
them. If we are true to ourselves, we
shall most assuredly triumph over all OBJ
stacles. The high character, intelligence,
and influence, which compose this Conven
ton, properly and zealously exerted, CAN
NEVER BE PUT DOWN. II is as certain as
the rising of the morrow's sun, that we
shall achieve the emancipation Of the
South and South West five are only pre-
pared to make the efforts necessary to the
accomplishment Of the good work. We
shall live down the ISLANDERS of our enc
mics, and in the rich fruits Of "a noble and
peaceful victory, will find our best reward.
The peculiar institutions Of the South will
be fortified g. strengthened, 1.-The streams
OF a rich and varied commerce will fertil-
ize our soil; while diversified pursuits will
stimulate the industry, add to our wealth,
enlarge the minds, and improve the char
acter Of our people. Civilization and re-
finement,--the handmaids Of virtue,--will
ndorn our land /; and the GREAT TRUTH will
be seen, and felt, and acknowledged, that
of all the social conditions ofman, the most
favorable to the development of the car
dinal virtues of the heart and the noblest
faculties Of the soul,--to the promotion OF