The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-02-16
Equality of Rights.


We set it down as an omen for good, that the
editor of the Vermont Mercury, whoever he may
be, has ventured upon the discussion of human
rights, albeit he appears in belligerent attitude
The editor comes forward as censor of that kind
of ultrasm' which is becoming prevalent in these
latter DAYS, from the use and abuse Of general
principles The first great heresy that comes un-
der his animadversion, is indicated in the words
following:
Because all men are born free and equal
sect of modern philosophers, overlooking other i'm
projections in our social system,-forgetung other
evils, spend all their regrets upon the evils of sa
very, and all their efforts to procure its immediate
abolition. That it is an evil and that its abolition
is desirable few will deny. But that it should be
ted equal, may very safely be denied The equal
ity of the African to the white man is point which
those in favor of immediate abolition seem inclin-
ed to guard with extraordinary jealousy. They
will not be willing to suffer it to be called in ques-
ton. They declare again and again, in their
speeches and essays that it is an impeachment of
the Divine wisdom and benevolence to hold that
he has made one nation of men, and especially the
African inferior in intellect and moral endowments
to another. They would gladly have the express
sion of such opinions regarded as blasphemous!"
The philosophers alluded to do not reason
thus. They hold that slavery is not only an eoil,
but a SIM that therefore, it should be Immediate
ly abolished There are great many evils in
the world which are not, of necessity, sinful. A
broken leg is an evil. So is bad road. The
CO.
the latter, from the late freshet Neither are
sinful.
Slavery is not an accident. 1t is the creature
of law. 1t is practical recognition of the princ-
pie that man may be held and treated as a mere
animal. In the language of the Louisiana code,
the slave is ENTIRELY subject to the WILL of his
The placing man under the disabil-
tiles ofsuch law-the primary, universal law of
the SYSTEMS giant sin against Coda defiance
of the divine government.
Abolitionists do, indeed, insist that all men are
created equal but not in the sense alledged by the
Mercury. The term is used in the sense of the
Declaration of 76, which claims for all men an
equality of natural rights. The question Of NOR
Il and intellectual endowm ents, is much out of
,lace here as would be the question: of physical
or complexion.
The anti-slavery discussion would be relieved
rom needless mystifcation if sect of modern
who seem DESTROYS to rectify the
lunders of abolitionists, would be little more ex-
licit in their definition of rights.
We have been taught that rights are two kinds, d
Natural and Conventional
l. The rights of life, liberty and the pursuit OF
appineSs, are of the first class They are gifts OF
ne Creator. Every command of the DEITY Isl !.
ecognition of their existence. Every such COM tn
'and is proof and proclamation of their unver' -
llity. Every such command proves, nay pre- ne
opposes mans right of freedom The idea OF d. di
Dedience to law presuppOses the same thing since an
oedience implies choice and free action. The Al
aim, therefore, ofan equality of natural rights for
men, was first set up by Him who is no re- in
,ecter of PERSONS and who regards all men as ed
ike responsible subjects of the divine govern an
ent. ti'
O. Conventional rights are altogether different
their origin and character They are the gifts TRY