The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-03-30
N UM BIER Is.

here to bind the consciences of men? | think
not. By what rule of ethics then, does he under
take to use his influence, from this high place of
power, in order TO gain the same object, | am at
loss to determine. Sir, this movement of the Sen.
ator is far more censurable and dangerous, as an
attempt to unite Church and State, than were the
petitions against Sunday mails, the report in OBJ.
position to which gained for you, Mr. President,
so much applause in the country. |, sir, also ap-
peal to the clergy to maintain their rights of con-
science; and if they believe slavery to be sin,
we ought to honor and respect them for their open
Remuneration of it, rather than call on them to de-
sist for, between their conscience and their God,
we have no power to interfere we do not wish
to make them political agents for any purpose,
But the Senator is not content to entreat the
clergy alone to desist; he calls on his countrywo
men, to warn them, also, to their efforts and
reminds them that the ink shed from the pen held
in their fair fingers when writing their names to
Abolition petitions, may cause the shedding of
much human blood Sir, the language towards
this class of petitioners is very much changed Of
late they formerly were pronounced idlers, fa-
natics old women, und school-misses, unworthy
of respect from intelligent and respectable men,
warned gentlemen then that they would change
their language; the blows they aimed fell harm
less at the feet of those against whom they were
intended to injure. In this movement of my
thought was plainly to be dis.
covered the operations of Providence, and sure
sign of the triumph of unirerSal emancipation =
All history, both sacred and profane both ancient
and modern, bears testimony to the efficacy of fe-
male influence and power in the cause of human
liberty. From the time of the preservation, by
the hands of woman, of the great Jewish lawgiv.
er, in his infantie hours, and who was preserved
for the purpose of freeing his countrymen from
Egyptian bondage, has woman been made pow
erul agent in breaking to pieces the rod of the
oppressor. With a pure and uncontaminated
mind, her actions spring from the deepest recess
SEES of the human heart. Denounce her as you
WILL you cannot deter her from duty. Pain, sick
ness want, poverty, and even death itself, form no
obstacles in her onward march. Even the tender
virgin would dress as a martyr for the stake, as
for her bridal hour, rather than make sacrifice of
her purity and duty. The eloquence of the SEN
ate, and clash of arms, are alike powerless when
brought in opposition to the influence of pure and
vrtuous woman. The liberty of the slave seems
now TO be committed to her charge, and who can
1oubt her final triumph do not. You cannot
light against her, and hope for success; and well
loes the Senator know this; hence this appeal to
Ter feelings, to torrily her from that which she
believes to be her duty. 1t is vain attempt.
The Senator says that it was the principles of
he Constitution which carried us through the
Revolution. Surely it was and to use the lam
5uage of another Senator from slave state, on a
ormer occasion, these are the very principles on
which the Abolitionists plant themselves. 1t was
he principle that all men are born FREE and
EQUAL that nerved the arm of our fathers in their
contest for independence. 1t was for the natural
md inherent ghts of man they commended. 1t is
libel upon the Constitution to say that its object
vas not liberty, but slavery for millions Of the hu.
nan race.
The Senator, we'll fearing that all his eloquence
nd his arguments thus far are but as chaff when
Weighed in the balance against truth and Justice,
Gems TO find consolation in the idea, and SAYS
nat which opposes the Interior object of Abolition
SITS, is that the General Government has no power
} act on the subject of slavery, and that the Con.
tltution or Union would not last an hour, if the
over claimed was exercised by Congress. 1t is
lavery, then, not liberty that makes US one PEG.
lie. TO dissolve slavery, is to dissolve the Union.
Why require of us to support the Constitution by
ath, II the Constitution itself is subject to the
over of slavery, and not the moral power of the
ountry? Change the form of the oath which
GU administer to Senators on taking their seats
ere, swear them 10 support slavery, and, accord
lg to the logic of the gentleman, the Constitution
nd the Union will both be safe. We hear almos.
ally threats of dssolVing the Union, and from
hence do they come! From citizens of the free
ates? No! from the slave states only. Why
sh to dissolve it The reason is plain-that a
ew Government may be formed, by which we,
) a nation, may be made slaveholdng people,
10 impartial observer of passing events can, in
~ humble judgment, doubt the truth of this The
enator thinks the Abolitionists in error, if they
ish the STAKEHOLDER to free his slave He asks,
by denounce him? | cannot admit the truth Of
e question but might well ask the gentleman,
I'd the shareholders generally, why are you am
~ at me because tell you the truth2' Ii Is the
ght of truth which the STAKEHOLDER cannot en-
Ire plain unvarnished tale of what slavery
he considers libel upon himself The fact is,
e stakeholder feels the leprosy of slavery upon
m. He is anxious to hide the odious disease
ON the public eye, and the ballot-box and the
ght of petition, when used against him, he feels
sharp reproof and being unwilling to renounce
errors, he tries to escape from their consequent.
s. by making the world believe that HE is the
and not the prosecutor. Shareholders
I've said here, during this very session, the fact
slavery will not bear examination 1t is the
enator who denounces Abolitionists for the ex,
else Of their most unQuestionable rights, while