The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-08-10
For the Voice of Freedom.

ISAIAH g. S. For the Lord love judgment, hate rob-
berry for burnt-offerng
Robbery is taking away by force or violence,
that which belongeh TO another. And twill not
make this violent act right, if the robber devotes
part of his gains to some religious purpose.
In former times God required the lsraeGts to
bring various beasts to be consumed on his altar
as burnt sacrifice. A man goes into his neigh
bar's field and by violence lakes from aim sheep,
or an OK drives it to the temple, and presents it to
the priest, who takes it from him, and is about to
offer the bullock upon the altar; when, 10 voice
from the Excellent Glory, says, q hate robbery for
burnt Offering The man is thief The OK has
been stolen. And now the robber has the presump-
ton to offer it upon mine altar, and to bring in
as an accomplish of the robbery. Labor robbery,
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to
me- Prov. l9 s. Il desire mercy, and not such
sacrifice, Hosea, 6, g. son of good old Eli
hears this solemn declaration, looks at the good
fat OK, and longs for his perquises out of the Of
fering and he soon finds an excuse for silencing
his conscience, if he have any conscience left He
wants piece of fat beef; and surely it can do no
hurt to encourage this Israelite in presenting his
OK for so religious apurpose. One rule must APP
ply to all, and we need ask no question for con-
science sake. And Samuel said, Hath the Lord
as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as
in obeying the voice Of the Lord Behold, to obey
is better than sacrifice, and to hearen than the fat
of rams l. Sam. Is, 90.
Such was the state of the case in ancient times.
Has it been altered in modern times? Has God
become reconcied to robbery and is he willing to
dispense with the claims of justice, and to partake
of the gains of oppression? Instead of an OK ]
will suppose the price of man is presented to
benevolent society. A STAKEHOLDER has sold an
able bodied slave COR thousand dollars, and sends
the money to the society. They are told that it
is robbery, the price of blood. They hear a
voice saying, | hate robbery for burnt Offering"
What shall they do? Here is thousand dollars
1t is sent by very pious Christian, and for very
good purpose. 1t will help our friends, and if we
keep it we may expect more from the same class
of people. AS they sell off their slaves they will
send US part of the profits; but if we reject this
liberal sum, we shall never get any more from
them. Alas! what shall we do? We want money
and as robbers get their money easy, they af-
ford to give literally. Besides, if we don't take
it somebody else will. Well, you have taken it.
And is there no lingering about your heart? Is
not conscience at work Can you retire into your
closet and thank God, that your poor brother was
sold for that money, and is now sweating and
toling under the lash? An apostle says: Be
not we therefore partakers with them Eph. 5, Z.
'Bessnot partaker of other mems sins l. Tim.
s, %. And God again repeats the declaration,
Il hate robbery for burnt offerings Is it not
better to obey God than man? And must not those
expect judgment without mercy, who have showed
no mercy9 | would shake my hands from hold
ing of brides. AN AGED MINISTER.
For the Voice of Freedom
Nh