The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-07-20
LETTER IL.


Rev. 4. Bliss Dear Sir,-Y ours ofthe 18th
OF April was received as | was setting out on a
journey to therNorh. Various engagements have
preYe4aed a recurrence to it till now.
An outline of my views on the subject of slave
ry and abolition was published, a few years ago.
in the Vermont Chronicle, and copied into some
other papers. Those views are unchanged, ex-
cept that the convictions, then expressed, of the
evils moral and political, of slavery, and of the
duty, practbility, and expediency of immediate
emancipation, have been confirmed and settled by
time and longer study the subject,
am not a member of any Abolition Society,
and my occupations have not admitted of any such
active influence in behalf of the Slave as | should
have felt it my duty and my privilege, in other
circumstances, TO exert. lis probable, that so far
as any persons have been affected by my opinions,
which, notwithstanding your suggestions, cannot,
II think, be very considerably, the publication refer
red to has been their principle source of informa-
ton.
do not retain in my possession a copy of that
publication, and my recollection ofthe more incl
dental parts of it is not very distinct. But be-
Iieve expressed distrust of some leaders of abol
ton who were then figuring considerably before
the public, and with whom | could not have en-
tire sympathy. Their subsequent course has con-
irned the judgment of their character which |
then intimated; and as have never expressed or
entertained any other Judgment cannot consider
myself as implicated in their errors, OF response
Bile for their measures.
Still less do consider myself responsible for all,
or any of the irregularities which may have sprung
up in society, far or near, really or apparently
connected with the anti-savery reformation.
| am an abotionist. hold to the moral and
political evil of slavery, and to the corresponding
obligation Of all men to attempt the immediate and
entire removal oft, according to their best judg-
ment, and in such modes of action as are proper
IN respect to other moral and patriotic enterprises
| am as truly for abolitionsm as for Christianity
believing them to be essentially related. But
am no more concerned with the foies of any in
dvduaS or parties Of the one, than of those indi-
yiduals or sects of the other, who may have
grated their own conceits upon the parent stock
And it is proper to add, that shall not feel my
self called 10 answer for such folles more in the
one case than in the other. | am responsible for
my own opinions, and conduct and habitual as
sociations. Others mast stand fall to their own
masters.
Thus far in general, in answer to your letter.
our particular inquiries, as to what measures,
under the name of abotonism, | am willing to
sanction, | find it extremely difficult to answer.
little hazardous to approve or condemn the conduct
of Individuals classes, in or out of the church,
in relation to this subject, without knowledge of
the facts. You appear to have been molested by
movements in your congregation, or
vicinity. | cannot undertake to speak of them,
one way or another. would not sanction or dis
allow measures in general, because they happen
ed to be of this side, or that nor say aught that
should admit of decisive bearing upon a given
question, moral or prudential, without an opporu-
nifty of impartial investigation.
feel, however, more at liberty to speak in re-
gard to principle which, if understand your
inquiries, runs through them ALL viz. the para
mount authority of pastors, within the limits of
their respective churches and congregations, over
all other persons, ay-members preachers, ectur-
ers, &c. who would seek to enlighten the COM
munity on topics which are claimed to belong to
the sphere of pastoral instruction.
That principle, highly as respect and love ma
ny of those brethren in the ministry who have, of
late, privately, and in their associations, asserted
it, in different sections of the country, cannot ad
NIT, certainly not in the strictness which they seem
to claim for it.
Many years ago | studied the history of print
tive Christianity in connection with that Of the
Reformation and particularly of the English Pu-
rans, in reference to the question of civil and re-
liglous liberty. Since that time | have not belize
we'd that Pastors and Ecclesiastical bodies are the
only proper conservators of the public welfare in
respect TO religion and morals, nor that they have
rights, immunties, duties and discretion with
which a stranger may not intermeddle, in refer
ence to all matters and influences affecting the |
public sentiment, in these particulars admit the
Legitimacy and dignity Of the ministerial office
AS Christian minister, and associated with Chris
tan ministers, claim the courtesy and would ex-
ercise the authority properly belonging to such
relation But concede the right of all other per-
sons and associations to converse, lecture, hear,
and act on any and all subjects pertaining to nd-
vidual and social happiness, when and where they
please, provided they do not interfere with the
freedom of other mems opinions and engagements
and the authority of the laws,) without license
from the spiritual courts That Pastors and Ec-
bodies may set up claim so general
and imperative, as some even in New England
nave done, and which, (you will pardon me for
saying it,) you would seem to vindicate, cannot
.egard but as an unwarraned and dangerous u
surpation /! is virtually the assertion of prin-
,iple belonging only to the times of the Sanhe-
lrm or of the Star Chamber and High Commits
SION
1t is to my mind no justification or apology of
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