The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-05-11
THE VOICE OF FREEDOM.
MONTPELIER, SATURDAY, MAY IL, 1889.
Character of the Anti-Slavery Enterprise.

Character of the Anti-slavery Enterprise.
1t is a generally admitted fact, that great ma
ority of the aboonists are professors of religion
Their spirit is indeed the legitimate result Of
christian principles. What has produced the pres
ent anti-savery organization throughout the coun-
try, but spirit of philanthropy and christian SYM
pathy, such as was manifested by our blessed Sa-
viour when upon earth? What induced the apos-
ties of abolition to step out unaided and alone, to
oppose the most inveterate popular prejudice, and
combat the mighty torrent of public opinion and
other opposing obstacles-but the conviction that
their cause was the cause of humanity and of God,
that truth was mighty and would prevail? Tru-
ly did Mr.. Webster remark, with regard to this
subject, 1t abolition has arrested the religious
feelings of the country; it has taken strong hold
on the consciences of men," And how can it be
otherwise? How can protesting christians, who
are imbued with the spirit of their Master-who
strive to obey the dictates of their conscience and
to be governed by the great law of lovc,--turn a
deaf ear to the cries of suffering humanity, and see
their fellow-men robbed, and spoiled, and imbru-
ted, without lifting their voice against such enor-
mites? Can we look upon the slaves Of the
southern states, and consider their helpless and
degraded condition,-shut out, not only from all
the blessings of civilized society, but from knowl
edge of the way of life and salvation as revealed
in the gospel,-without feeling impressed with
the duty of making every possible effort for their
elevation to the enjoyments of civilization and
christianity? Can christians accomplish the great
object for which, under God they are laboring,-
the conversion of the world to Christ through full
filling the command to preach the gospel to eve
ry creature,-whilc slavery, with its truth-hating
spirit continues to exist?
But the question seems to arse--why do not
all who profess to be governed by the principles
of the gospel, who profess to love their neighbor
as themselves-engage in this great and glorious
work of enlightening and outstanding millions
of heather in the heart of our own country g
How can any one, who realizes the worth of the
immortal soul, and the infinite price which was
paid for its redemption, look upon this sub ect with
indifference! Can the love of God dwell in that
mans heart, who, though he appears to feel deep
ly for the benighted heather Of distant lands, and
pleads and prays with all the eloquence of Peter
or Paul for the poor Hindoo and Hotentot, but
whose eyes fash fire, and who manifests any thing
but the spirit of Christ, the moment the heather
of our own country-the down-trodden slare-is
mentioned? What manner of spirit is that which
prompts the protested disciple of Christ to stigma
TIE his brother who is endeavoring to obey the
Injunction" Open thy mouth for the dumb
plead the cause of the poor and needy'-as an
emiSsary Of the deraF Does it not become such
to examine their hearts, and see whether indeed
they have that evidence which the apostle says is
the test of acceptance with God: Hereby shall
we know that we have passed from death unto life,
If ye lore tile BRETHREN?