The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-09-28
Affecting Appeal.

| Affecting Appeal.
| The following is evidently from the pen OF DR..
Nelson, now of Quincy, Illinois, formerly slave
holder If northern ministers and professors OF
religion will not hear him, neither would they be
persuaded though one should rise from the dead.
We wish that by some fair means this letter might
find its way into the Vermont ChronicIe-that ii
might be pondered by those ministers in the late
Convention who turned off the claims of the dying
slave under the plea that their testimony against
the sin of slavery would do no good
From the Emancpator
AUGUST 9th, 1899.
Brother Leavitt,-Durng the last few days
have been conversing with some members Of the
Presbyterian church, why own slaves. | was at
tending protracted meeting about thirty miles
beyond the Mississippi. | felt desire to ask GER
tain individuals, on whose veracity and on whose
judgment | could rely, concerning the statement
that professors are beginning TO feel umwilling
to sell men and aconlen." | ascertained that 1t IS
so indeed and that this SensitUenesS is on the in
crease. Four years ago, it did not seem amss lin
the view of the brethren with whom comnuned)
either to buy or to SELL look at the present state
tonished, (not because did not expect that dis
cussion would be certain victory but) that debate
so seldom and so faint, should have a result so
speedily! Discussion has been suppressed: but
even little agitation has had an effect, blessed
promisng-oh, how promising !! What will
the next four years accomplish The black veil
cannot be held between them and the sun always !!
II is beginning to rot into holes already.
Dear brother, | write you this short, hasty, and
imperfect sheet, wishing to make one request of
many brethren who read your paper, or who live
near to those who do. make this one request
because feel compelled to do so. make it of
those with whom do hope to sing about Calvary
thousands of years from now! May not ex-
plain what that favor is, and why l feel so sore
Iy urged 10 ask it?
was Sitting on a log under quiet oak, by the
side of one who is well informed, well educated,
land still better we'll filled with principles of truth
and ofintegrity When asked him what impress
sion the views of the brethren of the East (who
differ with the abolitonists,) has upon those who
practice s!avery-his answer was, 20, orr SlaUe-
holding brethren here, think that they haze their
countcnance"!!! O, dear fellow professor,
know that you will confess that whatever it is
which receives most constantly, most ZeaIousIy,I
and most urgently our reproof, our admonition,
ana our deplOraOe entreatleS, mas lne IeaSl OF
" our countenance." That which we talk most
against has the least of our countenance. Those
to whom try to preach, think that you have new
err (by letter. or in any other way) called to them
that you have never affectonately entreated them
to turn against oppression! tits thought that you
reprove abolitioniSts refuse them your pulpls and
speak and write against them. Oh that slaveho-
ders might either feel or fancy your opposition -
o, dear fellow protesting immortal, when try to
preach at the 6re-side of the master and mistress,
the obstacle which seems TO ME the most insur
is, achem Mey beliece thai they have
" your countenance." They say that your julg-
ment islmpartial, because y0u o,cn no SzaUeS, 0,
dear friends, dear brothers and sisters in the Lord
the favor have to ask Is that you will try and
tell them that slacery has not your countenance.
have nothing to request as to the WAY in which
this might be done. Il know that you could do
it an hundred fold more plainly, anectonately, and
ably, than some have done, who were neverthe-
less successfully My request is nothing more than
the simple favor, that you will inform them, how
title slavery has your countenance. Oh, dear
friends do believe that the effect would be won
derful, surprising your highest expectations,
thousand fold. May we act speedily whilst we
have time to act. D. N.
We suppose every body knows who D. N. is
and will understand that his labors and influence
extend far into the taboo region.]