The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-02-23
VOLUME L.
THE VOICE OF RIBls@D@1Io
For the Voice of Freedom.
Reasons why we should be AbolitiOnists.

Reasons why we should be AbOlitiOnists.
Do christians contribute cheerfuy to send the glad news
of salvation to benghted Africa, and will they not much
turn their eyes upon those within our own borders who
ure from the same country, and equally needy' am
ware that this may be considered by some at least
srong and perhaps unwarranted expression; but be-
eve is the opinion of wise and prudent who have
made themselves acquainted with their true condition
On the 9Th of Dec. 1888, committee of the Synod of
South Carolina and Georgia, to whom referred the
subject the religious instruction of the colored population
made report in which the following language is used:
sWho would credit it, that in these ears Of revival and
benevolent eforn this christian republic, there are over
millions of human beings in the condition of heathen
and in many respects in a condition? From long
continued and close observation believe that regards
their moral and religious condition, they will bear
ison with heather in any country in the world"
If such then their deplorable and wreched state
who profess be actuated by the pure principles the
gospel, be at loss to determine what is duty Shall
not rise from lethargy burst the shackes of sess
and nacton, and go forth grded with the bright he'll
met of truth, determined to ameorate their condition
fall in the conflict Yes doubtless is the response from
every heart that beats with high and generous emotion
But have not some, moved by sympathy, and conscious
that the commands of High Heaven were resting upon
them, already gone forth Yes,-and some too, have
fallen! But what is the effect produced by their labors
and the sacrifice of life Just what every rejecting mind
would have e1pected just what has been in all ages of
the world when there has been call for truth be WELD
ed in defence Of the rights of man, in opposition
and fragrant injustice. Who, that is acquainted in the
slightest degree with the history of the past does not know,
that to advocate principles contrary to the sen
ment of people, however just they may be, is calculated
TO draw down upon their propagators the most malignant
hatred and cruel revenge. Such the when
Saviour appeared to fulfil the prophecies of inspired men,
and reveal the glad of salvation which speaks peace
to the perurbed mind and soaee the mourning and dis
consulate heart The spirit which abused the Saviour
when he dwelt earth in the fora of man, which
demned Him without evidence, and nsuted Him when He
hung bleeding the CROSS acuates at the present
day who aduce, abuse, and slay those who dare
thwart the plans of sefshness, by lifting their voice in the
cause of injured humanity
1t is in vain for deceive ourselves the spirit
Of five find ourselves disposed justify the RI
proceedings foul of the
cold-booded murdererdepend upon it, hearts not
right in the sight of God. If we are not willing undo
the heavy burdens break every yoke and let the ppes
ffee-De
and christian kindness without which it is impossible to
please God Do you say, we have no slaves in New-Eng-
land and therefore have nothing to do with the subject of
slavery? reply, that this is the very reason why we
should something to do with it, for the very fact that
we have slaves, supposes unprecedented by seiner-
est and therefore qualified far that is concerned,
(which sometimes strangely warps the judgmen) to de-
eide mpartialy.
1--we had been born and educated in savehoding COM
munty accustomed to the unweared attentions and ready
Offices Of the submissive save then the force Of habit uni
ted with the love Of and preermen had disqualified
us for a candid and impartial consideration either of our
own claims the rights Of the slave. remark, then,
that is strange that the people Of the South should
favor the system of slavery and desire others to do
since it is by the fruits of this system that they sup
pored in auence and nourshed in the lap of luxury But
1t is strange that there should be found in this ia
vorsd section of country, who, endowed with sound
judgment and good understanding could persuade himself
to be silent as to the voice of his admonition,
When justice reads her rigid law,
And mercy makes her moving plea.
But strange it may SEEM there men, even in our
very midst, who only remain silent, but give counte
nance practice that has done to tarnsh the bright
ness of counrys glory than any other that has
found place amongst For one, must say that do
not think conscience has any thing to do with such sup
mort; or if it has have ceased to be faithful guide
But there is consolation in the reflection that while there
are some of this character reard the work. there 9TH
ers who have enlisted in the glorious with hearts
pure is given human nature to possess and may
they labor in this work of benevoence until the dark sin
Of slavery shall be known only historical fac-unt
freedoms bright banner shall supersede the gorgeous en-
signs Of kings and despots-un the rising sun shall not
discover single remaining vesge Of cruelty and opPress
ion, his setting beams witness the detection that encr
eles the pale brow Of the weary and sorrowing captive
J. H. BENTON.
ST. Johnsbury, VT
For The Voice of Freedom.