The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-06-29
American Abolitionists in England.

the anniversary of the London Missionary Socie
ty
The Rev. DR.. PATTON rose to move;
That while the aspect of the missionary ielt
In general is calculated to inspire the friends o
the Society with confidence and Joy, the bright
ening prospects OF the East and more particular
ly the Chinese mission, the Unprecedented cncour
agement afforded in the Navigator Islands, the
holy prosperity enjoyed by some of the churches
in the interior of South Africa, and above all, the
peaceful and happy state of our newly enfranchis'
ed fellow subjects in the West Indes-present to
this meeting the most powerful inducements to
zeal, berality and exertion.''
l have been deeply impressed with the scene
that took place eleven years since 1t is exactly
eleven years to-day, since stood upon your plat
form, stranger, solitary and alone-not alone, for
God, trust, was with me-not long a stranger,
for your sympathies gushed forth SO warm and
spontaneous that they took away the sense ofalien-
alton, and the scenes that were spread before me
were so like to those that had witnessed in my
own land, that though 5000 miles were between
me and my contry, still felt my selfto be at home.
(Cheers). Various changes have taken place
since that period. have cast my eye round
upon the cloud of witnesses by whom | am this
day surrounded, and observe the absence of some
who then cheered us with their presence, Where
is Rowland Hill, that early, warm-hearted, stead
fast friend of this institution Where, again ask,
is VIM. Orme that devoted and successful advo-
cate and Secretary of this Society They are
numbered with the dead. Affection would here
bid me stop and drop tear upon their grave; but
Christianity bids me rejoice that they transla-
ted to higher and hoer field of exertion-not to
bask in Incidence, but to labour with untiring en-
erges, and with the full expansion of their noble
powers in executing the will and the purposes of
their glori6ed Redeemer. (Hear hear) The
memory of the just is blessed We thank God that
he lent these men to us so long, and we will thank
God that we hope to meet them in Heaven. 0,
what place is heaven! God is gathering up
there all the bright, and pure, and noble spirits,
that have ever lived on the earth. 1t is growing
richer and richer every day ard every hour; and
next to the attractions which the Lamb on the
throne has to my heart to draw me there, is the
fact that in heaven-if by grace should go there,
and it is only by grace can-that | shall meet
there all who were worthy to be loved when on
earth. (Applause.)
There is only one part of this resolution to
which shall turn the attention of this vast assem-
bly,. 1t states various causes for rejoicing and
encouragement and goes on in noble climax,
until it says in these emphatic words, "and above
all, the peaceful and happy state of our newly en-
franchised subjects ofthe West Indies" (Cheers.)
With my whole heart thanked God the moment
heard that slavery over in the W. !. (Cheers.)
There is one incident narrated in the Report with
regard to the abolition of slavery in the West Indies
particularly in one town, which must for mo-
ment recall to your attention. The report has
narrated only part ofthe fact, and in my humble
Judgment it ought to be amended by putting in
the whole. We were told in one place, that those
who were to be emancipaed, with the striking of
the clock at the midnight hour, received the boon
IF on fherk in a hun mil (
ture before God, in deep, unbroken silence, till
the heavy-toned clock numbered IL. Then it
was, we are told, that they rose, and with one
burst of thanksgiving sang praises to God. The
instance wish to mention is this; just in that
deep and awfully still moment that preceded the
striking of the clock the voice of heaven was
heard God sent forth his thunder cloud one
vivid flash of lightning dssipated the dark
ness, and one tremendous clap of thunder gave
heavens echo that the slave was free. (Cheers.)
| thought that thunderbot struck the tree of
slavery, and killed it. 1t may put forth few
leaves the old juice may remain in it for little
while; but the tree is struck, (cheers) and die it
must
Rev. DR.. BEMAN, on rising to address the meet
ing, was received with cheers. He said, the
committee have compelled me to say few words
to this meeting, and perhaps this will be the prop
er time to thank Them for find that my health ;
has been considerably improved since began to at.
tend these meetings. daughter and choers.)
came to this country, which has long been veneer {
ated in my mind, in a very feeble state of health. |
My friends in America wished me to 60 to the s
Mediterranean to recruit it, but was myself de-
sirous to come where | should find common
language and common Christianity. But since {
| began to attend these anniversary meetings. t
find that we have many things in common. am S
in the midst ofa people who hold common type t
of Christianity with myself; and not only so, bu,
whose bosoms are animated by the same spirit of S
missions. l may be excused for saying because t
it may not be generally understood in Great Brit G
ain, that the Board of Commissioners whom my
self and my colleague represent, would respond U
most cordially to the sentiments of every speaker
who has stood this morning this platform. And a
such sermon on missions we had yesterday v
morning, (cheers) would not have found dissent P
ing voice in the assembly we represent. say v
this because the communication now between Il
Great Britain and America is so easy, and we are I
brought so near together, that you have doubtless
heard of the prevalence of errors and heresies 4
amongst US; and allow me to say, that the length t
and breadth of our and heresies have been Y
1iad in, tha