Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1841-04-08

into the Christian community, and teach,
that, by the profession Of Christianity,
slaves were emancipated from their Chris
,ian masters. In opposition to this false
notion, the same great Apostle (Panl) re-
quires, that all who are under the yoke OF
servilude, be taught to yield due obedience
10 their masters, and anmadverts with
great severity upon those false teachers,
who from mercenary views, taught diff
ferent doctrine. Against this principle of
the Judazing zealots, St. Paul always en-
ters bis strong protest, and teaches that the
profession of Christianity makes no differ
ence in the civil relations of men." See
|. Cor. vii. 17-24.
Is it no, now evident, that slavery is toll
Grated in the Scriptures; that, when in any
country. slavery has become Par1 of its
settled policy, the inhabitants, even chris
tians may hold slaves without crime; that
masters and slaves may be members OF
Christian Churches without guilt? When
we say, tha, slavery is tolerated in the
Scriptures, we mean the relation Of master
and slave, absolutely, and for life. But
not the abuses which may be practised by
those between whom the relation exists.
To guard against these abuses on the part
OF Christians, the Scriptures give specific
directions for the performance ofthe duties
of master and slave. See Eph, vi. So.
Coloss. iii. 22-25, andiv. /. /. Tim. vi.
Is. Titus ii. 9-15. l. Pet. ii. 1875.
1t is worthy Of remark, that in the above
passages, twenty four verses comprise the
dunes of servants, with exhortations for
their performance, whilst two verses con-
tain the duties of masters; as ifthere were
more danger of glect Of duty on the part
of the slave, than the master. Aud lest
the slave should become dissatisfied with
his condition and desire to "break away"
from it, he has received The following direc-
lion: Ar, thou called. being servant,
care not fot it. But if thou tuayesthe made
free, use it rather" |. Cor. vii. 2l. When
we say, that slavery is tolerated in the
Scriptures, we mean not to say, that it is
commanded by God: That it is the duty
of Christians to procure slaves, though it
may be, and sometimes is their duty to
hold them. We mean to say, that it is al
lowed to them to do so, and without guilt.
The Christian may refuse to purchase
slaves, or 10 receive them by gift, and the
owner may manumit them if he please.
The requirement of the Aboli,iouis,s then,
that shareholders, as term of communion,
shall manumit their slaves, is in opposition
10 the Scriptures. And on this ground,
agree with you in the opinion. that "like
all agita,ors, they will, have their day and
pass off. y
am aware, that the Aboilionisis resort
to the general principles and precepls Of
the Gospel, their explanation of which,
furnishes the ground, on which they take
their stand Such for example as the fol-
lowing: "Do unto others as you would,
they should do unto you." But it is TO be
presumed, that the Apostles Paul and Pc
ter understood these principles and preccpts
as we'll as our Abolition expositors. They
knew The conclusions they would bear, and
the positive precepts, that would be conss-
tent with them. We have seen that these
are opposite 10 those, which our Abolition
brethren admit. 1t is then much safer,
surely, to trust 10 these Apostles, than to
our Abolition brethren. That these gene
raj principles will ultimately lead to the ex
tinc,ion of slavery in the earth Il can neith-
affirm or deny. If they should, and am
inclined to think, that they will, | am sure,
that it will he by an influence, which will ef-
feet gradual elevation of character in the
slave, and corresponding influence in the,
views and feelings of the master. IL can
not he by the interference or dc,aIon of
any body of men at home or abroad. who
may assume the prerogative Of enlighten-
ing or guiding lis on this subject. And |
would. here, cntreat our Abolition brethren
to desist from their efforts 10 give us coun
sci, which we will not take, and to impose
on us requirements, TO which we will not
submit. Be entreated 10 leave the general
principles and precepts OF the Gospel, to
the influence which their author shall be
pleased to give them. God has his own
way for bringing about great events. The
hest and most effectua preparation that can
be made for The liberation Of two 10 three
millions Of slaves must be intellectual and
moral. Such preparation must be gradual.
Time-Time is demanded. Those, who