The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1843-10-19

Before us is sermon ION this subjecD preached
at Princeton Illinois, by OWe@ LQrG0y, brother
of the uuI yr, and pastor of the Hampshire Colony
Congregational church. We only give the
closing extract of this discourse, 1t is evidently
written in state of excited feeling. So much the
better. Who tries to hush the Mothers frantic
shrek when her child sends up its pteous moan
ings from the devouring flames? Who tries to
press back the starting tear, when some daring
hero suatches it from death and lays it upon her
throbbing breastl Then talk not of excitement
and enthusiasm in him who comments upon a
bloody code that bids man be still while his brother
dies fiery death; nay, that bids him thrust back
the old man, all scur-wreathed and faint to yet Sc
Yerer tortures!
Is this fiction? 1t sounds like it but it is reality
Go TO New Orleans and listen TO the sound that
breaks the silence of the morning What Is Il,
the JOYOUS song and shout of gladness? 1t is the
sb,rn startling crack of the lash, aud the deep,
shrill shrek of agony! Climb up the wall OF The
calaboose, and look down upon that scene oil hu-
man wo! Why lies that American citizen, naKeo
and bound. with his bleeding flesh quivering be-
meath the lash! He had heard, by chance, OF a
land of liberty where he should not have to Toll all
dav beneath burning sun and be scourged al night'
If through faintness and weakness he had not &C.
complished his task. So by the aid of night and
the blessed stars, though weary and worn, with a
bouudine heart and quickened step he crosses over
into the land of freedom. But he wanders in vain
from house to house, for food and shelter ana raj
,nept. The spirit of slavery has been there; ana
the iron hand of law has bolted every door in TIE
free land of Illinois! The old man is taken back
bv rufian hands for a bride to his enraged and
beor,less master This is why his life-blood flows
like rain upon that dark, damp sand!
Rut TO the extract from one who is ready to fol-
low his martyred brother to the land OF spirits, ere
he bolts his door against the flying fugitive. Well
does he grid himself with the fallen mantle oil the
ascended Elijah!
81 have not arrayed all these examples
for nothing. This subject has practical
hearing. There are laws on the Statute
Book of Illinois which conflict with the
laws of God. Witness the following as
r. L. page 206, criminal code. Four
teenth Division; approved February 26,
1888.
Section 14o, Enacts that if any person
shall harbor or secrete any negro or per-
son of color, the same being a slave or
servant, owing service to any person re-
siding in this State, or any other State 1, or or
Territory of the United States, or hall 10
any way hinder or prevent the lawful
owner from retalling such slave or servant
in lawful names, he shall be dee med
guilty OF a misdemeanor and fued not
Exceeding FIVE hundred dollars, or impris.
oned not exceeding six months.
II. l. page 463: An act respecting
free negroes and mulatloes, servants and
Slaves Approved Jan. II, 1921.
Section i, ProhlbNs any black or mu-
y Ialo person, not being citizen of one O.
The United States, irom coming and resld
ing in this State, until such person shal
nroduce to the county commissioners cour
Of the county where he or she intends te