Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-03-30
For the Green Mountain Freeman.
OF Three Evils choose the Least.

vi lHICU WIS CHUUHC VIC LCdSL
Mr.. EDITOR: The sentiment we so often hear
advanced, that 'of two evils we must choose the
least is undoubtedly correct it relates to nau-
raj evils but the simple fact that moral evil is sin,
makes it sin to choose moral evil; and as our
Rev. Father Bailey has shown from the Word of
God we are to shun the very appearance of every
moral evil should think nothing more need be
said on the subject, did not hear men of intorna-
ton and responsibility advocating the Ioctrine,-
ard even our beloved pastor, | understand, still
thinks it his duty to support Henry Clay, on the
principle that of two evils he must choose the least.
An evil to support Henry Clay for President
rejoice that the Rev. gentleman is willing to admit
that it is an evil But Chy is it an evil? is it be-
cause supporting a man pledged to slavery, is in
effect supporting slavery? Then surely it must be
n moral evil And is Van Buren, more attached to
slavery-wouId it be a greater moral evil to vote
for. him, even? But is there no alternative? Is
there no man in this whole nation, who stands in
principle and practice opposed to this evil? Is
there not even now a candidate before the people,
one who has cleared his skirts from this sin-one
who, for aught that has yet appeared, is worthy
the confidence of the public? But supposing, con-
trary the fact that in all other respects he is not
equal to Henry CIay-is it moral evil to vote for
him? il an evil at ALL is it more than natural evil
which we suffer in voting for any imperfect man
Then surely the principle that of two evils we
must choose the least, would oblge us to choose
the natural evil instead of the moral, and conse-
Of thn lie oh thn Rrt
who that has the fear of God before his eyes,
would dare choose moral evil instead of a natu-
raj evil? Better suffer natural evils all our days
and 60 down to the grave in consequence. But
here again we are met with popular argument
" If vote for Birney, only throw away my vote
and leave Van Buren, to receive the election; con-
sequenty | am obliged to take my choice of the
two" True, you may, and probably will, have to
take up with one of the two evils-but do you
choose it, and are you responsible forit? Was Jo-
seph responsible for the evils he was obliged TO en-
dure in consequence of refusing to comply with
the wishes Of his wicked mistress? And had he
chosen that moral evil, would he have become a
father to Pharaoh, and preserYer of his own peo-
pie? Was Mordeca responsible for the decreet
destruction of his people, in consequence of his re-
fusng to idolze that wicked Haman? And was
David chargeabIe with all the evils he endured il
consequence of not cutting off SauI's head inseat
of his skirt? And is the man who votes for an alb
olitionist chargabIe in any sense with supportin!
slavery in so dong' Or may we vote for the sup
port of slavery oven with good object in view
that is, do evil that good may come? What say
Paul? "And not rather, as we be slanderous
reported, and as some affirm that we say, let us d
evil that good may come echose damnaion is just.
But have treated the objection as though it wa
indeed the fact, as our whig friends would have u
believe, that in voting for Birney we throw ava
our votes, and leave slavery to triumph in conse
quence. But such is not the fact. True, it ma
leave the Democrats to triumph, but as it respect
slavery it is all the same. know no diferenc
between democratic slavery and wing slavery, an
presume the slave has never found any differ
ence. The question is (the zone ideaD Liberty c
Slavery; Righteousness or Sin; and upon this on
idea we must act and stand acquitted or condemn
ed before God. Moral SUAsIoN
Orleans County, March, 1914.