The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-10-31
BY WIN. OSMAN & co

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time make them subject to discipline
for holding them.
Q. May we believe, then, that the
holding of slaves is treated in the
scriptures as less certainly criminal
than theft or robbery?
ii. Most assuredly we may. The
scriptures nowhere give dircc-
tons for the manner Of committing
theft and robbery, for the very good
reason that these acts are always
sinful; but, if 'thc powers that be-
have robbed men of their liberty
and they are in this state in our
hands, it may be, and evidently IS,
our duty to treat them with all kind
ness. Such duties the scriptures
enjoin; teaching that Shareholders,
unders these circumstances, are
worthy of all honor: "Let as many
servants as are under the yoke count
their own masters worthy of all
honor, that the name of God and
his doctrine be not blasphemed."
We are not at liberty to with
hold this instruction; for the next
verse bids us speak "These things
teach and exhort."
z. Does the duty of subsection to
"the powers shat be" justify us in
buying and selling slaves
ii. 1t is difficult to conceive OF
circumstances that can Justify an in
dividual in buying and selling slaves;
and let all prayerfully enquire for
their duty in this respect, that they be
not partakers of other mems sins.
Q. If the constitution is at vari-
encc with the spirit and general
maXiins of scripture, which cnioin
the golden rule, would it be right
to disregard all national and state
laws which provide for slavery, and
following Mr.. Leayitt's counsel
abolish slavery with the sword?
H. This is plainly forbidden
"Let every soul be subject unto
the higher powers. For there is
no power but of God: the powers
that be are ordained of God. Who
socver, therefore, resisteth the pow
err rcsisteth the ordinance of God
and they that resist shall receive to
themselves damnation." Rom. xiii.
l, 2. These instructions were pri-
marily given to those who were un-
der heather governments which
never failed to stand in the way Of
many of the holy aims of the Cos
pei; but they must not resist for
the scriptures everywhere treat the
worst Of human governments as bet
ter than anarchy, and "a terror to
evil doors" Nor will the dire ctior
to obey God rather than men Justify
any act of violence against the civil
powers. No mani obliged to carry
out the slavery code in buying and
selling slaves; and still all are bound
to deSist from all acts of hostility
against the laws of the land, how
ever corrupt.
Strange is the new doctrine, anC
full OF treason, that all human laws
may be treated as null and void
which do not accord with the divine
law. 10 disobey is always our pri.
vilege, though it might cost us oul
life, if obedience of the civil law
would involve direct disobcdiencc
of God and still any act of violence
against civil authority, is prohibited
by the divine rule nor will the plei
of good aims and good intention.
help reasonable action of any de.
scription. Therefore, if Mr.. Lea.
witt to use his own language would
"push the pirates off the slaves will
cold stecl,' let none enrol them
selves under his banners.
Q. What may be regarded as Mr.
. Leavitt's meaning in advocating tn,
) right of the general government t,
abolish slavery by the sword?
II. Mr.. Leavitt must be suppose,
to be well informed that it does no
belong to the general government
to abolish slavery, either with o
without the sword. As our ruler
} are appointed to act under the con
stltution, the crime in them, of max
; ing Instruction against the right
: OF the people, would be in proper
ton to the confidence rcposed il
them. The man who would NOV,
: the general government to take II,
: the sword against the constitution
and the rights Of the people, shoul
receive the rebuke he merits for
if he has in his mind powerful
mob, while he talks of the genera
government, he is of a fearful spirit
and his influence nc less fearful
Mr.. Bailey Of Cincinnati has yer
> properly discarded this treasonabl
: doctrine; and if we are to interprc
c the silence of the liberty party in re
gard to the sentiments Of MIR. Lea
It witt MIR. Bailey exceptcd) as an ar
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