The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-04-10

hAtiCS tHcH. is Eeht anu glorious ueiu
for usefulness.
How many active, intelligen! and de-
voted men from the East can enlist in this
conflict of truth and error? How many
will aid in securing a victory; the glory
Of which will no, be wreath Of perisha-
bic laurels, but ian exceeding great and
eternal weight of glory"
These are some of {perhaps) the main
reasons why the west can be regarded as
an inviting field -- especially for the
young and middle aged land these are
some of the obligations (parlalIy alluded
TOY resting upon all who can, come and
lift up their voice and hand in proclaim
ing and sustaining the precepts of chris
lianity. Many other reasons and obliga-
tons could be referred to, but time and
space will not permit. | may however
briefly, at present, and more elaborately,
in future, refer TO one, and that is slavery.
| mean the state Of public sentiment as
far as can discern, relating 10 the insti>
tuition of slavery. There are some citi-
zens in the free. as well as szave States,
who openly pretend that slavery is a d.
vine, bible institution: And, not long since,
heard minister, in Indiana, make use
Of the same expression which I blushed to
hear slavehoding minister in kentucky
utter, viz, that slavery was sanctioned
BY the Almighty. AMI he believed that as
we'll as christianity TO be divine instiiu-
ton ! - But while there are men who
think and boldly preach thus, there are,
on the contrary, those who openly lif, up
their voice against that cursed institution
which makes property Of the soul and
body OF men. And can confidently as
sert that the number Of this class is rapid
" increasing by constant additions OF men
OF Influence, wealth and character. The
time once was when the slave hunter
searching for fugilves from service, in
Indiana, would be willingly assisted even
by members Of the church. in apprehend-
| ing, binding the fugitives and bearing
them back 10 perpetual servitude, and few
il any, ask, Why do ye SO? But now
there is evidently, IN this State, turning
point in both religious and public senli-
ment. Perhaps. to more fully convince
yourself and your readers OF this fact, |
had better report few transactions which
have fallen under my notice.
There is Baptist church in Ripley co.
Ind. which on the 4lh Saturday OF April,
1914, las some churches in the east.
ern States have done /: perhaps little
smoolher in the letter, bat quite as rough
10 spirit) adopted the following resolution
Il give it cerbalim ct hteratim.
"That Abolition lectors aud all other
Political lectors be excluded jorersr the
Westinghouse"
This was done because an abolition
lecturer was in the north part OF the State.
and they were fearful that he would give
them call. From that time. several of
the most influential members OF the church
began TO think upon and agitate the SUBJ
ject of slavery They became convinced
Of its sin, and Of the necessity of producing
change of sentiment among their breth-
rem; and, to this effect, often prayed and
exhorted. but all to no apparent good
The hearts of many Of those in bonds OF
fellowship with them, were callous, and
their ears were deaf
During the last part Of IA, six or seven
poor fugilives from AFFECT slavery were
directed in the darkness OF night to the
hospitable refuge of those friends of hu-
mainly. Being cold, hungry, wearied,
and almost naked, arrangements were
mcde for them 10 larry few days and re-
cruit. This was done in as careful and
secret manner as possible, in order to es-
cape the notice OF slave hunters and infor.
mers scattered through the country. At
last, opposition and fraud came from a
quarter least expected viz. from the
church AT certain hour, sudden
onset was made upon the fugitives and
friends. The assaIants, THE most furious
of whom were churchmen) were armed
with clubs. AXES, GUNS, g. PISTOLS,
threatening serious violence and using