The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-06-10

InobEnts ON k&tmnmcfp nttOu, NO. ID.
deem ID unnecessary TO enter deliberately
into the "New Testament argument" on the
subject Of slavery for this reason: The ablest
defenders Of American slavery admitthat "chris-
tiaDity will ultimately abolish it' They shy
that "when the gospel exerts its legitimate In
iuence on the nations Of the earth, there will
not more certainly be an end of war than Of
slavery" The writer has known Southern
men Of distinguished ability, to express senti-
ments like these. Such sentiments have been
uttered orally, and they have bean published in
books and periodicals. This is, perhaps, the
opinion of ninety-nins hundredths of Southern
Christians. Well, IL this is not a virtual sur
render of the question: II is difficult 10 say what
it is Let it be conceded land IL is conceded)
that christianity will ultimately abolish slavery.
and the concession precludes the possibility of
rational appeal to the New Testament in sup
port of the institution. And asked how this
follows1 | answer II follows because christian
ity abOlishes nothing that is right 1t eherishes
and promotes whatever is in accordance with
righteousness. Ii is only against that which s
war Of determination. All the elements Of the
Christian system coalesce with whatever Is good,
and antagonist with whatever is evil. Hany
doubt the correctness of these positions, let
them become acquainted with the history Of
other generations. Did not christianity abolish
the gladiatoral exhibitions of ancient Rome
Whyf Because they were wrong. Did it not
lny the axe at the root of the system Of Pagan
idolatry3 Why7 Because that system was
wrong. Did it not frown out of existence the
absurd tiles Of Druidtsm, once so prevalent in
Britain7 Why1 The only answer is, Druidism
was wrong. The fact that the gospel of Jesus
Christ leacs to the abolition Of anything, is not
merely primo see, but positive proof of the un-
righteousness Of thas thing. "Christianity,"
say pro-sltvery mon, twill utterly abolish sla-
very" Then we say slavery is wrong. Who
can doubt III Ii surely requires a more perspi-
cacious intellect than dwelIs in mortal body. to
perceive how christian nifty is to be instrumental
in putting an end 10 slavery II indeed its princi-
piles are aocOrdant with slavery. Who lays
claim to such perspicseity'
But some Of the Apologists OF slavery say, that
although christianity will infalibly usher in the
day of universal freedom. it will be done gradu-
ally. The precise idea which these apologists
attach to the WORD gradually Is best known to
themselves. Slavery, however, has existed in
America many long, sad years, and there are
those who, even now, are unwilling for chris
tianity to make an incipient effort 10 effect its
removal. They fear that such an effort would
be premature. How is III Are the principles
Of the gospel which, II is said, are ultimately 10
abolish slavery, to remain quescent till the
world becomes hoary with agel Why this mys-
FERROUS dermancy? Why not let the gospel
exert the influence now, which, 1t is admitted,
il will exert at some indefinite period, in the
distant futurel This is the accepted time. Let
America Cooperate with the sgitated nations of
Europe in bringing about the Jubilee of univer-
sal Liberty. Let Kentucky be first among the
slave States to adopt some salu,ary measure for
the emancipation of the slaves that tread her
soil. This would be apreeminence TO be gIoried
in.
And now, Messrs. Editors, imagine your
readers think that they have had enough Of the
Thoughts" Of "a Southern Kontuckian." In
this opinion concur If have written any
thing tlss tendency of which is to promote, in
any degree, the glorious cause OF emancipation,
rejoies that have employed my pen,-nOr do
Iexrectto regret 1t in dying hour.
An sonie Of my friends, aware Of my purpose
to subscribe my concluding number in proper
person, have attempted to dissuademe therefrom,
lest / should injure my reputation, in the esti-
nation Of my numerous acquaintances, would
most respectfully and courteously suggest to
those friends, that reputation which the ad-
vocscy Of the cause Of emancipation can either
destroy or impair, is not worth having. This
is at least my opinion.
JAMES M. PENDLETON.
Bowling Green, Ky.
N