Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1849-08-11
THE BIBLE.

"Abolitenists either believe that the Bible
does not sanction Slavery, or they believe
shat it does. If they believe that il does, let
them speak out their convictions and do as
some say they would do, reject it if it does
sanction the system. If they believe that the
Scriptures give no sanction 10 Slavery, let
them defend II against the attacks of slave
holders" -New Concord Free Press.
With Difference 10 the opinion of our CO.
temporary, we must be permitted to remark,
chat, in our judgment, the demand above
made is unreasonable. The Anti.Slayery
Movement, if We understand the matter, was
organized for the purpose Of abolishing Sla-
very, and not to defend the Bible against the
attacks Of rro-siavery priesthood and church.
individual Abolitionists, of course, will exer.
else their right to discuss the character and
claims Of the Bible, on their cum responsiJiH-
Gy-to affirm or deny that il is in favor of Sla.
very, according TO their respective views;
but we insist that it is unfair to impose upon
our Anti-Slavery Societies and their Organs
che responsibility Of settling an incidental and
complicated Theological question, on which
che Church herself has never been able to
agree. We might as reasonably be called
upon 10 pronounce judgment upon the Five
Points of Calvinism, or upon the whole Thir-
ty-nine Articles of the English Church, as
upon the question of the inspiration of the
Scriptures and the doctrines they inculcate
upon the subject Of Slavery. The Anli.Sla-
very Societies are united in this one thing
+hat Slavery is a Sin aud Immediate Eman-
cipstion a Duty. In proclaiming this doc
trine they are met by scores of modern Phari-
sees who affirm that it is contrary to the BIZ
BILE. There are W ways of meeting this OBJ
lection. One is, by going into a critical ex-
animation of texts, a learned exposition of
Hebrew and Greek, the History and Philos-
ophy of the Mosaic system, The true theory
of a written revelation, &c. To say nothing
of the inherent difficulties which surround
these questions, and which have thus far pre-
cluded any approach 10 unanimity in the de.
cisions of the Church herself, we affirm that
they are not legitimate to tho great issue
which the Aboliiionists have made with the
people OF this country, and therefore ought
not to be entertained upon the anti-slavery
platform. Beside, it would be an utter waste
OF time for Abolitionists, in their associated
relations, TO discuss these questions, unless
they are prepared, in good faith, 10 abandon
their principles if they are proved 10 be con-
,rary to the Book. There is not one among
them, who, unless his moral sense is grossly
perverted, or his brains sadly deficient both
In quantity and quality, who is prepared to
say that he would admit Slavery to be RICH,
upon the authority Of any book in the world.
Our neigheor Of The Concord Free Press
would not say ii himself; if he would, he is
not the man we take him TO be. WHY then
submit the question 10 this tribunal, when
you are determined beforehand not 10 abide
by its decision if it shall happen to be apains,
yous There is another and a more legitimate
way Of meeting the objection referred 10. I,
Is by going 10 The root Of the matter at once
and referring to that elder revelation which
God has made 10 every human soul-io tina,
"rRuE LIGHT, Which EgAteh every man thai
eomefh INFO The worid," whether he has eve,
seen the Bible or not. In the light of iba,
revelation, we declare, 10 the nam Of God,
that Slavery is a Sin, and that the Book that
Josihes 1t is not aom above bat from beneath.
Here Is an adaman'ine rock, an ~impregnsbls
Sibfai'sf, which the foes Of Freedom will
sssaia in vain. Adopting this principle, and