The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-06-30

q
The following letter from Rev. N. l.. Rice
TO friend, has been handed to us with a re-
quest to publish:
CINCINNATI, June L., lS49.
DEAR SIR-four favor Of the 2sth ult. came
duly to hand. | am surprised that any one
r"onid quote or r-'er o. anihiag have said OF
- ia ,...... IA .. ''anii-emancipation
.-,~s. Since nrSt had occasion to inyesti-
gate The subject of slavery IN its various bear
ings, my views concerning it have not under
gone any msterial change. Whilst editing the
Western Protestant and the Protestant and Her
AID IN bardstown, had occasion repeatedly TO
express my views of slavery; and l have fire.
quently expressed and published tbs same views
| since
distinctly deny the fundamental principle
OF aboIiiionisH, that siaveholding is in as,lt
sinful. hold that there have been, and are,
circumstances which justify individuals in sus-
tanning the relation Of masters, or in being
Shareholders; and therefore, the church cannot
exclude persons from her communion, amply
D
other hand, as firmly, that slavery is a eompli-
Gated evil Of immense magnitude, the entire re-
movHl Of which from cur country, should be
earnestly and perseveringly sought by all law
ful and proper means. It is an evil to the
slave, 10 his master and his family, and 10 the
State.
! nced not attempt to point out the many and
great evils which flow from the Institution OF
slavery. This work, rejoice to know, is be-
/ ing done by men better qualified than to do
the subject justice.
! Whilst a resident Of my native State, land
glory in being a Kentuckisn,) watched with
intense interest the progress of public senti-
ment, which was then perceptable, in favor OF
emancipation and colonization, and | deeply
deplored the retograde movement caused by
the abolition excitement. l rejoiced when re-
Gently il was proposed TO hold a convention for
the purpose Of remodeling the constitution,
chiefly because hoped the day had come wheA
Kentucky would lake decided measures TO rid
herself Of the evil Of slavery. There doubtless
are other points In the constitution which re-
quirs change, brt II something be not done,
and done decidedly, with a view to gradual
emancipation, shall feel painfully convinced
that the great work, required alike by the prin-
ciples of true philanthropy, and by an enligbt-
ened regard for the true and permanent interests
of the State, has been left undone-
arm convinced that the day must come, and
come soon, when Kentucky will move decided.
ly in the work Of emancipation. The tide Of
public sentiment, if / mistake not, 10 strongly
setting in that direction. The pro-slsvery doc
trine Of some ultra men in the South can never
be generally received in Kentucky. The evil
of slavery are tso manifest, and the agitation
ofthe question is not now, as too generally here
tofors, chiefly by fanatical men in the free
States Many of the leading minds Of Ken
lucky, and amongst them many shareholders
are fully aroused TO the importance and the duty
Of delivering the State from the blight Of slave
ry; and am persuaded they will not rest ill
the work ls done. As IL il vain TO attempt Il
satisfy rejecting men that slavery 10 not an evil
so is il equally vain to say that, though it is m
evil, no efforts should be made TO remove It
Neither of these propositions can be successful
ly maintained.
! After what have said. / need not assure YOU
that feel deep interest n the discussion now
progressing in Kentucky, and that rejoice In
any MEASURE Of success secured by the friendl
Of emancipation and colonization. should mol
have remained silent thur long had not fell
satisfied that the work is in ADLER hands, an[
that it is better TO leave IL to be done chiefly by
the citizens Of the State. Were / now In Ken
lucky, where spent mont Of my life, woulc
esteem il no ordinary privilege to stand by tn
side OF those who are so nobly contending TO
the principles Of enlightened philanthropy AM
true policy-who are seeking at once to elsvat
the colored man and to promote tina best inter
ests Of the State.
Having learned through your kindness, tina
my views are misunderstood or misrspressnted
deem il a duty alike to myself and to the csus
which 10 dear 70 my heart, 10 state them die
tnctly. should rejoio, exceedingly to fin
nv numerous friends in Kentucky ali engaged
lin tho present crSis, on the aide Of smancipatiol
Land eplonixafie1s y felYs your, 80.