The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-05-19
For the Examiner.
Gradual Emancipation.
Respectfully yours,
ADDISON RROWN.

Gradual Emancipation.
To all those, in Ksaiueky, Of sseTy name. ish0 /
call u9Oa our Lord Jesus Christ, OUT Of pure I
heat, Jerrentiy:
BREIHREN: In the Providence Of God, il !
sometimes happens that question OF great !
philanthrOpic interest or national Importance, |
may claim the united attention Of all christian
people, in a sense and in a manner separating
them widely from other portions Of the com
munily, and vet binding them together entirely
irrespective of their dogmatc peculiariiies, or
sectarian organisations.
OF this, We long had beautiful example in
the efforts of the American Bible Society-still
have ia the noble exertiOns CT the CoionisatiOn
Society-and even upon broader scale per-
haPs, in the acknowledged claims Of those in
situations which have regard to the more sacred
observance Of the Lords Day.
In the opinion Of the present writer even
larger claim is now present, addressed not mere
ly to the sympathies, but the sense Of duty, not
of the various Protestant denominations only,
but of all who call upon the name Of our Tcrd
Jesus Christ, both the rs and ours
Ii is ths claim Of the stranger, and Of the
bondman and the bOndwoman and their chill
dren, from Africa resident in our midst II is
the question whether anything can now be
done to improve their condition, or to better
ours in relation TO them; or, prospectvely, 10
alter and change those re!alions7 And If any
thing, what2 whsnf howl by what means and
by whose agency
Does this question address itself in a special
and more emphatic manner TO religious people,
Are christians, as body, and utterly irrespcct-
i've Of all UNCONVENTIONAL distinctions, called
upon to consider their duty as christians, in this
behalf Drawn into the discussion and in-
volved in the action, they must be, as citizens;
and can this be the case without involving them.
in the most solemn responsibilities as followers
Of our Lord Jesus Christi
Whilst, for instance, as citizens, they cheer
fully consent TO the discussion of this urea,
question on economical principles, can they
stop here' Must they not insist on the humane
and phillnthrOpic views of the casel and nI
these, how can they exclude the christian views
which may be urged
so, on the other hand, how can they uncon-
sciously and insensibIy yield to the inflasaes of
education, Of habit, of interest, or prejudice.
and so he LEI 10 take sides against emancipation,
without exposing themselves to the great dan
ger of having their passions aroused, their
Judgments perverted, and their consciences har-
dened, so as at length to be exposed to the dan.
ger of being led blindfold, by inscriptions
demagogues, and Of being enlisted on the side
OF error against truth-darkness against light
and Of cruelty against mercy
The object Of the present writer is, kindly to
arouse inquiry upon this point---to suggest.
that in his opinion, just such an alternative is
about, whether he will or not. to be forced upon
every voter, who is christian, in Kentpcky-
and, therefore, to submit to their judgmentand
their condolences. variety of considerations.
why they should throw their united weight into
the scale of humanity and mercy
: There is a diversity of opinion amongst good
people, whether or not the scriptures are ex.
Pressly for or against involuntary servitude.
under certain circumstances-buti IL is believed
that there is not shade Of difference upou one
Point-and that is, that the genius and spirit of
our holy Religion Is directly opposed to slavery
in every form. Does any mortal dream that this
will be one Of the institutions of the millennium?
Or doubt when the kingdom Of Christ is fully |
established upon earth, tina, il is one of the ills
the human race, which, together with
tvrannical Vavernmants 49, a.. .....-. "a
disappear forever? Every effort, therefore, TO
reduce the magnitude Of this evil-every plan
that shorens the period Of its existence, is, lust
so far as it takes effect, one of the tIiumphs Of
the Gospel. 1t is little that each individual
christian can accomplish in promoting the good
'ause' which, above all others upon earth, is
nearest bis heart, the victory Of good over evil
md Of happiness over misery, and therefore he
'hoald De more anxious to throw his weight
npOn the side Of right and mercy, lest hs2Iy
Re should be found 10 be fighting even against
God. II
No good man can contemplate unmOved the
moral aud religious condition Of our colored
'opulation. AS to the amount of early religious
raining which they receive, or the influence
which the Sabbath or the ministry exerts over
hem, in our wide rural districts-as to the
lumber brought under the influence of sober,
ractical religion. renewing their hearts, con-
rolling their affect ions, tempers and conduct,
nd guiding their lives, who does not see and ,
eplore that they are very much in the condi.
ion Of the heather. -.t
And who thtt has eve.' attempted 10 do them
ood, but has been met W .ith such difficulties
rowing out of the inherent vices OF slavery, as
tterly 10 discourage his heart and palsy his :
aud, until such time as this rsdical evil shall !
touched or removed tits hard thing for !,