Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1849-03-23
From the PG. Freeman,
An Imaginary Scene.

The day appointed for the recognition of
The chief magistrate Of the nation dawned on
the City Of Washington. With thrilling
emotions the spectacle Of Inauguration was
anticipated by the thousands of Columbia's
sors. The moments passed swiftly away,
and the congregated multitude stood in the
presence Of the conquering Hero at the
capital 10 witness his initiation into the high
est office OF the Republic Of twenty millions.
The scene was wildly contemplated. with
idolatrous admiration, as the climax of glory
to The military chieftain! With these emo
items the object of their adulation had now
no sympathy. Celestial light had beamed
on his soul 4! The illusion of the honor which
cometh from man was dispelled. To the
proposal 10 swear eubiection to the constitu-
ton Of his country, he demurred. After a
solemn pause, he thus spake: Fellow Citi-
zens Although my present position will
present to you an anomaly Of no ordinary
character, it is a duty ! owe to the King Of
kings and Lord Of lords, TO my country and
to myself, to speak out, plainly and frankly,
- the words OF truth and soheTness." From
some OF the fair daughters Of Columbia !
have received a volume of ineslimable
value" It's holy and blessed inspirations
have opened upon my mental vision a new
~ ; w NY CHlNh'4iIt = HOW Nlds = no
veil has been removed by the angel Of mer-
cy, and the mirror of truth has reflected on
my astonished perception, the infatuation of
nay past estimate Of thu things which are
not aeen-WhIeh are eternal. II has reveal
ed the s5lsmn truth. that the "lhings which
are highly esteemed among man are an abo-
mutation in the sight Of God" Nv tlaapi.
nary glory is "turned into corruption" Nv
%laurels are crinsoned with the innocent blood
of my brethren /; the loud plaudi.s Of ny ad-
mirers faint away amid the gllans Of the
widow and the Wailings of the orphan,
which drive deep into my conscience the
singing arrows Of conviction. Seeking the
honor which cometh from man, and no: that
which cometh from the alone God, | have
dlsallowed the authority of Him who Stretch
ed out the Heavens, violated his eternal law
Of love, and spread woe, desolation and death
among his childEena at the command Of worms
of the dust!
Before high Heaven, and before YOU, nv
fellow citizens, who hasten with me TO the
tribune of eternal justice, | now declare nv
allegiance TO the laws Of righteousness. hu-
mainly and love. In The presence of God,
angels and men, | acknowledge the authori.
~ Of these laws and the consequent impiety
and nullity Of all constitutions and statutes
which conlravene their sacred principles,
from whatever source they may emanale.-
The constitution p%rofercd to my assent,
without exception, as the invaIiahle standard
OF my political duty, rs an Indispensable
condition OF my initiation into the high office
Of President Of the United States. appoints
me to be commander in chief of all military
forces, in all wars which may be declared by
the constituted authorities Of the county,
! can accept no such Office. Ny allegiance
10 the Prince of Peace to.bids ii. War is
The law Of hatred Peace is the law Of
Love-. My soul sickens in the retrospect
OF my past agency in the work of human
butchery. May He who maketh inonisi.
uon Tor blood have mercy upon me.
Inc same national document. notyith-
standing Its professions Of impartial REGARD
to universal justice, requires my sanction
ana subsection 10 laws which transform nv
q brethren OF the same blood, and made like
0 myself In the image Of God, into chattels.-
In violation Of The divine mandate, not to re
turn the fugitive from oppression to his mas
lei, this constitution requires me to do so.-
The light of moral ruth, which has trans
formed my soul, has disclosed the blacknes
V OF darkness of The whole system Of slavery
lis pride, its covetousness, its ~iniustce, it
horrible inhumanity, all stand out in bold re
lief before my renewed vision. And now
8 declare, before Almighty God, who hate