Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1850-08-03
1856

rtukiD ulturipu W ulttIls WIS tItuhlip VI
the slayc-catching bill for which MIR. Web
now matter of cool New-Englond calcula-
ton. The cotton interest of Massachusetts,
calls for II, and the gentry of Boston are
cheering on their Senator in his strange and
reckless COURSE" ] referred TO tie cheers
with which, as the papers informed us, his
street harangue on slave-catching was re-
ceived by his audience. No man born out
of New-Englnnd has probably a higher re-
spcct than myself for the intelligence and
virtue of her Inhabitants. But human ma
ture is, suppose, the same in Massachusetts
MS elsewhere; and you baye yet much to
learn of the character Of your species, II
you deny that pecuniary interests, real or
imugined have powerful influence on the
political views of large bodies of men,
Yon greatly mistake me, sir, IL you sup
pose have troubled YOU with this letter from
amy idea of seledetcnse. The passionate and
indefinite yirulencc of your assault renders
il wholly innocuous to myself; but you have
attempted Il admit in a very awkward man
ner) TO identity my fathers principles and
conduct with the pro-slaycry course of your
self nnd Mr.. Webster. You think tho
sanction of his name would bo convenient
60 both. In yielding 10 tho prompIings of
flial duty, aud rescuing my fathers memo |
ry from the disgrace you would attach TO 1t,
may possibly huve given some aid to a cause
dear to my parents heart, by exhibiting his
own sentiments and conduct on the subject
of slavery. You have moreover afforded me
a convenient opportunity of exhibiting, by
your own laborious efforts, the utter worth
lcssness of all Scriptural arguments in justi-
fcation of American slavery, aud the foul
dislIonor they Gust upon the gospel of our
ever blessed and adorable Redeemer- l
cheeriully do you the justice 10 admit that
your moral sense rcvolts against your Bible |
theory. But beg you TO reflect whether I
you are engaged in wise and safe employ |
ment, and one becoming your position, |
when you labor 10 prove that the fountain
whence we draw our knowledge of Gods
holy will, is sending forth most bitter waters,
and that the tree Of life is bearing the apples
of Sodoin?
The very unceremonious manner with
which you have been pleased to treat me,
will l trust excuse little freedom on my
part. Permit me TO use the frankuess you
have invited, in submitting a few plain truths
for the consideration of yourself, and your
Reverend associates in Andover and else
where, whose theology embraces the politi-
cal morality illustrated by Mr.. Webster, and
that system of evangelical bcncvolence
which is exemplificd in American slavery
and the delivery of fugitives. Laymen,
from their more promiscuous intercourse
with the world, have usually better opporu-
mites than the clergy of marking the practi-
cal working Of agencies and influences un-
favorable to Christianity. You are probably
nware that even religious men are too much
inclined to expect a higher standard of NOR.
al excellence in tho clergy than they arc
willing to prescribe for themselves. Tho
maxim that the world will love its own, is
reversed in regard TO such of the ministers OF
Christ as are supposed to belong TO it,
Hence in public estimation, tile sacred char
ncter of preacher of righteousness greatly
aggrayates every deviation from Christian
morality, whether of conduct or opinion
which may be imputed to him. No intelli-
gent man, unbiased by interest or education
can pause i'm pronouncing such system III
American slavery TO be unjust and cruel
To deny this, is 10 deny that God has giyei
80 man the knowledge of good and evil
even In the lowest degree. But while mul
titudes are uncontrolled in their own con
duct by their conviction of the wickednes
of slavery, that conviction necessarily infu
ences their opinion of him who, professiD
90 bo the messenger of Heaven, proclaim
that this mighty wrong is sanctioned and al
lowed by a Just and holy God Such an au
nouncement generally leads to one of tw
inferences; either that the preacher falsife
his message, or that a religion which out
RACES the moral sense of mankind cannot
of divine origin. The first is the inierenc
most usually drawn, aud disgust with iii
preacher is the natural result. But unhaT
PLY, instances are not wanting in which I'll
arguments fabricated from tho Bible effect
lodgment in the mind, and excite, not q
was intended, haired of abolition, but hatre
of Christianity. Facts have como to III
knowledge far too numerous TO permit M
20 doubt for moment, that the course pu
sued by many of our clergy in relation
caste aud slavery, has shaken the faith
many weak Christians, and given vnst in
pulse to infidelty. There is, sir, great re-
son to fear that at the final account, Il
blood of souls will be found in the skirts
some who have proclaimed themselves con
missioned to sanctfy tho whip aud the fe
tiers of the slave, by first hanging them G
the cross of the Redeener,
Once more, sir,-there is not miscreal
IN the street who insults and maltreats ii
negro, that does not know, if he knows an,
thing Of Christianity, that il is religio
intended for ALL, aud that its Divine Autht
appeared in humble guise and associate
freely with the poor, the lowly and the de-
pissed, Yet in the example and conduct ,
many muster in Israel may sanction
found for the contunely, injustice and crl
city which fall to the lot of an unhappy an
prosecuted people, In vain has the voice
inspiration declared that in the Church {
CHRIST there Is neither Greek nor Jew, Gil
euincision nor uncircumcision, Barbariui
s5cythian, bond nor free. In vain have N
been reminded from on high, "Ye are a
ONE in Christ Jesus" Certain Reyerep
disciples of the lowly Redeemcr scom 10 /
e,H with negroes, even in Christ Jesus, at
hence with impious hands they build up Il
heaghen barrier of CASTE, and insult in Il
very house OF God all TO whom the Almig
" Father has seen fit in his sovereign plea
ure TO give dark complexion. Not fl
Of these men are putting forth high prete
eions TO ministerial power and dignity.
Episcopalians have recently been told