Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-11-28
For the Eastern Times.
Slavery and the Constitution.
NUMBER TWO.

- 49,
iom that the constitution of the country was to
be upheld and supported at all events-that ev-
cry provision contained in it should be held as
sacred-and all laws made in conformity there
to should be carried into full effect, honestly,
fearlessly, perfectly. But in these latter days,
set of men has sprung up who are fond OF
talking about "the higher lap'-as if regard
to the will of God, that higher law to which
we all submissively bow, made 1t the lmpera-
tive duty of every conscientious man to array
himself against the constitution and govern
ment of his country. / have no doubt that
many individuals among us entertain such opin-
ions honestly-and because Ibelieve them hon
est recognize their personal claims and re-
gard while at the same time, cannot but feel
that the doctrines they put forth are founded in
error and fraught with mischief.
Be it remembered that the constitution is
solemn compact, entered into by the people of
all the states. That in framing this compact
of union it was necessary to provide for the d.
verse and even conflicting interests of the differ
ent states that were to become parties to it
The existence of this diversity and this con-
flict was matter of perfect notoriety at the
time, and ii was also known that no basis of
union would be assented to, which did not pro-
vide guaranty for the security and mainte-
nance of institutions claimed and enjoyed as
rights in certain localities, while in others
they were regarded as grievous ,rrOngs.
In a word, slavery-the holding of men in
bondage, as property, had become so incorpo-
rated into, and interviewer with, the texture of
society, in certain states, that even the wisest
and best people of the country, could devise
no safe and practicable mode for abolishing it.
The states concerned would not, they dared
not, unite their destinies with those of the 9TH
ers, unless upon principles, which, in this par
ticular, should make them amply secure. All
this was perfectly understood at the time, aud
the alternative was fairly presented of union on
the one hand, under government and consti-
tntion whose wisdom and admirable workings
have been the theme of eulogium from that day
to the present, notwithstanding this one defect
and blot, or, on the other, total abandonment
of all the leading objects, and priceless bless
ings, in pursuit of which the nation had pour
ed out It's blood and treasure like water With
such an alternative before them, the wise and
good men of the revolution did not long hest
tate. And now, where is the man among us,
| would like to know, who in his heart regrets
that they did mott
The clause in the constitution which pro
vides for the giving up of fugitive slaves is a
part of the price paid for this glorious union
1t was inserted deliberately -understandingly-
as sine qua non. Every person holding office
under the United States, and most of our state
officers, solemnly swear to support the consti-
tuition, every part and parcel of it-and this
oath, be it remembered, applies as perfectly to
the clause in question, as if it were taken spe-
officially with reference to that and that alone.
And now are we to be taught, and shall we
believe, that the higher law" the law of
God, demands of us to violate onr solemn oaths,
set at nanght our plighted faith, and array our
selves against the government of onr own de-
liberate choice and full adoption Why, what
says that higher law to which these con-
scentious gentlemen are so much in the habit
of appealing TO, in reference TO this very ques-
ton of obeying or resisting established govern
mentl Put them in mind to be subject to
principalities and powers, to obey magistrates.
"Submit yourselves to epey ordinance of man
for the Lords sake whether it be unto the
king as supreme, or unto governors, as unto
them that are sent by him for the punishment
of evil doors, and for the praise of them that
do we'll For SO it is the will of God, that
with well doing We may put TO silence the ig-
norance of foolish men, 1.-The powers that be
are ordained of God, whatsoever, therefore, re-
sisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of
God, and they that resist shall receive to them
selves damnation.' 'For this cause pay We
tribute also-for they are Gods ministers, at
tending continually on this very thing
Obedience TO rulers, submission to the civil
authorities-absolute and unconditiunal-is in
fact the current doctrine of the New Tesla
ment; inculcated too, let it not be forgotten,
under government scarcely paralleled for tyr
amy and cruelty, in the annals of the world.
When, | would like to know was this law
abrogated- instructions reversed The
apostles, in their simplicity, taught that obedi-
ence and submission, even to tyrannical and
wicked rulers, was. duty and who is he that
shall claim to be a betterinterpreter ofthe ''high-
er law" than they were.
Bnt shall be asked, perhaps, 'did not the
apostles say, we ought TO obey God rather
than MANI" Certainly they did, and who
controverts the doctrine. Not assuredy.-
What were the circumstances which drew out
that remark Certain rulers commanded them,
(without authority of law, so far as we are in
formed) not to speak at all, nor teach in the
name of Jesus; the very thing that God through
his son had commanded them to do. Here was
direct and positive command of God to do the
thing in question, man forbade 1t. Show me
now direct and positive command of God not
to obey the requirement for giving up slaves,
and | will agree that we are bound by it, abso-
lutely bound to it, all human laws, that have
been or can be enacted, to the contrary not
withstanding. But the very question between
us is, what does the law of God teach in refer
ence to this matter1 Does it command us to