Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1852-09-15
verses addressed to his son. has clearly expressed
the universal injunction:

verses addressed to his son. has clearly expressed
the universal injunction:
Jussa protestatis terrena dsscutlcnda
CSelests tibi mox perhcienda scias
Slqus divinis jubeat contrafia jusss
lie contra Dominum pactio nua trahat.
The mandates of an earthly power may be dis
cussed; those of Heaven must at once be perform.
ed; nor can any agreement constrain against
God. Such is the rule OF morals. Such also, by
the lips of judges and sages has been the proud
declaration of the English law. whence our own is
derived. In the conviction patriots have fear
lissly braved unjust commands, and martyrs have
died.
And now, sir, the rule is commended 10 us. The
good citizen, he thinks OF the shiverng fugitive
guilty of no crime, pursued hunted down like
beast. while praying for Christian help and deliver
ance, and as he rea6s the requirements of this act
is filled with horror. Here is despotic mandate
"to aid and assist in the prompt and efficient exc.
cuton of this law" Again let me speak frankly
Not rashly would | set myself against any provis-
ion of law. This grave responsibility would not
lightly assume But here the path of duty is clear
By the Supreme Law, which commands me to
do no iniustice; by the comprehensive Christian
Law of Brothe rEood; by the Constitution which
have sworn to support.
arm bound to disobey this act. Never, in any
capacity, can render voluntary aid in its execu
ton. Pains and penalties will endure; but this
great wrong will not do al cannot obey; but
can suffer- was the exclamation of the author f
dence to earthly statute. Better suffer njus-
tice than 10 do it, Better be the victim than the
instrument of wrong. Better be even tho poor
slave, returned to bondage, than the unhappy
Commissioner.
There u.s. sir an incident of history, which sug-
gests parallel, and affords lesson of fidelity
Under the triumphant exertions of that Apostolic
Jesuit, st. Francis Xavier, large numbers of the
Japanese, amounting to as many as two hundred
thousand-among their princes, generals, and the
flower of the nobity-were converted to Chris
tanlty. Afterwards. amidst the frenzy of civil
war, religious prosecution arose, and the penalty
ofdeath was denounced against all who refused to
trample upon the effigy Of the RedeemeT. This
was the Pagan law of Pagan land. But the de-
lighted historian records that scarcely one from
the multitudes ofconverts was guilty of that apos
tacy. The law ofman was set at naughl. lmpri-
sonment, torture, DEATH were preferred. Thus did
the people refuse to trampe on the painted image
Sir, multitudes among US will not be less steadfast
in refusing to trample on the living image Of their
Redeemer.
Finally sir for the sake of peace and tranquility,
cease to shock the public conscience; for the sake
of the Constitution, caase to exercise power
which is nowhere granted. and which violates in
violable rights expressly secured. Leave this ques
ton where it was left by our fathers. at the form
alton of our National Government, in the absolute
control of the States, the appointed guardians of
personal liberty. Repeal this enactment Let its
terroTs no longer rage through the land. Mindful
ofthe lowly whom itpursues; mindful the good
men perpexed by its requirements; and in the
name of charity, in the name of The Constitution,
repeal this enactment, totally and without delay.
Be inspired by the example of Washington. Be
| admonished by those words of Oriental pety-
"Beware ofthe groans of the wounded souls. OPP.
press not to the utmost single heart; for solIta
ry sigh has power to overset whole world"