Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1853-02-19

trnnsgressiun but, who does not know, that
every h,iunn being is constantly desiring u
more exalted happinessf aud who, hut
those whose mental vission is olscrred by
theological Fog, eau fail to perceive, that
this inefiacable desire for higher good, is the
true element that will eventually redeem all
the race from sin? Trace mankind back TO
the most remote date of hisolry, aud follow
page-ihis plain, understandable ! pulse up
wards, is manifest, aud every historic column
is an evidence on record, of the constant
tendency of humanity, from the less perfect
to the more perfect condition. Yet that lIi-
manity can aud does fall in n certain degree,
we have continual proof But let me ask,
If every individual is not accountable for
his own falling. think so. Aud think,
also, that each one rcnps the benefit of his
own efforts after progress. Yet il seems that
this individual responsibility las also its
connection with tie interest of society nt
large; for every individual has a certain
amount of influence upon tie humanity that
comes within its limits of action, aud in that
sense, aud in that only, do ] imagine the sins
of one to effect naay. 1t is possible for n
person to become eminent for yirtuous deeds,
aud yet be afterwards acted upon hy innu-
cuces, that precipita,e them down to the low
est grade of vicious debasemeut. But no
one can fall below n certain degree. A hu-
insnity cannot eflhce the impressions of its
humanity. But neither can human progress
sion soar higher, than is compatible with It's
present condition. II seems, that through
all nature one uniniorm law prevails aud
aud sin is under this universal law. This
great law is n continual transition from less
perfect to more perfect. But nothing cnn
he more perfect tInn its condition admits OF.
The plunt cannot become an animal; the
animal, cannot become n creature of moral
responsibility. The earthly intelligence, is
not in the present human forni, endowed
with the capacity TO become n sernphc cx-
isience; therefore human progression he
yond certain degree, is impossible. But
there is no such thing as stngnntion. The
humanity ;liat halis in its journey upwards,
of necessity falls downwnrds; but when il
has fallen, il is not compelled TO remain in its
ilebaselneni, nay! il cannot forever remain
there, for there is ~ its nature an element
of progress that is destined eventually TO
lead it regularly onward TO light und life
and as surely as the bud brings forth the
blossom, and the blossom unfolds the fruit,
which eventually ripens aud becomes per-
feet form, whose decay produces new forms
of life so surely will Mankind finally reach
the perfection Of their human condition.
But il mny he argued that the tree has no
simllilude 10 man, for it is unconsciously
subject TO iuimutable law. But think there
is perfect harmony in the government of
both. Tie condition of llIe tree is an nieri-
or one therefore the action of the law is
adapted to both conditions. The more adyun-
ced condition of animal existence, presents n
higher unfolding of the law, for n higher life
hns evolved new developemeni Of the prin-
ciple. ] cannot fail TO notice the infinite
grndntions that nature exhibits betwixt the
vegetable acme of perfection, and the aui-
NAL in its most perfect condition. There is
no abrupt step from the different degrees of
unfolding; each seems TO merge easily into
that next above or below il, and yet, through
all these infinite degrees, the perfection of
one condition is only an entrance into what
is still more perfect.
IL Man,we acknowledge the highest order
of existence, of which our material senses
can lake cognizanee; and Ia strict accord
ance with the uniform law, we find that the
more advanced condition, has ngain impel.
ed higher principles of government. IL him
we acknowledge we find intelligence
that incontestibly proves his highly possess
ed powers and our innate idea of the pro-
gressive uniformity of The law, teaches us to
expect That the Omnipotent plum must confer
some high privilege on the creature of such
q high developement Nor are we disap-
pointGd. Sublime privileges are indeed con-
nected viii; the distinctive humanity, aud
these are like ali The gifts of the Inscrulnble
one, eKactly suited TO our condition. And
yet, notwithstanding this high position, man
kind are not happy. But why7 Orthodoxy says
because woman wns fond of contradiction
and stole apples, with which she tempted n
poor, weak minded naii. think that all
mankind (iucluding all the cross. grained
women and weak minded Inen,) have within
themselves the principle that will work out
for them perfect happiness; but that they
have hitherto overlooked that inward princi-
pie, aud blindly confding in outward appli-
ances to produce happiness. Not that !
would insinuate that mankind intend to bs