The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-06-08
Methodist Episcopal Shareholders.


We commend the following TO the consdera-
tion of the Independents:
The Wesleyan of April 2lst contains a COM
munication from brother Snyder, stating that a
member and minister of the M. E. Church in
his vicinity had sold slaves. and with the price of
their bodies and souls had bought lands, built
houses, DC. Why, Mr.. Editor, these things have
become SO common on the b ,rder of slavery were
we live, that they almost cease to excite atten-
ton. There residing in the town IN which l
live, two ministers of the M. E. Church, one
of which ian old gray headed man lately held by the
claims of slavery several of the others children.
He sold these children TO their own father, and re-
ceived their market value in current cash. Yet
this minister who trades in his brother minister's
children, retains good standing in the churchand
is abundant in his labor of love, and it is said a
peculiar uncton attends his ulnistration which is
most acceptable to the brethren.
] was in Cincinnati few days ago, in attend
ance on the anti slavery convention. On Friday
last left with my wife for home, by steamboat
about forty miles up the river. On board was
a Methodist from the south side of the river who
owned slaves. He told me he lately sold three,
two men and one woman, to the far south, as
he had good reason to believe they were plotting to
run away. One was member OF the same
church with himself. He said bis slaves Jared as
we'll in every respect asihimself-they had nothing
of which they could complain. remarked that
it was strange under such circumstances they
should wish to run away. o, said he,' you
never satisfy nigger; they don't know when
they are well used" l asked him what he
thought of the separation Of familes and the con-
jugal relation, involved in the practice of buying
and selling slaves. He said there wrong
done in that they were married with view to such
separation that every slave knew he must part with
his wife whenever slave removal, sale, or other
cause should demand it. l inquired further
whet her such separation and after marriages. by
which the parties would often have an indefinite
member of husbands or wives living at the same
time, wers in accordance with the heaven Or
dained institution of marriage. He said he had
no doubt ofit-fur God in ordaining slavery had
likewise ordined all its necessary adjuncts and
concomtants! asked him if he was sure that
God has ordained slavery. He replied that ques-
ton was forever at rest, since righteous Abraham
could hold slaves, any other could for it woull
be fnsufferable arrogance, as well as a work of
supererogation him affect greater holiness than
Abraham! further inquired if slaves could be
Permitted to have a plurality Of wives scattered
over the land, whether he aud myself could not
have equal privilege. After some hesitation he
concluded we could! This gentleman possesses
at least medium intellect, and from time to time
iniermngled his conversation with several pious
aud godty remarks. l told him l was coming to
his neighdorllood in Kentucky in few days 10
assist Rev. J. 6. Fee in holding profracted
meeting. He suid be thought had better stay
on my own side of the. river, as they did not wish
my teachings in kentucky. think quite proba-
bly, that he was candid in this remark.
April 90. d. WoRTH.
Nothing great eau be eiiected without trouble
and labor.
All thoughts we do not share in tune turn to