Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-02-11

economy-of pecuniary loss and gain-of the
competition of Slave with free labor; and even
above the demoralizing influence of Slavery it.
self
The great, broad, deep, everlasting distinction
between right and wrong must take possession
OF the public heart and conscience Gods au-
thority must be held supreme There must be
felt the force of law higher than human,-a
law before which human laws and constitutions
must bowl law whose sanctions reach into
the great future, when human laws and consti-
buttons shall have passed away, and masters and
slaves shall stand together, upon a common lev
Ell, before !" the judgement seat of Christ -
How insignificant and unavailing will there ap-
pear all the pleas and pretenses here rcsorted to,
to justify human Slavery, and yet that ordeal is
out step before the men of this generation
With sentiments such as these great truths
are fitted to inspire, must this nation be pene-
trated-ministers of igon-churches- rulers
-people--politicianS- partizans-all All
must feel that there is God who abhors OBJ
preston, and who will not hold guiltless the un-
repenting oppressor, or the unrepentng nation
that countenances and sustains the oppression.
No attempted Anti-Slavery reform will prove eff
fectual, into which conviction of the Inherent
wrong of Slavery, and Of responsibility to the
God Of the oppressed does not enter as funda-
mental element.
Much, it is true, may be accomplished through
the agency of other causes. Motives of inter-
est may operate; and political parties may be
organized; but neither can be counted on for
the steady and enduring influence that is needed.
In the ever-shifting phases of party contests,
fundamental principles may be lost sight Of
The public morality may become debased and
corrupted, insomuch.that even the efforts of a
party, organized for Freedom, may degenerate
into struggle for mere victory and the spoils.
Thus, as the political contest now being waged,
wakes warmer, and men are nerved with heroic
energy to Withstand the aggressions of Slavery,
is there an increased necessity of vigorous eff
forts to infuse into the contest the Christian ell
ement. 1t is the salt needed to preserve from
corruption.
do not discountenance party organization or
party effort. rejoice that party is formed
to resist the aggressions of Slavery. Ipray that
it may be successful. 1t shall not want my
humble cooperation. But have very little
hope that it will succeed, unless 1t shall feel a
higher inspiration than can be drawn from mo-
tives of political expediency. If mere poiti-
clans, lusting for office, should, in an evil hour
gel, possession of the party machinery, and CON
troll its movements, should look for no Anti.
terrible compensation Of deep and widespread
political corruption. 1t might be long before
the victorious Republican party would become
as corrupt as the present dominant poltica
party has become, in the twenty-nine years O
its downhill progress; but without the conserv
ative influence of which have spoken, it would
most assuredly, 60 in the same direction. An(
what direction. What result | car
hardly imagine lower deep of corruption thar
has been reached. l feel deeply the aggression
of the Slave-Power; but shey are not, in my
judgement, more dangerous than the growth
and consolidation of the dominant party, will
the President of the United States controllin.
its movements, and enforcing his behests b,
holding the rod of removal over the heads o
forty thousand ofice-holders, stationed in ever,
citv.and village throughout the country; whicl
dtive favors are the well-known bountie
for enlistment in his service.
What combination here rises to our view
The overbearing, domineering, all-grasping
Slave-Power, joined to the chronic corruption
of great Central Government, sending tn
pestilential influences of party patronage t.
the remotest extremities of the Union. Oppres
sion and corruption combining to cons0lidat
their joint umpire over land consecrated b!
Revolutionary blood, to purity and freedom!
There seems, indeed, just now, some prospec
that this combined power may be broken. Con
= fusion has been sent into its counseis. The au
Thor Of the wicked repeal of The Missouri Com
promise recOis from the result to which tn
Save-Power has pushed its pretensions, unde
that repeal and he now stands in a position o
antagonism to the Administration that is at
tempting to force a Slavery Constitution on Kan
sas, in fragrant disregard of the clearly expressed
will of its people. | fervently pray that thi
breach may never be healed but am going t.
wait while, before indulge an assured hop
that it will not be healed. The Shareholder
may get more than an equivalent for this uaen
pected opposition, in other concessions 10 it!
claims If such concessions can be made with
safety to the party, they aoiU be made. Its lead
ers have no hostility to Slavery, which is mo-
entirely subordinate to an all-absorbing desire
to sustain the party, with its rank corruptions
and the prestige of its name. | am Thankful
for all the aid derived from mere politicians
from appeals to selfshness, and from the divided
counsels OF those who make merchandise OF pol
itics; but here is not the main reliance. Their
will be no safety in The approaching storm, bu
in the sheet anchor Of Christian Principle
understand the object of your meeting, it is tt
hold on to this anchor. In this l am with you
fully and heartily bid you God speed
Yours for Truth and The Right
WILLIAM SIADE
Committee of Overtures report the following
Resolped, That as friends of human rights
we have met, not to form new political party
nor to affect any local. State or National object
but by all the religious and moral means in gu
power, to promote the great cause of Human
Freedom, and the best interests of the oppresse
millions, and of the Nation, in the immediat
and entire abolition of American Slavery an
the triumph of Liberty throughout the land
Nevertheless we would labor for such reger
Grafton of public opinion as will compel all par
ties to be true to Freedom.
Resolued, That American Slavery is heinou
sin, and infamous outrage against God and hi
,lnanity at war with natural right, the Bblt
r. Christianity, and the gospel of Christ and
the deadliest foe to both master and slave,
well as to the peace and prosperity of the n;
ton.
RESOLVED, That for this, the great sin of tt
nation, the God of the oppressed has contr
versy with US, and nothing but breaking off OIL
sins by righteousness and showing mercy to I'll
poor, can avert the impending desolating judi
ment of Heaven.
Resolved, That the present almost absolu
control of the National Government by ii
Slave-Power-the fllibustering designs of tt
South for the purpose of extending the Sla'
system into new territories-the fearful an
monstrous decision of the Supreme Court in tt
bred Scott case-the official declaration
President Buchanan that Shareholders are
much entitled to hold Slaves in any of the tie
ritores as any other property-the fearful lar
startling doctrines avowed by the South in fave
of reviying the African Slave Trade, and I'll
continued subjugation and fearful condition
Kansas-are new evidences that the Slave-Pow'
is determined, if possible, to drive the frien'
of Freedom to the wall ; and are also additions