Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1858-07-31
Tbe Anti- 5lauerp Bll9le.
From the Central Reiormer.
AMERICAN PRO SLAVERY RELIGION.

The following texts, the first consisting OF n
fact in relation to the position OF branch OF one
of the popular churches of the country, ana the
other the judicial opinion of one who is a promi.
nent m member of another popular American church
(Presbyteriarl are decided evidences that the
true character of the proslavery religion OF the
United States is as devoid of humanity as possl'
bic and shat to oppose and expose such wicked,
ness ae they tolerate, is the duty Of every good
man and woman:
One hundred and forty ministers of the Metho'
dist Episcopal Church, south recently voted TO ca
punge the article in their displine condemning the
slave trade. Eight only voted nay
Judge Leavitt of Ohio in his charge to the ju-
~ in the case OF Connolly, said that Christian
charity was not within the meaning or intent OF
the fugitive slave law and it would not there
fore answer as defence for violating the law"
Let the first extract lie considered briefly.
One hundred and forty ministers (protesslng to
be heralds of the gosyel) deliberately, (may ask,
prayerfully ?? decided to expunge the article con
copdemning the slave trade from their discipline.
Suppose one of these ministers IS taken up and
his history is briefly anal yzed. In his Jouth, or
Mt some period previous to this vote, he perhaps
attended church, heard preaching, praying &c
and was so exercised" that he became converted,
as the popular term goes, This result was, 1t may
have been, after much wrestling and prayer, a.
we'll on the part of the church, his relatives, and
strong mental and religious feelings in his own
TL.
on Gods side, and that the "beggary elements OF
the world" should never again tempt him to sin
Possibly some good friend about this time has
heard him pray and supposed he possessed q gift,
or talent, hid in his breast which, should he at
tempt to bury in a napkin, all the woes OF the ap
ocalypse would be visited upon him, He cult
Yates this gift by extraordinary efforts at prayer or
class meetings. The elder brethren are amazed
for 10 an ardent Peter or philosophic Paul is
found in their midst who was born to preach the
- e., nl,at IN nnrtal lnu
worll. He even astounds his preacher by his gift
of speech. Soon he takes the place of an cxhort
er or a class leader. The divine power grows
within him, and ere very few years merge them
selves into eternity he finds that he is called to
preach the everlasting gosr ell, and wo unto him, II
he disobeys this admoniton from heaven T! The
preacher in charge, the quarterly conference and
and even the presiding elder, all recognize in him
the inspiration of one called to preach lie de
votes himself to much prayer, looks pale, ano
evinces an extraordinary socitude lest the souls
of errng men should be lost. From the quarter
ly he goes to the animal conference, and after
sundry trials Of his ability, and the lapse
of the necessary period of time, he is dedca
ted to the ministry by the laying on Of hands, th'
prayers and benisons of the bishop, and the gooC
wishes of all the brethren present.
Having thus put on the "armor of Gcd," he i
appointed to preach the gospel. If he takes
circuit, rather is put on one, he must provide
himself with q horse. saddle. saddle bags, Bible
Methodist dispne and hymn book, and Fletch
er's Checks, or Wesey's sermons, Cark's Com
mentaries, or some other equally authentic liter
ature Of his chosen church. Having thus girdeC
himself with the whole counsel of God, and beinl
as the world understands him entirely directed
by love for the souls Of SHINING moItals, to spent
and be spent in blowing the gospel trumpet o
warning, are we not to set him down goot
man Surely so. lie may have talents or quail
fications which would enable him to attain t.
great political renown as a statesman, ainas
wealth as fnancier, even possess the fire, dar
ing and intrepidity to make him famous gener
al but he has thrown all these away as vain al
lcrements, filthy rags, feeting vanities, and Sc
himfelf about his Masters work-gathering soul
into the fold. The religious world, and indeet
many of those who profess no religion, see mucl
to admire in this sacrifice, deyotedhess, and sell
denial and are constrained to exclaim, "os sucl
is the kingdom of heaven"
He studies and breaches doctrines, examines
approves or condemns faiths reads metaphysics
moral philosophy, and by some peculiar ratiOcna
tion comes, ere many years, to the conclusion tha
his divine mission disallows him to mingle wit
the political affairs of the world nevertheless b
also learns, at the same time, that, although Co
made of one blood all men, there are those of tn
human race who may be robbed. sold, deprived o
knowledge, liberty, and the usual rights pertain
ing to mankind. And not only is he convinced O
this from external evidence, but sees that tn
holy scriptures. also teach the same sort of doc
trine. And with all This he has his vows upol
him, the impress of the bishops hands yet en-
stamps itsef upon his head, and he still professe
to preach the glad tidings of the meek and low
Jesus to a SHINING world 'Come unto me all y
ends of the earth and be saved" and similar text
furnish scripture themes on which he speaks
d Go down south we will find in solemn cOncav
enc hundred and forty such men as the one abov