The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-04-28
From the MissssiPpan and State Gazette, March 80.
THE SOUTHERN RELIGIOUS PRESS
AND AFRICAN SLAVERY.


With due Difference, we submit to religions
journals of the South, that it has been too much
their custom to leave to what they term "sec-
ular " papers the discussion of the subject of
African Slavery.
The question Of political right which such
discussion involves, IL is true might properlv
be waived, if outside the sphere which thew
have assigned themselves to labor in but there
is still another and more important light in
which the institution ought to be considered.
expounded, and defended. We allude to the
ethical bearings of the question. 1t merits at
their hands thorough investigation in the light
of the Bible
Statesmen and politicians NAV Dispute about
the relative rights and powers Of the State and
Federal Governments over it-poltical econo-
mists may discuss il as a mere system of labor
but the point which looms up majesticaily above
all others, in connection with the theme, is the
doctrine respecting StdreIy taught BIZ Christ and
his APOSTLES. Is the institution ordained of
Heaven Is it in accordance with the will of
the Supreme Ruler of the Universe?
Here is topic SO imposing, and so replete
with mighty consequences, that it ought to com.
pei the investigation, and draw forth. for the
enlightenment of the ignorant and deluded. the
opinions of that grand army of noble spirits
who are enlisted in the cause of Christianity.
a III,
Of towering proportions at whose crest the
stoutest blows of Gods ministers might well
be levelled. Bat if it is an institution which
has bean established by the Ruler of the
Universe for wise and benefcent purposes, and
If the Book of Life exhibits these great truths
as 1t unquestionably does, surely the mer
engaged in this work ought to devote them
selves to It's defence. Taking the Bible fol
their guide, and drawing from its pages the in
SEPARATIONS of wisdom and the impulses of 3
pure philanthropy, they ought to Hood the land
with light, and 60 into dark places and dispe
the mists which ignorance and its offsprings
fanatcism and prejudice, have thrown around
When the great truth is spread abroad anC
thoroughly established in mems minds, as it i:
capable of being established, that African Sla
very, as it exists in the Southern States. is 9
Bib.e Institution, the foundations of its defence
will have been laid so deep that it will DEFY tn,
assaults of the wicked, and the argument upor
which its YiIdication rests viii stand unshaker
amid all the moral and political revolution.
which may convElse the world.
Why do not the religious press Of the South
then, lead the way In this important work
Why do they not vindicate the Slasery of III,
Southern States as Christian establishment
and arraign those who are seeking It's over
throw as violators of the holy ordinances? l
the Bible teens with evidences of the divine
origin of the institution, and shows It to be
part and parcel of the Creators plan, it is no
for mortal to question lis wisdom, and to al
raign before the tribunals of prejudice AM
superstition those who devote themselves to it
defence.
Intimately connected with the question c
maintaining and perpetuating this system c
Slavery, is the subject of the African slav
trade. Southern men have so accustome,
themselves TO occupy an attitude of defence il
this matter, that they have been criminall
slow TO return the assaults of their enemies
when directed to the mere act of holding slaves
They have permitted their assailantS to assum
as an admitted fact, that it is sinful, and vic
lation OF the laws of humanity, to import Al
ricans for labor in this Christian land, from thei
native home of heathenism and more thai
Cyberian darkness. But this habit is being re
formed. The a. secular press have commence
the work, and the religious press are giyin
occasional evidences Of determination to Ell
list in the same cause. But we assume that
is The duty Of their conductors to address then
selves in earnest and energetically TO the task