Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1859-08-27
Uhe Auti- 5lauerp Bll9le.
ADVANCEMENT OF FREEDOM.

70 the Christian men and ,oomen of Ohio inter
s,ted in the advancement of Freedom and the er-
TsinguisAment Of slarery.
II can hardly be necessary to call your attention
20 The pressing occasion for a renewal OF aut-
slavery seal and effort on the part of the earnest
christian people Of that land.
We need to revive our own sense Of the intense
wickeduess Of the system OF oppression which
prevails, aud to arouse ourselves to do what we
san 10 produce conviction Of its wickedness in
others. :...,.- --.-
..By sort of general consent, the discussion Of
Al, dusiss and intorests Involved in the existence
and aggressions Of slavery, has, these many years
mast. been transferred to, the arena of politics ;
and while it has become thus potent element,
causing the downfall and rise of politicians and
poi,icsl parties and controlling the actions OF leg
islsturss aud governments, there has not seemed
10 be q corresponding accumulation of moral pow
or brought to bear upon the vulnerable points Of
this system of wickedness. Nay, slavery has
seemed to gather strength and courage and bold
moss ir the conflict, because the attack has been
made upon its best fortified positions, and atten-
sion has been diverted to grea: extent from its
weaker side. Slavery has been glad to take shell
.er in such defenses as the "Compromises OF the
Constitution" the acknowledged rights OF pro-
perty "'the common inheritance in the territories
the claims of "law and order"-has acquired
eelfrespect and presented show of prosperity in
tho stand is has made.
On the other hand. the friends of freedom, con-
senting to this arbitrament OF the controversy
baye reserved their most reliable forces, their IT.
res,tab,e weapons and have sacrificed or foreoorne
10 use many of the advantages OF their position
mr. d;strustinp this method of conducting the work
have altogether retired from the conflict and are
waiting more ausp:cious opportunity. rrg
70 We do not regret that slavery has become the
railying point Of all tho political forces IN the
land, nor do we propose any attempt to divert the
cublio interest from this form of the conflict.
Such a result was inevitable in the nature OF the
ssso, and We aeceptit as an indication OF Fro''-
-dencs, showing whore our work lies, ana summon
inp us to its accomplishment 1t is token OF
rood 20 truth and to humanity. that questions OF
sush vast magnitude, involving all that Is dear
N men-al the interests of morality and religion
ara forced upon the public attention, and that
questions of mere pecunary profit and loss' ana
cf temporary expediency, ore thrown into the
back ground 1t affords a rare opportunity to I'M
press the public mind with the great principles OF
righteousness to bring out and set forth the h'gh-
or obligations and interests of life, and to Nit up
q sstandard against inrushing iniquity. Such op-
nor,upities are MT often afforded to people.
Tbey are the pivots upon which the destinies OF
nations turn. Understood and improved they
IL ,ta tn
q people in virtue, and to lead them on to hign-
sr,prosperity. Even political strife, under such
circumstances, becomes a moral conflict, and the
sriumph of party ,is the triumph OF principle
But If that people in their blindness and woridlf
mess fail to apprehend the time. the loss con never
bearetrieved. This or thatpar name may be IN
she ascendant. but the glory is departed God has
pssssa them BY. 1t' H@ 3
At this present hour great responsibility rests
upon men who fear God and regard his law, 10
see TO it, that the conflict which Is waging shall
not fal from lack Of the moral element, and that
God shall not be compelled to frown upon 1t be-
cause il does not honor him. Christian men mus
claim aud exercise the right to bring oil these
questions, supposed by some to be exclusively po
jitical, to the test of morality and religion. They
must bring them 20 the conscience Of the people
az matters which cannot be neglected without in
volving iuhdelty to God and man. They must claim
for the pulpit and the religious press the right tt
speak out in clear utterances upon the great sham
Of our land. and must see to it that this right i
accorded and that this duty is not neglected. The
must make II a burden Of prayer. private, domes
tie and social and public, that the nation may b
recovered to Righteousness and that the oppresss