Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1860-02-02
FAYETTEVILLE. TENN:
Thursday Morning, February 2,ISet
The BaptiSts and Slavery

We have long noticed that the
Baptist denomination OF the South
take a leading position on the ques-
zion Of slavery. We have no objec-
ton to the churches discussing slave
ry in its moral and christian relations.
In fact we do not see bow they can
conscientiously avoid the issue
Slavery is either right or mrong-
We of the South say i. is right,
and therefore it specially becomes
our churches and church organs to
inculcato this doctrine IS taught in
the Bible. In this connection we
submit the following article from the
South western Baptist, as worthy Of
attention, both from its distinguish d
source, and for the intrinsic merit Of
the views presented:
Our Washington correspondent
gives rat her gloomy and threatening
account of our national affairs
Surely if there is anything like con-
servatism, i, is time for it to manifest
Itself, and if there be anything like
vital piety remaining in the churches,
it is time for it to exercise i.seif in
feryent supplication. We have never
seen such aslate OF feeling iatfis coun-
try; more noise and excitement We
have often Witnessed, but sach a colo
determination to maintain the rights
Of the South, and TO enforce, at all
hazards, the most discriminating tests
is feature that gives fearfnlness TO
the present agitation. We need,
the whole country needs wise coun-
eel, prudent restraint.
The South ought to adjust its pol
icy with strict reference to its pc.
ouliar position, and to enforce with
out compromise. aDe yet without ex-
cess the true doctrine upon the sub
ject Of slavery. As people we
have been extremely forbearing, and
criminally indulgent upon the sub
iect; often tolerating, especially in
cur schools and school books, very
loose if not very pernicious doctrines.
The lime has come, as indicated
by recent events, TO put stop to this
indulgence and to demand OF all who
seek support at our hands a s'ric:
allegiance to Southern principles
No man who admits slavery to be a
moral evil is a fit man for The South;
no teacher, male or female, who does
not subscribe to The morality Of the
institution, can be trasted with the
education of our youth, and no book
is worthy of place 10 Southern
school room, which does not teach
this doctrine. Wayand's Moral
Science, and such books, ought TO be
secuted from our schools; and no in
stitution out to expect Southern pat
ronage which does not take this
ground. Our position upon this
subject is not new, it is ole and VOL
considered.
40 man Dho 5elieres s7auery to be
am eul can honestly defend 1t; he IS a
hypocrlts who attempts ID, and hence
emancipationists are as dangerous to
the South as abolitionists, the only
difference being in the remedies they
purpose for what both claim to be a
social, and politicaland moralevil. The
moment a man admits anything to be
moral evil, be is bound as an bon
est man to oppose it to extermina-
ton, and if he does not, it is frsnsa
facie evidence Of bis own corruption.
We defend slavery because Of our
honest conviction that it is socially,
politically and morally right. This
is the only true Southern platform,
and it is as Scri2tural as Southern.
Many anti-slayery meu defend our
rights under the Constitution, but
they can go no further, they con-
template the question from purely
political stand point, they defend the
Constitution not slavery; this, how
ever, does not meet the whole ques-
ton, nor even the most important
half of it. Constitutions ought to
be adjusted to the eternal rule Of
right; while, however, We would
most gladly cooperate with conserv-
atiye men of all sections in main
tanning the Constitution, the South
has a most important work to &C. {
complish for herself in creating and {
preserving a healthy public senti- L
,rou th;c c,,h;e or =