The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-08-29
For tho Union and Journal.


rY-Thc Democrat docs not seem disposed to
answer my argument, published in the Jour
nal upon the sinfulncss OF slaveholding, but
flies of upon its iavoritc hobby of Abolition
ism; something wholly irrelevant to the sub
jcct, under consideration. l did not say that
the doctrine of the siniulness of slaycholding
was cardinal principle of christianity, Gas
tho Democrat seems to infcr,) but that per-
son must deny and reject its cardinal prinei-
pies, in order to 6eiieue that slapehoiding is
no, sin. And for tho simple reason that
the teachings of the Gospel arc diamctrical-
ly opposed to such system Of injustice and
oppression.
cannot let this matter pass without not
icing somc of the Democrats remarks in al-
luding to my article. 1t says, Z" We obtain
our notions Of tchdi is SIN or MORAL WRONG
from the Christian Bible" Why not then
discus the sinfulncss Of slavery by that stand
ard? Why disclaim about abolitionism
without attempting to controvcrt a solitary
proposition in my article? In that article, |
laid down several propositions, derived or
dcduccd from the teachings Of that Sacred
Book. How does the Democrat answer
them? Merely by quoting the Introductory
paragraph, and then cxclaiming abolition
ism abolitionism! Not word in defence
of its belief that there is no sin in the rcla-
ton of master and slave.
/ will rotate in substance somc OF tho prop
ositions contained in my FIRST article.
First-All mon are subject to the laws OF
their Creator, and arc required to perform
certain duties to their fellow men and to
their God.
Secondly holding man in slavery,
renders him incapable of dischargng the
duties required by him.
Third-That it is morally wrong or sinful
to thus deprive man Of tho ability to per-
form his christian duties.
Now, it is not whether this is abolition
ism or democracy, but Is 1t tho doctrine OF
the Bible. Does the bible Of tho Democrat
teach that II is the will ola just and holy God,
that a portion Of His creatures shall DO
doomed to interminablc servitudc, and re-
duced to the level of the brute creation? DO
we fulfill the requirements of the divine
command to 'love our neighbor rs Ourselves,
or to do unto Others as we would have them
do unto us, by holding them in slavery? Is
tho editor of the Democrat willing himself
to DO the slavo2 If not let him show why
no is exempt any more than other men, for
Of one Blood God created all nations of men.
The editor of tho Democrat says: "ic
Judges of our christian character by our polit-
zeal opinions and principles" 1t is not 50,
did not wish to bring his christian charac-
ter into this controversy. at all, merely cx-
pressing establishment that ho could enter
tain sentiments so evidently hostile to the
principles by which he protested to be gov
erned. And to avoid any misunderstanding
in tho matter, | gave him credit for up
rightucss of character above rcproach, and
left his honesty and sincerity of purpose
with himself and tho Scarcher Of hearts,
where it properly belongs. would ask
him to examine this matter candidly, by tho
flight Of revclation-by the preccpts of the
Gospel, and by tho attributes Of tho Deity
Himself, and hc must SEQ that tho system Of
slavery, particularly American slavery, is
completely and entirely opposed to oil Of
these.
Again quote from tho Democrat. "Tho
characteristic and fundamental doctrine Of
abolitionism is, that slareholding is sun or
moral rrong." "And (hc) condemns us as
nehustian solely because VIC believe in and
defend the principles Of democracy" "Tbc
abolition doctrine that slaycholdiug is sin is
not taught in The Scriptures"
TO reduce the foregoing propositions to
the form Of an argument. and add thereto
tho natural conclusion deduciblo thcrefrom,
and It will read thus.
Abolitionism teaches that slavoholding is
sin,-opposed to tho principles Of christiaui.
ty-to tho teachings Of the Biblo-to the
will of Heaven. Democracy is opposed to
this view, but teaches that slavoholding is
not antnl-but is in accordance with the
scripturcs-a divine institution ordained Of
God. Hence democracy according to the
Democrats belief is bible doctrine-the
only true orthodox belief. Whoever rejects
1t is an inaidel and liable to the pains and
penalties Of all unbclicvcu. No person