Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1864-05-05


oyerpower it. The Wing party was still
anti slavery, and fought against the exten-
sion Of the institution, but felt themselves
chained by the Constitution Of the United
States to a "body Of death" from which
there seemed to be no way OF escape. -
With hatred of slavery, they yielded
obedience to the laws and the Constitution;
and even the fugitive slave law they did not
resist. But the day Of their redemption
was nearer than they apprehended. The
Emancipation Proclamation, as a great mil
itary necessity. was not only dsliveranco
to four million Africans in chains, but
Emancipation to as many whites, who had
been fettered and bound by pro-savcry in.
Perpetrators of the Constitution. Thank
God, the day has arrived when Wbigs can
not be compelled to be turned into hounds
to catch runaway slaves. If others tee the
loss of the occupation, genuine Wings do
not, but rejoice that that infamy has de-
parted, to return no more.
regret, Mr.. Speaker, that the gentle
man from Licking (Mr. Putnam )-gener.
ally so courteous and gentlemanly--sh should
have felt it incumbent upon him to make an
attack on the Ministry, and charge that the
preachers of the Gospel, by departing from
their legitimate callngs to preach Aboli
tienism, were the cause of the war. II is
nothing new for politicians to find fault
with the clergy, particularly SO when they
cross their paths--then they are free to
denouce them. John tie Baptist was cast
into prison, and afterwards beheaded, for
telling Herod of his faults. And yet, what
said the Great Teacher of that man.
/. Among them that are born Of women,
there hath not risen greater than John
the Baptist" Paul and Silas were cast
into prison, and charged with causing sedi-
tion:: Yet how, were they delivered /
Luther shook all Chrlstendom with his
ticians Thousands Of cases might be cited
to prove that ministers have not faltercd in
their duty, but have declaimed against all
sin and all iniquity. Bswley was hung in
Texas for being a Union man. And now,
here in the State Of Ohio. in this Hall, a
Representative rises in his place, and at
tempts to teach Ministers of the Christian
Religion their duties, and define the path
in which they should walk l fear the
gentleman has undertaken larger contract
than he can complete and that, if he him
self is of the sheepfold, he has climbed up
some other way, and not entered by the
door. 1t the gentleman is the new muz-
zled Church, he would do well to wait and
see how its machinery works, before he in
structs the ministers of the OLD ones
For my part prefer the old FREE Church
es, and which. let me assure the gentleman
and all concerned will remain free, and their
ministers be permitted to declare the whole
counsel of Cod regardless whether politi-
clans praise or denounce them.
The attempt to extend slavery all over
this continent has signally failed. The de-
mands made by its friends have been so enor-
nous and so wicked as to cause the inter
position OF high Heaven; and it appears
clear to me that God Almighty has decreed
not only its downfall, but the utter destruc-
tion of the system, and, for one, | am not
disposed to resist His will. If others choose
to rebel, with them be the consequences.
Let me rather follow so great Light.
| Some persons, sir, are troubled as to what
may be the future of the African race,
which will be freed. What that future may
be, | know not Time, the great exponent
Of events, will show. 1t is not darker, to
human appearances, than the departure of
the Children of Israel to the Promised
Land. We can rest easy, feeling assured
that human beings have less difficulties to
encounter, and are in better condition for
mental and moral improvement when free,
/ tHuu WbOu III bbIuhsC. luC OWbT tlUJ
is operating to break the sLackies of the
bondmen, and letting the oppressed go free,
is able, and will. in due time, assign to the
African his proper position. Let US not
fear to do right, for in doing right is our
only safety.
Through the mist and haze of the terri.
bic drama now being enacted, | think can
perceive much more glorious, grand and
beautiful future for cur country than has
heretofore been enjoyed, when peace and
prosperity shall reign undisturbed, when
slavery, the cause Of all our woes" will be
forgotten, war shall be learned nc
more,-when the Lion and the Lamb shall
lie down together, and little child shall
lead them.--when great blessings which are
in store for as, if we only act so as to de-
serve them. will be sbowered upon u.s.
These are for us if we rebs not against the
Almighty, nor turn from His command
ments. Let us learn we'll the lesson of his
tory, and revere the counsel of the word Of
Inspiration. righteousness exalteth 9
nation, but sin isa reproach to any people