Year: 1861

those popular propositions not only because !
hold them to be altogether fallacious and untrue,
for the reasons already given, but further. be
cause their tendency is in direct contrarety to the
precepts of the Gospel, and the highest interests
of the individual man. For what is the unavoid-
able effect of this doctrine, of human equalityI
Is it not TO nOurish the spirit of PRIDE envy, and
contention. To set the servant against the mas
ter, the poor against the rich, the weak against
the strong, the ignorant against the eiucatedt
To loosen all the bonds and relations of society,
and reduce the whole duty of subOrdination to the
selfish cupidity of pecuniary interest without an
atom ofrespect for age. for Office for law or gov
ernment for Providence, or for the word of God.


do not deny, indeed, that this doctrine of
equality is a doctrine of immense power to urge
men forward in a constant struggle for advance
ment. Its natural operation is to force the vast
majority into a ceaseless contest with their cir
cumstances each discontented with his lot so long
as he sees any one else above him, and toIling
with unceasing effort to rise upon the social scale
of wealth and Importance, as fast and as tar as
he can. There IS no principle of stronger i'm
pulse to stimulate ambition in every department.
And hence arises its manifold influences on the
business, the enterprise, the commerce, the man
ufactures, the agriculture, the amusements, the
fashions and the political strifes of our Northern
people, making them all restless, all aspiring, and
all determined, if possible, to pass their rivals in
the race of selfish emulation.


But how does it operate on the order, the sta
bilty, and the ultimate prosperity of the nationI
How does it work on the steadfast administration
of justice, the honor and purity of our public
officers, the quiet subordination OF the various
classes of the community, the fidelity and sub
mission of domestics, the obedience of children,
the relations of family and homer Above all,
how does it harmOnize with the great doctrines
of the Bible, and the Almighty Ruler appoints to
every man his lot on earth, and commands him
to be satisfied and thankful for his portion, that
must submit ourselves to those who have the rule
over us-that we should obey the laws and honor
the magstrates-that the powers that be are Or
diained of God, and he that resisteth the power
shall receive cOndemnation-that we may not
covet the property of others-that having food
and raiment, we should Herewith be content
that we must avoid strife contending and railing
accusations, and follow peace, charity and good
will, remembering that the service OF Christ Is
the only perfect freedom, and that our true hap
piness depends not on the measure of our earthly
wealth, on social equality, on honor, or on our
relative position in the community, but on the
fulfllment of our personal duty according to our
lot in reliance on His blessing7


have no more to add, with respect to this
most popular dogma of human equality, and shall
therefore dismiss it, as fallacous in itself, and
only mischievous in its tendency. As it is the
stronghold of the ultra -Aboitionists, / have de-
voted large space to its examination, and trust
that the conclusion is sufficiently plain. Happily
it forms part of our Constitution or our laws.
1t never was intended to apply to the question OF
negro slavery. And it never can be so applied
without total perverson of its historical mean
ing and an absolute contrariety to all the facts OF
humanity, and the clear instruction of the Word
of God.





In conclusion, would only say that am per
fectly aware how distasteful my sentiments mus
be, on this very serious question, to the great ma


ority of my respected fellow citizens in the region
where Divine Providence has cast my lot. II
would assuredly be far more agreeable if | could
/ conscientiously conform to the opinions of my
1 friends, to whose ability, sincerity and zeal | an
ready to give all Just commentator. But j
would be mere moral cowardice in me to suppress
what believe to be the TRUTH for the sake of pop
ularity 1t can not be long before shall stanC
at the tribunal of that Almighty and unerrine
Judge, who has given us the inspired Scripture:
to be our supreme directory in every moral anC
religious duty My grey hairs admonsh me tina
i may soon be called to give an account OF m,
stewardship. And have no fear of the sentenc,
which be will pronounce upon an honest though
humble effort to sustain the authority of Hi
WORD, in Just alliance with the Constitution, tn,
| peace, and the public welfare of my country.


With the fervent prayer that the Spirit of Wis
dom, unity and fraternal kindliness may guide
our National Congress, the Legislatures of tn,
several States, and the sovereign will of ou
whole people, to happy accommodation ofever,
existing difficulty, l remain, with great regard
your faithful servant in Christ,


j JoHN H. HOPKINS,


Bishop of the Diocese of Vermont.