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Slavery And The Churches

Slavery And The Churches image
Parent Issue
Day
13
Month
May
Year
1844
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

We have received a seventh commucatión from "S. Y. E." in answer to"JU C." and in continuation of the discussion on the connection of Abolition and the Churches. We must respectfully decline publishing any articles in furtber prolongation of this controversy. We hav heretofore freely expressed our opinionl of the duty of churches respecting siave ry, and we have given those entertaining opposite views an ampie chance to be heard. Rev. Mr. West last year occupied some twelve or fifteen columns in defence of the General Assembly, and of its toleration of slavery: the posi'tiong of Rev. Mr. Rousc at the Anniversary at Adrián have also been reported, and have been sustained by six Communications fromS. Y.E." These last contained several very exceptionable statements which we did not conirovert, becauaeit would prolong a fruitless discussion on this matter. Weagree with him, however, in one respect. The writer labora hard to make his readers believe this one thing, to wit: thatthe vast majority of the ministers of the largerdenominations are obstinately bent and determined on keep. ing entirely clear of abolition, in their relations as ministers, and ecclesiastical bodies. We think thé writer is correct iivthis position, and there is ampie evidehco to confirm it. As this, then, is the fixed determination of the great body of Christian ministers, after ten years of discussion and consideration, we think it would be labor lost to expendourenergies in vain attempts to convert to right action, such heartless, soulless organizations, thus recreant as we conceive them to bo to the precepts of Christianity, and pledg. cd against the efforts now making f or ihe UberaUon of ilic slave. The inevitable consequence of the course will be to bring genuine religión into contempt. Every body knows Slavery to be wrong, and when Christian churchesfreely open their arnis to receive menstealers as good Christias, and defend them as such, is it at all wonder ful that the transaction should be seen as it is, and be sneered at by every infidel? Butthe principies of Christianity, by their blessed influences, not on organizations, but on will yet deliver the slave. He is now fallen among thieves; some Prests and Levites rob and wound him; some defend the robbers; some, like the ministers of ancient days pass by on the other side, lest they should see him; and some stop and look at him, and go on their way. Is it at all surprising that these dignitaries should sneer at and find fault with the humble Samaritan who tries to follow the Savior's injunction, by helping him that is reody to pensh? Hisdeliverance will be accomplished; but present appearances indícate, that instead of this beingdone throngh the agency of the Christian churches to which it appropriately belongs, it must be consummated, not only without their aid, but in direct contravention of their example and influ ence.

Article

Subjects
Signal of Liberty
Old News