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Show 204 LIBERTY AND SLAVERY. gratitude on account of his efforts for his conversion. He might have shown him that he was under no moral obligation to go back. lie might have refused to give him this letter, and might have so represented to him the dangers of the way, and the probability of a harsh reception, as effectually to have dissuaded _hi':" from such a purpose. But, in that case, 1t 1s clear that this might have caused hard feeling in the bosom of Philemon, and rather than do that, he preferred to let him return to his master, and to plead for him that he might have a kind reception. It is, therefore, by no means necessary to suppose that Paul felt that Onesimus was under obligation to return, or that he was disposed to compel him, or that Onesimus was not inclined to return voluntarily; ]mt all the circumstances of the case are met by the supposition that, if Paul had retained him, Philemon might conceive that he had injured !tim.'' Alas! that so much truth should have been suppressed; and that, too, by the most glorious champion of truth the world has ever seen. He tells not his "son Onesimus" that he is under no moral obligation to return to his master. On the contrary, he leaves him igno- AROUMENT FROM TilE SCRIPTURES. 205 rant of his rights-of his inherent, sacred, and eternal rights. lie sees him blindly put off "the hero," and put on "the brute" again. And why? Because, forsooth, if he should only speak, lte might cause J.ard feeling in the bosom of !tis master! Should he retain Onesimus, his son, he would not injure Philemon at all. But then Philemon "might conceive" that ho had injured him. Ah! when will abolitionist again suppress such mighty truth, lest he disturb some fancied right, or absurd feeling ruffie? When the volcano of his mind suppress and keep its furious fires in, lest he consume some petty despot's despicable sway; or else, at least, touch his tender sensibilities with momentary pain? "Fiat Justitia, ruat crelum," is a favorite maxim with other abolitionists. But St. Paul, it seems, could not assume quite so lofty a tone. lie could not say, "Let justice be done, though the heavens should fall." Ho could not even say, "Let justice be done," though the feelings of Philemon should be hurt. It is evident, we think, that St. Paul needs to be defended against Mr. Barnes' defences of him, and vindicated against his apologies. If, indeed, he were so pitiful a pleader of" the 18 |
