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Show 158 breathes the spirit of Justice and Humanity. If I have written any thing und er the influence of prejudic~, passion, or unkindness to any human being, [ ask forgiveness of God and man. I have spoken strongly, not to oflfnd or give pain, but to produce in others deep con viet ions corresponding to my own. Nothing but a feeling, which I could not escape, of the need of such a work at this very moment, has induced me to fiO<. my thoughts on so painful a subject. The few last months have increased my solicitude for the country. Public sentiment has seemed to me to be losing its healthfulness and vigor. l have seen symptoms of the decline of the old spirit of liberty. Servile opinions have seemed to gain ground among us. The faith of our fathers in free in-stitutions has waO<.ed faint, and is giving place to despair of human improvements. I have perceived a disposition to deride abstract rights, to speak of freedom us a dream, and of re publican governments as built on sand. I have perceived a faint-heartedness in the cause of human rights. The condemnation, which has been passed on abolitionists, has seemed to be settling into acquiescence in slavery. The sympathies of the commnnity have been tmned from the slave to tbe master. The impious doctrine, that human laws can repeal the Divine, c~n convert unjust and oppressive power into a moral right, has more and !59 more tinctured the sty le of conversation and the press. With these sad and solemn views of society, I could not be silent; and I thank God, amidst the consciousness of great weakness and imperfec tion, that I have been able to offct• this humble tribute, this sincere, though feeble, testimony , this ex. pression of heartfelt allegiance, to the cause of' Freedom, Justice, and Humanity. Having stated the circumstances which have mored rne to write, I ought to say, that they do not discourage me. VVere darker omens to ga ther round us, I shou ld not despair. With a faith like his, who came to prepare the way for the Great Deliverer, I feel and can say," The Kingdom of Heaven," the R eign of Justice and Disinterested Love, " is at hand, and All Flesh shall see the Salvation of' God." I know, and rejoice to know, that a power, mightier than the prejudices and oppression of ages, is working on earth fOr the world 's redemption, the power of Christian Truth and Goodness. It descended from Heaven in the person of' Christ. It was manifest in his life and death. From his cross it went fOrth conquering and to conquer. lts mission is" to preach deliverance to the captive, and to set at liberty them that are bound." It has opened many a prisondoor. It is ordained to break every chain. 1 have faith in its triumphs. I do not, cannot despair. |