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Show 88 I thought, that I saw in the principles with which the abolitionists started, a struggling of the human mind toward this Christian union. It is truly a disappointment to see so many of their number becoming a political party, an association almost always corrupting, and most justly suspected on account of the sacrifices of truth, and honor, and moral independence, which it extorts even from well-disposed men. Their proper work is to act on all parties, to support each as far as it shall be true to human rights, to gather laborers for the good cause from all bodies, civil and religious, and to hold forth this cause as a universal interest, and not as the property or stepping stone of a narrow association. I know that it is said, that nothing hut this political action can put down slavery. Then slavery must continue; and if we faithfully do our part as Christians, we are not responsible for its continuance. We are not to feel, as if we we1·e bound to put it down by any and every means. We do not speak as Christians, when we say that slavery must and shall fall. Who are we to dictate thus to omnipotence? It has pleased the mysterious providence of God, that terrible evils should be left to overshadow the earth for ages. " How long 0 Lord ! " has been the secret cry extorted from good men by the crimes of the world for six thousand years. On the philanthropist of this age, the same sad burden 89 is laid, and it cannot be removed. We must not feel, that were slavery destroyed, paradise would be restored. As in our own souls the conquest of one evil passion reveals to us new spiritual foes, so in society, one great evil hides in its shadow others perhaps as fearful, and its fall only summons us to new efforts for the redemption of the race. VIe know indeed, that good is to triumph over evil in this world; that "Christ must reign, till he shall put all enemies beneath his feet," or until his Spirit shall triumph over the spirit, oppressions, corruptions of the world. Let us then work against all wrong, but with a calm, solemn earnestness, not with vehemence and tumult. Let us work with deep reverence and filial trust toward God, and not in the proud impetuosity of our own wills. Happy the day, when such laborers shall be gathered by an inward attraction into one church or brotherhood, whose badge, creed, spirit, shall be Universal Love. This will be the true kingdom of God on earth, and its might will infinitely transcend political power. For one, I have no desire to force Emancipation on the South. Had I political power, I should fear to use it in such a cause. A forced Emancipation is, on the whole, working well in the West Indies, because the mother country watches over and guides it, and pours in abundantly moral and religious influences to calm, and enlighten, and soften the minds 8" |