Letters on Slavery; Addressed to the Cumberland Congregation, Virginia

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1833. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 170 LETTER XV. Christian Brethren, It may admit of a doubt, which of the above measures is the best. It is, however, particularly to be noticed, that they are so far from being incompatible with each other, that all may be used as so many channels to draw off the swelling flood of slavery, which threatens to overflow the fairest part of our fair Republic. As the Bible, Tract, Sabbathschool, Missionary and Education Societies, are the lovely sisters of the same blessed family; all engaged in the same good work, although in different departments; so colonizing at home and abroad, together with a plan for changing their condition from that of slaves to that of free labourers, would give mutual aid in getting clear of the evils of our slave system. To carry into full effect any of the above measures, the aid of Government is needful. Our Government, however, is a government of the people. Each citizen possesses some share of power in making laws and directing national and state measures. He not only has the right of choice as to his civil rulers, but has secured to himself the free use of speech and the press. The whole system of slavery is but a permitted thing. Neither the natural nor moral right of it, nor its expediency, has been decided by Government. It is not made the duty of a citizen to be a slave-holder. A prejudice against having free coloured persons among them, has led most slave-holding States to throw obstructions in the way of manumission. This, however, is a measure of doubtful expediency. It has operated to retain many in slavery, and thus increased the evil and augmented the danger. There are several things which slave-holders can do, that will tell on the general cause. They can take the proper course with their own slaves, and they can reach the...