But now, principles, contrary to the plain meaning
of the texts before us, come to our ears from some more respectable
quarters, and in the name of religion. I should be a traitor to the
high trust of this pulpit, if I did not caution you against them.
Forbearance and delicacy must sometimes have limits. We owe duties
to truth and Christianity, which tenderness must not make us
violate.
The "New York Evangelical Congregational Association" recently
passed the following Resolution in respect to the "Fugitive-Slave
Law,"--a Law regularly enacted by the Congress of the United
States:--
"Resolved, That we cannot recognize this Law, as of any binding
force upon the citizens of our country."--(I am thankful that these
modest men did not go on, like him of the triple crown, to absolve
"the citizens of our country" from all allegiance to the government,
and give our rulers over into the hands of a majesty fit to take
care of them.)
A _religious_ paper, edited by Congregational clergymen, holding
respectable stations, Pastors of churches,--a paper professedly
devoted to the cause of Christ,--holds the following language in an
_Editorial_ article, under the caption, "How to oppose the
Fugitive-Slave Law":--
This _religious_ paper says,--"To the fugitives themselves ... this
Law is no Law ... and to resist it even unto death, is their right,
and it may be their duty.... To each _individual_ fugitive, to every
man or woman, who having escaped from bondage and tasted liberty, is
in hourly peril of being seized and dragged back to slavery, we
say,--Be fully prepared for your own defense.
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