the American people declared themselves independent of Great Britain, and to this day they justify with loud acclamation the acts of their fathers, whose blood attested to the sincerity of their professions. Out of their own mouths, therefore, are the people of this country condemned as oppressors of the coloured race. I do not here point to cruel masters, and their stocks, their irons, their manacles; these are incidents that the so-called "kind master" may condemn as well as myself. But I point to those things that are applicable to all, and are therefore the very characteristics of slavery. And is not all of it but one continued, interminable system of wrong, outrage, and grievous oppression? How can you, if you have any conscience at all, come to any other conclusion? And if it be so, is not the proposition demonstrated, that slavery in these United States is abhorrent to God, because it is a system of oppression, the masters themselves being judges?

What does God say? "He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches shall surely come to want." "He that

despiseth the gain of oppression—he shall dwell on high." "He shall break in pieces the oppressor." "Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hands of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings."

Thus, in the most burning language, does Jehovah express his holy indignation and righteous anger against oppression. And if those who serve their Southern masters are not an oppressed people, in the name of God I ask, what is, what can be oppression? It is impossible to oppress the black man, if he is not already oppressed. Carry the system farther-try to make it more oppressive, and you are weakening the ability of the slave to accomplish his work, and destroying the institution by tightening its cords beyond their capacity of tension. Be more oppressive, and your oppressions will soon send your slaves" where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest; where the prisoners rest together, and hear not the voice of the oppressor," and

"where the servant is free from his master."

Now, ye men of conscience, (and it is only to such I would address myself,) is not the demonstration clear?

The Bible condemns all oppression. American slavery is systematically oppressive, as essential to its existence. Therefore the Bible condemns American slavery.

And now, what is left for an honest Christian man to do? Can he now, with the Bible before him claim his fellow man as his slave, and that too under a code of laws revolting to humanity, and reeking with blood? No, no.-If any man have a heart to feel, or a conscience to judge, he will, he must, so far as his authority and legal power extend, "break every yoke, and let the oppressed go free."

CHAPTER XII.

REMINISCENCES OF SLAVERY.

In order to show the practical effects of the slave system, I shall here add a few facts that have occurred within the circle of my own acquaintances. I could give the names, but withhold them for obvious

reasons.

CASE 1.

The slaves of a distinguished Minister of the South, were seen by a gentleman, who named it to me, landing from a boat on a Sabbath morning with their little stores for market, which they had produced in the intervals between their regular labouring hours, or had saved out of their weekly provision, and which for want of other opportunity, they had to dispose of on the Sabbath. My informant also learned upon inquiry, that they had brought from the plantation some articles.

for their master, such as butter, eggs, vegetables, &c.; and that it was not unusual for them to come into town thus on the Sabbath. I introduce this case as one of not unfrequent occurrence among the planters of the South; but more especially because the master of these slaves has borne a conspicuous part in defending the institution of slavery, and has made direct reference to the deep interest he has himself taken in the spiritual welfare of his slaves.

CASE 2.

A Deacon in a Baptist church was exhorting his brethren and sisters in the church on one occasion, when he used this language-"My brethren, man is bad, he is worse than the devil, he is bad as a nigger." This case goes to shew with what contempt the slaves are regarded, when a member of a church could use such language without rebuke; yet I can testify that this same deacon was comparatively very kind and indulgent to his slaves.