Follows: how pious! how plausible! how convenient! how extensively prevalent in reference
to other evils than slavery! "Slavery is a political institution. As a Christian minister, I have nothing to do with politics. My business is to preach the Gospel, and try to save men's souls. In this course I am sanctioned
by the example of the Apostle Paul. Slavery existed in his
day; but he turned not aside from the great object to attempt its overthrow. He simply told masters and slaves their duty, without
at all interfering with the relation subsisting between them. Besides, the opposite of this course would
render us and our churches unpopular, and thereby destroy our usefulness." He
also seemed very sore at the idea of the Christianity
of slave-holders being at all called in question. "People," said he, or
words to the same effect, "may spare themselves the trouble to pass resolutions of non-fellowship with us; we wish for no