1860, Jan. 2. By Exchange of Tupes. THE 455 US5289, 44.5 FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. We are ashamed of most of our ethical writers on this subject, whether they be "Doctors of Divinity," Professors of Biblical Science and Literature, Editors of Religious Periodicals, or those in more humble walks. There is now and then, doubtless, one who has done his duty, his whole duty, but we have not known of a single such effort, neither before nor since the publication of our views, as expressed in the articles appended. Protect and Succor the Fugitive, and Liberate the Enslaved. God abhors oppression; He hears the groanings of the slave, and has promised to deliver him, Ex. vi. 5. And He expects the help of His servants in this matter; hence He says, "Deliver him that is spoiled, out of the hand of the oppressor ;"—if they do not, His fury will burn against them, Jer. xxi. 12. Must we deliver him? Yes; you and every body else who sees him. But how? By persuasive means if you can; by physical if you must-and have the power-the man is to be free-ALL MEN. No one is at liberty to deliver unto his master the servant that has escaped unto him, Deu. xxiii. 15, 16. No, he shall not deliver him up, but shall show him mercy, Mic. vi. 8; and do unto, and for him, as, in like circumstances, he would be dealt by, Mat. vii. 12. These commands are imperative; and, if not obeyed, nor mercy shown to the imploring, panting, fainting fugitive, woe be unto the delinquent, James ii. 13. And how can the love of God dwell in the man whose bowels of compassion are closed against the defenseless ones? 1 John, iii. 17. When a man sees another defraud a brother, it is his duty to prevent it, 1 Thes. iv. 6; and, if we love our neighbor as ourselves, as commanded to do, we shall do it if we can, Liv. xix. 34; Mat. xxii. 39. We must feed, clothe and shelter him; and give liberty and comfort too, if he ask them at our hand, Mat. v. 42; Luke vi. 30; give every needed blessing; for all that is thus done, or not done, is done, or not done unto Christ, Mat. xxv. 34-46. The poor slave is to be pitied as well as loved, 1 Peter iii. 8. Their burdens also are to be borne, Gal. vi. 2; and they are to be entertained while among us, Heb. xiii. 2. We are to remember those in bonds, and sympathize with them, Heb. xiii. 3; and they are to dwell with us, if, and where they choose, Deu. xxiii. 16. God has proclaimed liberty to the poor and fatherless, saying, deliver them; rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Yes, wherever a slave is seen, God has demanded for him the aid of every other man, that he may be delivered from his bondage. It is not enough that we should withhold aid for his recapture, if escaped. We are to rid him out of the hands of his cruel, covetous master; if still he be in slavery, Ps. lxxxii. 2-4. Yes, if he is in the house of bondage, it is our duty to fly to his relief, throw off his burdens, "break every yoke and let the oppressed go free," as we have seen. If any refuse or neglect, they must suffer for it, Jer. xxxiv. 16–20. No one is at liberty to stand still-do nothing, in this matter. No, not until every slave is free-well fed, well clothed, well instructed, and made comfortable, Is. lviii. 1-12. No man has a right to rest till all this has been done, cost what of tears, of treasure, and of blood even, it may. And, when each and all have done the work, for God speaks as though it could, as well as should be done, then, and not till then, will He bless us, as individuals, and as a nation. No slave is to be turned from our door, or shut from |