Such is the manner of the Divine workings. Such is the reason for the permission of slavery and a thousand other evils, whether with individuals or with nations, for years and for ages: and by such a gentle and orderly process, also, will be accomplished their final removal, and the triumph of love, goodness, and happiness throughout the world;
To return. In regard to Russian slavery or serfdom, — it is pleasant to know that some few steps have of late years been taken in the direction of its removal. By a decree of the 2d of April, 1842, the nobles were empowered to emancipate their serfs, on making with them certain agreements. Says a Russian authority already quoted,[1] "I have hailed this decree as a forerunner of the emancipation of the serfs; in fact, trifling as it maybe, still a great deal has been done in broaching the question; and already the fear of seeing the Government one day out this knot, urges the nobles to prevent its direct interposition, and to remedy the present state of things in one way or another. By the method which the Government has adopted, it has declined the initiative, and thrown the responsibility on the nobles, by opening a clear field for their philanthropy. This was a politic proceeding on its part, and has singularly lightened its task. Having once got so far, no matter whether willingly or unwillingly, it would be pusillanimous to recede; and I seize its decree as a plank of safety. I call upon it, in the name of humanity, to fulfil the engagements which morally it has contracted before the face of the whole world.
- ↑ Ivan Golovine, author of Russia under Nicholas. 1846.
