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the malady to run its course, and direct his efforts simply lo alleviate pain, and mitigate the several symptoms as they occur, in hope of some change that may warrant a more direct interference. Hitherto no scheme for abolishing slavery has been suggested, that is not replete with difficulties, threatening evils to both master and slave, far greater than the institution itself occasions. Until, therefore, some plan shall be unfolded which promises a safe as well as successful issue, benevolence, no less than prudence, demands that no movement be made. Every consideration seems to admonish us—"Be quiet: let this perplexing matter rest untouched, and discharge each one his duty to his servants, leaving the issue in the hands of God." The perplexities attending the management of British West India possessions at this hour, furnish an impressive warning on this subject.[1] Emancipation has there proved a signal failure, so far as the prosperity of the colonies, or the improvement (moral or intellectual either) of the negroes is concerned. The emancipated slaves in those islands are indolent, ignorant, and luxurious: and the fertile lands they encumber are fast returning to a wilderness, their products continually decreasing, as the official returns show.
Sound policy and Christian benevolence do, then, both warn us to beware. So far from demanding the immediate emancipation of slaves, regardless of consequences, which, in the present condition of Southern society, could not but be eminently disastrous to all parties, the law of Christian love still points to the necessity for leaving this institution undisturbed for the present: and it shows the reasonableness of requiring humanity and justice in masters, fidelity and submission in slaves; precisely as the inspired Apostle taught, "Masters. render unto your servants that which is just and equal. And again: "Let as many servants as are under the yoke" (this certainly describes slaves) count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God be not blasphemed, &c. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, he is proud, knowing nothing. &v. From such withdraw thyself." 1 Tim. 6:1—5.
If the Bible is to be our guide on this subject,[2] then, instead of
- ↑ See an interesting and very able article bearing on this subject, and entitled "Annexation of Texas," in the Southers Quarterly Review for October, 1844. It is said to be from the pen of a young but distinguished member of the Mobile bar.
- ↑ So far from bowing to the teachings of revelation, the ultra abolitionists of our day envince a spirit of undisguised infidelity. They are bitter and malignant. Assuming, without proof or reason, that slavery is evil, and contrary to the dictates of reason and the law of love, they proceed to carry out this assured principle, utterly reckless
