|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 44
But how is it, that there are ministers of the gospel of all
denominations of Christians, who are guilty of inculcating doctrines
on the subject of slavery, that are directly opposed to teachings of
Divine inspiration? Are they ignorant of the fact, "that slavery
pervaded the whole Eastern world, at the introduction of
Christianity;" and yet not one word was uttered by our Saviour and his
apostles, in condemnation of it as a civil institution? Are they
ignorant of the fact, that both masters and servants were admitted
into the church of Christ, and that masters were required in no
instance, so far as we know, to manumit their slaves? Are they
ignorant of the fact, that Christ and his apostles taught masters and
servants their relative duties, and otherwise left the institution of
slavery as they found it? Have they ever read Paul's letter to
Timothy? "Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their
masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be
not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not
despise them, because they are brethren? but rather do them service,
&c. These things teach and exhort. _If any man teach otherwise, he is
proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of
words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the
truth. From such withdraw thyself_."
A more graphic description of the abolition clergymen of the present
day could not be drawn. It is a picture of modern abolition drawn by
the Omniscient God; and every word of it was originally applied to the
subject of slavery and abolitionism. We have had strife, we have had
railings, evil surmisings and perverse disputings; and we are indebted
to corrupt fanatical clergymen for all these evils--for all this
contention and slavery agitation--for all this envy, jealousy, hatred
and sectional feeling--for all that endangers our peace and
prosperity--our liberty, our happiness--and the perpetuity of this
glorious Union. Yes, my fellow citizens, we are indebted to the
emissaries of England, and native born American citizens, who from
sinister motives have cloaked themselves with ministerial garb, for
all the contention, all the evils, all the crime that has accrued or
grown out of African slavery in the United States! St. Paul says, that
they are "men of corrupt minds," and that they are "destitute of the
truth;" and he moreover commands Timothy to "withdraw from such"
characters. And in the name of God, I command every Christian, every
patriot, every friend of republicanism, every gentleman of honor, to
"withdraw" from such men. Excommunicate them, cast them off,--cast
them out as evil spirits--have no fellowship with them, until they
repent of their crimes and cease from the evil of their ways. They are
enemies to "pure and undefiled religion," and traitors to their
country; and as such, they should be viewed and treated by every good
citizen.
Many persons suppose that abolitionism is of modern origin; but it is
an error, for we learn from the Epistle of Paul to Timothy, that it
was agitating the church of Christ in the apostolic ages. St. Paul
denounces those agitators as "men of corrupt minds;" and he moreover
says unto Timothy, "from such withdraw thyself;" viz., excommunicate
them--exclude them from the church, and have no fellowship with them.
It is a fact, worthy of note, that primitive Christians never meddled
with the civil institutions of the countries in which they resided.
They were under all circumstances good and loyal subjects. But the
efforts of the apostle Paul, to crush the monster abolitionism, did
not entirely succeed, for it has continued to agitate the church, from
that day to the present hour. Yes, the foul fiend, with head erect,
and brazen front, is stalking over our beloved country to the present
day!
It appears that portions of the church, notwithstanding the solemn
injunctions and admonitions of St. Paul, continued to interfere with
the civil and domestic relations of master and servant. But the
practice was condemned as unchristian, by nearly all the principal
_fathers_. Particularly, Ignatius, Chrysostom and Jerome. Ignatius
says, "let them (servants), serve their masters with greater
diligence, and not be puffed up--and let them not desire their liberty
to be purchased by the church." It was decreed by one of the ancient
councils of the church,--"if any teach, that by virtue of religion or
Christian instruction, that the slave may despise his master, or may
withhold his service, let him be anathema," viz., let him be accursed
of God, and separated or excommunicated from the church of Christ. Let
the church have no fellowship, union, or communion with him, and let
him be an off-cast from society.
Mark the above, reader! It is the language of the apostle Paul, and
the voice of the primitive church of Christ with reference to
abolitionism. I have said nothing worse--I have not said more--I shall
not say less. It is God's truth; harsh and severe as it may appear to
some of you. And to abolitionists, I have only to say in conclusion,
poor deluded souls, I sincerely pity you. Bow your heads with shame
and grief--it may be, the Lord will have mercy upon you.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|