Scriptural, Ecclesiastical, and Historical View of Slavery: From the Days of the Patriarch Abraham, to the Nineteenth Century; Addressed to the Right REV. Alonzo Potter, D. D. , Bishop of the Prof. Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of Pennsylvania

Excerpt from Scriptural, Ecclesiastical, and Historical View of Slavery: From the Days of the Patriarch Abraham, to the Nineteenth Century; Addressed to the Right Rev. Alonzo Potter, D.D., Bishop of the Prof. Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of Pennsylvania

Thus understood, I shall not oppose the prevalent idea that slavery is an evil in itself. A physical evil it may be, but this does not satisfy the judgment of its more zealous adversaries, since they contend that it is a moral evil - a positive sin to hold a human being in bondage, under any circumstances whatever, unless as a punishment inflicted on crimes, for the safety of the community.

Here, therefore, lies the true aspect ofthe controversy, and it is evident that it can only be settled by the Bible. For every Christian is bound to assent to the rule of the inspired Apostle, that sin is the transgression Of the law, namely, the law laid down in the Scriptures by the authority of God - the supreme Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. From his Word there can be no appeal. N o rebellion can be so atrocious in his sight as that which dares to rise against his government. No blasphemy can be more unpardonable than that which imputes sin or moral evil to the decrees of the eternal Judge, who is alone perfect in wisdom, in knowledge, and in love.

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