of all honor:" "to
obey them in all things according to the flesh; not with eye-service as
men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God;" "not only the
good and gentle, but also the froward:" "for what glory is it if when ye
are buffeted for your faults ye shall take it patiently? but if when ye
do well and suffer for it ye take it patiently, this is acceptable to
God." St. Paul actually apprehended a run-away slave, and sent him to
his master! Instead of deriving from the gospel any sanction for the
work you have undertaken, it would be difficult to imagine sentiments
and conduct more strikingly in contrast, than those of the apostles and
the abolitionists.

It is impossible, therefore, to suppose that slavery is contrary to the
will of God. It is equally absurd to say that American slavery differs
in form or principle from that of the chosen people. _We accept the
Bible terms as the definition of our slavery, and its precepts as the
guide of our conduct._ We desire nothing more. Even the right to
"buffet," which is esteemed so shocking, finds its express license in
the gospel. 1 Peter ii. 20. Nay, what is more, God directs the Hebrews
to "bore holes in the ears of their brothers" to _mark_ them, when under
certain circumstances they become _perpetual slaves_. Exodus xxi. 6.

I think, then, I may safely conclude, and I firmly believe, that
American slavery is not only not a sin, but especially commanded by God
through Moses, and approved by Christ through his apostles. And here I
might close its defense; for what God ordains, and Christ sanctifies,
should surely command the respect and toleration of man. But I fear
there has grown up in our time a transcendental religion, which is
throwing even transcendental philosophy into the shade--a religion too
pure and elevated for the Bible; which seeks to erect among men a higher
standard of morals than the Almighty has revealed, or our Saviour
preached; and which is probably destined to do more to impede the
extension of God's kingdom on earth than all the infidels who have ever
lived. Error is error. It is as dangerous to deviate to the right hand
as to the left. And when men, professing to be holy men, and who are by
numbers so regarded, declare those things to be sinful which our Creator
has expressly authorized and instituted, they do more to destroy his
authority among mankind than the most wicked can effect, by proclaiming
that to be innocent which he has for