been the means of their being claimed. I could
have torn down all the telegraph wires in the land. It was a
strange dispensation of Providence.
On Saturday the sad news of their capture came to my ears. We
had resolved to go to their aid on Monday, as the trial was set
for Thursday. On Sabbath, I spoke from Psalm xii. 5. "For the
oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I
arise," saith the Lord: "I will set him in safety from him that
puffeth at (from them that would enslave) him." When on Monday
morning I learned that the fugitives had passed through the
place on Sabbath, and Concklin in chains, probably at the very
time I was speaking on the subject referred to, my heart sank
within me. And even yet, I cannot but exclaim, when I think of
it--O, Father! how long ere Thou wilt arise to avenge the wrongs
of the poor slave! Indeed, my dear brother, His ways are very
mysterious. We have the consolation, however, to know that all
is for the best. Our Redeemer does all things well. When He hung
upon the cross, His poor broken hearted disciples could not
understand the providence; it was a dark time to them; and yet
that was an event that was fraught with more joy to the world
than any that has occurred or could occur. Let us stand at our
post and wait God's time. Let us have on the whole armor of God,
and fight for the right, knowing, that though we may fall in
battle, the victory will be ours, sooner or later.
* * * * *
May God lead you into all truth, and sustain you in your labors,
and fulfill your prayers and hopes. Adieu.
N.R. JOHNSTON.
LETTERS FROM LEVI COFFIN.
The following letters on the subject were received from the untiring and
devoted friend of the slave, Levi Coffin, who for many years had
occupied in Cincinnati a similar position to that of Thomas Garrett in
Delaware, a sentinel and watchman commissioned of God to succor the
fleeing bondman--
CINCINNATI, 4TH MO., 10TH, 1851.
FRIEND WM. STILL:--We have sorrowful news from our friend
Concklin, through the papers and otherwise. I received a letter
a few days ago from a friend near Princeton, Ind., stating that
Concklin and the four slaves are in prison in Vincennes, and
that their trial would come on in a few days. He states that
they rowed seve
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