ll
that I mean is this: A right thing may be wrong, if done unseasonably,
or in disregard of circumstances which have supervened.

"But to go a little further, and beyond mere expediency: Can you see no
difference between buying slaves, and making men slaves? While it would
be wicked for you to reduce people to slavery, is that the same as
becoming owners to those who are already in slavery? In one case, you
could not apply the golden rule; in the other, the golden rule would
absolutely compel you, in many instances, to buy slaves. Go to almost
any place where slaves are sold, and they will come to you, if they like
your looks, and, by all the arts of persuasion, entreat you to become
their master. Having succeeded, step behind the scenes, if you can, and
hear them exulting that they 'fetched more' than this or that man. Is
there no difference between this and reducing free people to slavery?"

"Say yes, husband," said Mrs. North, "or I must say it for you."

"So that, let me add," said I, "in opposing slavery, I am necessarily
confined to the evils and abuses committed in the relationship of
master. But, even in doing this, why should I be meddlesome? We have a
most offensive air and manner in our behavior towards Southerners, in
connection with their duties as masters. It is perfectly disgusting. I
may oppose slavery, on the grounds of political economy or for national
reasons. But if I mix up with it wrathful opposition to the sin, so
called, or the unrighteousness of holding property in man, it has no
countenance in the Bible. If I speak of it publicly, as a system fraught
with evil, I must discriminate; or they whom I would influence, knowing
that I am mistaken, will regard me as an infatuated enemy, who will
effect more injury than I can repair. As to Mr. Jefferson's testimony,
there are as good and conscientious men at the South in our day as
Thomas Jefferson. Mr. Calhoun was as worthy a witness in all respects."

"Now tell us," said Mrs. North, "your sober convictions, apart from this
Northern controversy, about that twenty-first chapter of Exodus, where
God directs that slaves, in certain cases, shall be slaves forever; and,
moreover, in certain cases, that slave husbands may have their wives and
children withheld from them, and the husbands leave them forever. How do
you reconcile this with the justice and goodness of God?"

I said to her, "To make the case fully appear, before we converse upon
it, hear th