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.
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