' His doctrine, rather, is, 'Art thou called being a
servant? If thou hast a Sharpe's rifle, or a John Brown's pike, use it
rather.' Or, 'Art thou called being a servant? If thou canst run for
Canada, use it rather.' Paul had not an abolitionist mind, that is very
clear. But," she continued, "do relieve my husband and enlighten me
also, by giving us your views about the Old Testament slavery, which I
presume you can do without seeming to arraign the character of God."
I replied, "This is a sinful race, and we are treated as such. Slavery
is one of God's chastisements. Instead of destroying every wicked nation
by war, pestilence, or famine, he grants some of them a reprieve, and
commutes their punishment from death to bondage. Those whom he allowed
to be slaves to his people Israel were highly favored; they enjoyed a
blessing which came to them disguised by the sable cloud of servitude;
but in their endless happiness many of them will bless God for the
bondage which joined them to the nation of Israel.
"I look upon our slaves as being here by a special design of
Providence, for some great purpose, to be disclosed at the right time.
Unless I take this view of it, I am embarrassed and greatly troubled;
'perplexed, but not in despair.
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