This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1852. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. ARE WE OF THE NORTHERN PART OF THE CHURCH SO INVOLVED IN THE GUILT OF SLAVERY, AS IT EXISTS IN THE SOUTHERN PORTION, AS TO MAKE SECESSION A DUTY? The inquiry at the head of this chapter implies that there is guilt on the part of some slave-holders in the Church. It were passing strange if it were not so. The influence of selfishness, prejudice, the fashion of society at large, early education, and ignorance in reference to the evils of slavery, cannot but lead many to practice much wrong while sustaining this relation. No one could rationally claim, where so many members of the Church live under a system involving such multiplied and fearful evils, that all are guiltless. Such a claim would be preposterous. We all know the imperfection of even regenerated humanity too well to make it. It is not made here. On the other hand, it is freely admitted, nay, held, that there is guilt, great guilt, on the part of members of the Presbyterian Church, growing out of slave-holding. It can scarcely be doubted that there are members of the Church who hold slaves for their own convenience or profit, rather than the good of the slaves, and that, too, in circumstances where emancipation is entirely practicable. Nor can it be doubted that in many cases even pious masters neglect many of the duties which they owe their slaves, as fellow immortals, just as many parents neglect their duties to their own children. Diligent, prudent, and persevering efforts, and earnest prayer, should be used by all for the removal of these evils, and the system under which they occur. Some, however, hold that it is duty, instead of laboring any longer for their removal from the Church, to forsake the Church ourselves, and enter other organizations where slave-holding is not tolerat...