There is a conscience in this matter — a con-
science among Christian men, awed in contempla-
ting this unparalelled wickedness! A conscience
demanding that the churches speak out in rebuke
of the system ; and that while tobacco and dancing
find a place in the discussions of their deliberative
bodies, and in resolutions of censure, slavery also
shall be recognized as no less ofiFensive to humanity
than the weed to a refined taste ; no less abhorrent
to a Christian profession in the master than is
shaking heels at an evening party, to the sobriety
of a Christian walk. There is a conscience at the
Couth, trembling, most of all, to hear such a repro-
bation, — a disturbed mind, saying, " Speak peace;"
and lulled, as with anodynes, when ''Peace" is
the answer ; but shaking in fear, as over an earth-
quake, when the church kindly and solemnly says,
*' First pure." No peace to sin and crime. The
fast, the worship, the piety God has chosen, is to
" let the oppressed go free," to give bread to the
hungry, culture to the ignorant, the healing of
Christianity to wounded souls, ministering to, lov-
ing, treating the black as well as the white, as you
would treat Christ in person, were he still walk-
ing among us.
