ence and soothe the sensibilities. Strong
attachments, we all know, are often realized, even in a condition of
things so anomalous. Perhaps, too, a large number of those about us
would be as feeble in capacity as humble in their circumstances. One
so born might tolerate such a position. But how different,--how, in
comparison, and in every way intolerable, to be set as watchmen and
interceptors of these, the brighter and the better, who, beyond all
controversy, have outgrown the estate of bondage, and who are so
loudly called of God to be freemen, that they will brave any peril in
obedience to the call! How can we do this and still be men and
Christians? Would our brethren at the south do it for us? If we have,
in our haste, so covenanted, must we not rather pay the penalty than
fulfil the bond? I recognize obedience to civil government as the
solemn duty of all save _those who without cause are made outlaws by
the State_. Government protects our hearths and shelters those who are
dearest to us. But we can honor the law by submitting to its penalties
as well as by complying with its demands, and the penalty would be my
election when a man who had seized his manhood at the peril of his
life should claim of me shelter and the means of escape. Before I
refuse that, "may my right hand forget its cunning and my tongue
cleave to the roof of my mouth."

[Illustration: (signature) Rufus Ellis.]

The Encroachment of the Slave-Power.

EXTRACT.

Such is the unholy and gigantic power that, leaving its territorial
domain, has usurped the seat of freedom--that has established at our
capitol a central despotism, and bends to its will with iron hand the
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of our Federal
Government.

I have marvelled, sir, as you have, that the Spirit of Freedom in our
fair land has so long slumbered beneath such an outrage. But I imagine
her awakening. As she is about to awaken in her strength, and with the
voice of the people, like the sound of many waters, rebuking this
insolent slave-power, as Milton tells us its father and inventor was
of old rebuked, as he sought to pass the bounds of his prison-house,
and to darken with his presence the realms of light--

"And reckon'st thou thyself with spirits of Heaven,
Hell-doom'd! and breath'st defiance here and scorn,
Where I reign King, and to enrage thee more
Thy King and Lord? Back to thy punishment
False fugitive, and to thy