.D.,
OF PRINCETON, N. J.

NOTE.--This Essay of Dr. Hodge, was designed by
the Editor, to follow that of Dr. Stringfellow,
but the copy was not received until the
stereotyping had progressed nearly to the close of
the volume. PUBLISHER.

* * * * *

Infatuation of the Abolitionists--Necessity of
Correct Opinions--Statement of the
Question--Slavery as Treated by Christ and his
Apostles--Slaveholding not Sinful--Answer to this
Argument--Dr. Channing's Answer--Admissions--Reply
to the Abolition Argument--Mr. Birney's
Admissions--Argument from the Old
Testament--Polygamy and Divorce--Inalienable
Rights.

EVERY one must be sensible that a very great change has, within a few
years, been produced in the feelings, if not in the opinions of the
public in relation to slavery. It is now the most exciting topic of
discussion. Nor is the excitement in society confined to discussion
alone. Designs and plans, of the most reprehensible character, are
boldly avowed and defended. What has produced this lamentable state of
things? No doubt many circumstances have combined in its production. We
think, however, that all impartial observers must acknowledge, that by
far the most prominent cause is the conduct of the abolitionists. . . . .
Nor is it by argument that the abolitionists have produced the present
unhappy excitement. Argument has not been the characteristic of their
publications. Denunciations of slaveholding, as manstealing, robbery,
piracy, and worse than murder; consequent vituperation of slaveholders
as knowingly guilty of the worst of crimes; passionate appeals to the
feelings of the inhabitants of the Northern States; gross exaggerations
of the moral and physical condition of the slaves, have formed the
staple of their addresses to the public.[260] We do not mean to say
that there has been no calm and Christian discussion of the subject. We
mean merely to state what has, to the best of our knowledge, been the
predominent character of the anti-slavery publications. There is one
circumstance which renders the error and guilt of this course of conduct
chargeable, in a great measure, on the abolitionists as a body, and even
upon those of their number who have pursued a different course. We refer
to the fact that they have upheld