better informed
judgment--he that will go his own course, it matters not on whose
rights he infringes--he that will consult his own interests, and at
the same time trample under foot the dearest interests of others, has
no right, or title, to the name of a Christian. If the Bible says do
this, or abstain from that, the Christian has no right to demur; it
matters not how repugnant it may be to the feelings and inclinations
of his heart. He must cheerfully and heartily at all times, and under
all circumstances, acquiesce in the will of a superior intelligence.
He must be willing to sacrifice all; not only his earthly goods, but
life itself, if God requires it at his hands. This is the doctrine of
the Bible, and well did the Saviour say, "Strait is the gate and
narrow is the way, that leadeth to life; and few there are that find
it." "Many are called, but few are chosen." The Christian is not at
liberty to consult his own personal interests and inclinations, when
they are in opposition to the will of God. "Ye are not your own, (says
the apostle), ye are bought with a price."

It was impressed on my mind in early life, that there was much error
and misconception among Christian slaveholders in general, in
reference to their obligations to their slaves, and a long residence
among them has but strengthened and confirmed those convictions. I
have no reference here to those who view slave property in the same
light, that they do every other species of property; but to
conscientious and humane men. I allude to you, who profess to be the
followers of the meek and lowly Jesus--you, who take the Bible for the
man of your council--you, who profess to be the servants of that God
who is no respector of persons--you, who profess to be under the
influence of that religion which recognizes every man as a brother
beloved, for whom Christ shed his precious blood.

I beg leave to impress on your minds the solemn truth, that your
slaves are human beings of like passions, feelings, and propensities
as yourselves; that they have immortal souls; that their joys and
their sorrows, their happiness, and their misery, are suspended on the
treatment which they receive at your hands; and that not only their
present happiness and misery, but in all probability, their eternal
destiny may be influenced by your course of conduct toward them. These
are weighty considerations--would to God I could impress their
importance on your minds; and that you woul