having plead the cause of the bondman?  Ah, no; nor can we doubt that to him will be rendered the welcome plaudits:  “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.  Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee a ruler over many things.”  What then are the few light afflictions endured in this life, when compared with “an eternal weight of glory,” awarded to the faithful in that which is to come?

Pleasant, happy, and beneficial, as had been the reunion of old and tried friends, to celebrate a glorious event, yet, like all earthly enjoyments, it was brought to a termination, reluctant as were the friends to separate.  Since that day, many have been the demonstrations of grateful joy and gladness on the glorious anniversary of the emancipation of slaves on the West India Islands; and yet, in this boasted “land of the free, and home of the brave;” this famous and declared free Republic,—­the American slave still clanks his heavy chain, and wears the galling yoke of the bondman!

CHAPTER XXXVII.

CONCLUSION.

For several years past, anti-slavery truth has been spreading, and in proportion as light has shone upon the “peculiar institution,” exposing to the world its crimes and blood,—­enstamping upon its frontlet, “THE SUM OF ALL VILLAINIES,”—­has the wrath of the impious slaveholder been kindled, and his arm outstretched to strengthen the chain, and press closer the yoke upon the helpless slave, proving conclusively that he loves darkness because his deeds are evil.  Nor is this all; he and his apologists will insolently tell you, that you are the guilty ones who have tightened the bonds of the slave, increased his hardships, and blighted his prospect of freedom, by your mistaken kindness, in showing the slaveholder the enormity of his sin!  Can this be so?  Have we any direct influence over his human chattels?  None.  Then who is it that rivets the chain and increases the already heavy burden of the crushed slave, but he who has the power to do with him as he wills?  He it is, who has been thrust, unwillingly perhaps, into sufficient light to show him his moral corruption, and the character of the sin he is daily committing; he it is, whose avarice and idleness induces to hold fast that which is to him a source of wealth,—­ and by no means to allow the same light to fall in upon the darkened intellect of his slave property, lest his riches “take to themselves wings;” or, as may be more properly said, take to themselves legs and run away.

What stronger proof can we ask in favor of our position, than the intolerant spirit of the South?  If the system and practice of Slavery is a righteous one, instituted by an All-wise God, certainly no human power—­ especially one so impotent and futile as the abolition power is said to be —­can ever overthrow it.  Why then are the mails so closely examined, and fines imposed on prohibited anti-slavery documents?  Is it beyond their power to confute the arguments adduced, or are they fearful that a ray of Northern light may fall on the mind of some listening slave, and direct him to the depot of an under-ground railroad?  Judge ye!