Why, that the system is as bad as the practice under it.  Here we find the most diabolical devices to keep millions of human beings in a state of heathenism—­in the deepest ignorance and most loathsome pollution.  But you will tell me, that I do not look far enough to find the true theory of slavery; and that the cruelties and abominations, which the laws of the slave States have ingrafted on this theory, are not acknowledged by the good men in those States to be a part of the theory.  Well, you shall have the benefit of this plea; and I admit, for the sake of argument, that this theory of slavery, which lies far back, and out of sight of every thing visible and known about slavery, is right.  And what does this admission avail you?  It is slavery as it is—­as it is seen and known, that the abolitionists are contending against.  But, say you, to induce our forbearance, “We good men at the South are restoring slavery, as fast as we can, to what it should be; and we will soon make its erring practice quadrate with its perfect and sinless theory.”  Success to your endeavors!  But let me ask these good men, whether similar representations would avail to make them forbearing towards any other class of offenders; and whether they would allow these offenders to justify the wickedness of their hands, by pleading the purity of their hearts.  Suppose that I stand in court confessedly guilty of the crime of passing counterfeit money; and that I ask for my acquittal on the ground, that, notwithstanding I am practically wrong, I am, nevertheless, theoretically right.  “Believe me,” I say, in tones of deep and unfeigned pathos, and with a corresponding pressure of my hand upon my heart, “that the principles within are those of the purest morality; and that it is my faithful endeavor to bring my deportment, which, as you this day witness, is occasionally devious, into perfect conformity with my inward rectitude.  My theory of honest and holy living is all that you could wish it to be.  Be but patient, and you shall witness its beautiful exhibitions in my whole conduct.”  Now, you certainly would not have this plea turn to my advantage;—­why then expect that your similar plea should be allowed?

We must continue to judge of slavery by what it is, and not by what you tell us it will, or may be.  Until its character be righteous, we shall continue to condemn it; but when you shall have brought it back to your sinless and beautiful theory of it, it will have nothing to fear from the abolitionists.  There are two prominent reasons, however, for believing that you will never present Southern slavery to us in this lovely character, the mere imagination of which is so dear to you.  The first is, that you are doing nothing to this end.  It is an indisputable fact that Southern slavery is continually getting wider and wider from God, and from an innocent theory of servitude; and the “good men at the South,” of whom we have spoken, are not only doing nothing to arrest this increasing divergency, but they are