The general descriptions of the church which are found here and there in the New Testament, are highly instructive in their bearing on the subject of slavery.  In one connection, the following words meet the eye:  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."[A] Here we have—­1.  A clear and strong description of the doctrine of human equality.  “Ye are all ONE;”—­so much alike, so truly placed on common ground, all wielding each his own powers with such freedom, that one is the same as another.

[Footnote A:  Gal. iii. 23.]

2.  This doctrine, self-evident in the light of reason, is affirmed on divine authority.  “IN CHRIST JESUS, ye are all one.”  The natural equality of the human family is a part of the gospel.  For—­

3.  All the human family are included in this description.  Whether men or women, whether bond or free, whether Jews or Gentiles, all are alike entitled to the benefit of this doctrine.  Wherever Christianity prevails, the artificial distinctions which grow out of birth, condition, sex, are done away. Natural distinctions are not destroyed. They are recognized, hallowed, confirmed.  The gospel does not abolish the sexes, forbid a division of labor, or extinguish patriotism.  It takes woman from beneath the feet, and places her by the side of man; delivers the manual laborer from “the yoke,” and gives him wages for his work; and brings the Jew and Gentile to embrace each other with fraternal love and confidence.  Thus it raises all to a common level, gives to each the free use of his own powers and resources, binds all together in one dear and loving brotherhood.  Such, according to the description of the apostle, was the influence, and such the effect of primitive Christianity.  “Behold the picture!” Is it like American slavery, which, in all its tendencies and effects, is destructive of all oneness among brethren?

“Where the spirit of the Lord is,” exclaims the same apostle, with his eye upon the condition and relations of the church, “where the spirit of the Lord is, THERE IS LIBERTY.”  Where, then, may we reverently recognize the presence, and bow before the manifested power, of this spirit? There, where the laborer may not choose how he shall be employed!—­in what way his wants shall he supplied!—­with whom he shall associate!—­who shall have the fruit of his exertions! There, where he is not free to enjoy his wife and children! There, where his body and his soul, his very “destiny,"[A] are placed altogether beyond his control! There, where every power is crippled, every energy blasted, every hope crushed! There, where in all the relations and concerns of life, he is legally treated as if he had nothing to do with the laws of reason, the light of immortality, or the exercise of will!  Is the spirit of the Lord there, where liberty