Secede, then, from the government.  Submit to its exactions, but pay it no allegiance, and give it no voluntary aid.  Fill no offices under it.  Send no senators or representatives to the national or State legislature; for what you cannot conscientiously perform yourself, you cannot ask another to perform as your agent.  Circulate a declaration of DISUNION FROM SLAVEHOLDERS, throughout the country.  Hold mass meetings—­assemble in conventions—­nail your banners to the mast!

Do you ask what can be done, if you abandon the ballot-box?  What did the crucified Nazarene do without the elective franchise?  What did the apostles do?  What did the glorious army of martyrs and confessors do?  What did Luther and his intrepid associates do?  What can women and children do?  What has Father Mathew done for teetotalism?  What has Daniel O’Connell done for Irish repeal?  “Stand, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness,” and arrayed in the whole armor of God!

The form of government that shall succeed the present government of the United States, let time determine.  It would be a waste of time to argue that question, until the people are regenerated and turned from their iniquity.  Ours is no anarchical movement, but one of order and obedience.  In ceasing from oppression, we establish liberty.  What is now fragmentary, shall in due time be crystallized, and shine like a gem set in the heavens, for a light to all coming ages.

Finally—­we believe that the effect of this movement will be,—­First, to create discussion and agitation throughout the North; and these will lead to a general perception of its grandeur and importance.

Secondly, to convulse the slumbering South like an earthquake, and convince her that her only alternative is, to abolish slavery, or be abandoned by that power on which she now relies for safety.

Thirdly, to attack the slave power in its most vulnerable point, and to carry the battle to the gate.

Fourthly, to exalt the moral sense, increase the moral power, and invigorate the moral constitution of all who heartily espouse it.

We reverently believe that, in withdrawing from the American Union, we have the God of justice with us.  We know that we have our enslaved countrymen with us.  We are confident that all free hearts will be with us.  We are certain that tyrants and their abettors will be against us.

In behalf of the Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society,

WM. LLOYD GARRISON, President.

  WENDELL PHILLIPS, } Secretaries. 
  MARIA WESTON CHAPMAN, }

  Boston, May 20, 1844.

* * * * *

LETTER FROM FRANCIS JACKSON.

BOSTON, 4TH July, 1844

To His Excellency George N. Briggs: 

SIR—­Many years since, I received from the Executive of the Commonwealth a commission as Justice of the Peace.  I have held the office that it conferred upon me till the present time, and have found it a convenience to myself, and others.  It might continue to be so, could I consent longer to hold it.  But paramount considerations forbid, and I herewith transmit to you my commission, respectfully asking you to accept my resignation.