This shows only the dawning of interest in the mighty subject.  The evidence is full and conclusive that at this time neither Sarah nor Angelina had formed any decided opinions concerning either of the societies mentioned above, or contemplated taking any active part whatever in the cause of freedom.

In February, 1834, occurred the famous debate at Lane Seminary, near Cincinnati, presided over by Dr. Lyman Beecher, which, for earnestness, ability, and eloquence, has probably never been surpassed in this country.  A colonization society, composed in great part of Southern students, had been formed in 1832 in the seminary, but went to pieces during the debate, which lasted eighteen evenings, and produced a profound sensation throughout the Presbyterian Church, and even outside of it.  President Beecher took no part in it, standing too much in awe of the trustees of the institution to countenance it even by his presence, although he had promised to do so.

The speakers were all students, young men remarkable for their sincerity and their energy, and several of them excelling as orators.  Among the latter were Henry B. Stanton and Theodore D. Weld, both possessing great powers of reasoning and natural gifts of eloquence.  Of Theodore D. Weld it was said, that when he lectured on temperance, so powerfully did he affect his audiences, that many a liquor dealer went home and emptied out the contents of his barrels.  Those who remember him in his best days can well believe this, while others who have had the privilege of hearing him only in his “parlor talks” can have no difficulty in understanding the impression he must have made on mixed audiences in those times when his great heart, filled from boyhood with sorrow for the oppressed, found such food for its sympathies.[2]

[2] An incident of the childhood of this zealous champion of human rights, related in a letter I have, shows how early he took his stand by the side of the weak and defenceless.  When he was about six years old, and going to school in Connecticut, a little colored boy was admitted as a pupil.  Weld had never seen a black person before, and was grieved to find that the color of his skin caused him to be despised by the other boys, and put off on a seat by himself.  The teacher heard him his lessons separately, and generally sent him back to his lonely seat with a cuff or a jeer.  After witnessing this injustice for a day or two, little Weld went to the teacher and asked to have his own seat changed.  “Why, where do you want to sit?” asked the teacher.  “By Jerry,” replied Weld.  The master burst out laughing, and exclaimed:  “Why, are you a nigger too?” and, “Theodore Weld is a nigger!” resounded through the school.  “I never shall forget,” says Mr. Weld, “the tumult in my little bosom that day.  I went, however, and sat with Jerry, and played with Jerry, and we were great friends; and in a week I had permission to say my lessons with Jerry, and I have been an abolitionist ever since,