against those outrages on our common nature which
circumstances have forced on your observation.
They engage in no political discussion, they embark
in no public controversy; but when an intrepid sister
appeals to the instincts of women of every color and
of every clime against a system which sanctions the
violation of the fondest affections and the disruption
of the tenderest ties; which snatches the clinging
wife from the agonized husband, and the child from
the breast of its fainting mother; which leaves the
young and innocent female a helpless and almost inevitable
victim of a licentiousness controlled by no law and
checked by no public opinion,—it is surely
as feminine as it is Christian to sympathize with
her in her perilous task, and to rejoice that she
has shed such a vivid light on enormities which can
exist only while unknown or unbelieved. We acknowledge
with regret and shame that that fatal system was introduced
into America by Great Britain; but having in our colonies
returned from our devious paths, we may without presumption,
in the spirit of friendly suggestion, implore our
honored transatlantic friends to do the same.
The ladies of Great Britain have been admonished by
their fair sisters in America, (and I am sure they
are bound to take the admonition in good part,) that
there are social evils in our own country demanding
our special vigilance and care. This is most
true; but it is also true that the deepest sympathies
and most strenuous efforts are directed, in the first
instance, to the evils which exist among ourselves,
and that the rays of benevolence which flash across
the Atlantic are often but the indication of the intensity
of the bright flame which is shedding light and heat
on all in its immediate vicinity. I believe this
is the case with most of those who have taken a prominent
part in this great movement. I am sure it is
preeminently the case with respect to many of those
by whom you are surrounded; and I hardly know a more
miserable fallacy, by which sensible men allow themselves
to be deluded, than that which assumes that every
emotion of sympathy which is kindled by objects abroad
is abstracted from our sympathies at home. All
experience points to a directly opposite conclusion;
and surely the divine command, ’to go into all
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,’
should put to shame and silence the specious but transparent
selfishness which would contract the limits of human
sympathy, and veil itself under the garb of superior
sagacity. But I must not detain you by any further
observations. Allow me, in the name of the associated
ladies, to present you with this small memorial of
great regard, and to tender to you their and my best
wishes for your health and happiness while you are
sojourning among us, for the blessing of God on your
children during your absence, and for your safe return
to your native country when your mission shall be
accomplished. I have just been requested to state
the following particulars: In December last,