My engagements are such, that I shall be forced for the present to pass over the argument mainly relied on by abolitionists of every grade, to prove the sinfulness of American slavery; or at least, I can give it but a cursory notice.  I understand that a celebrated D.D., has published a work, in which, he labors hard to prove the sinfulness of American slavery from its evils.  It was the design of the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, to prove the sinfulness of slavery from its evils; or otherwise, its abuses.  If this mode of reasoning is allowable in one case, it is so in another, and by this mode of reasoning I can prove the sinfulness of every institution beneath the sun, social, civil and religions.  It is in fact the argument principally relied on by skeptics to invalidate the Christian religion.  They will all point to its abuses, or in other words, to the evils growing out of its abuses.  Every institution, social, civil and religious is subject to abuse—­may be prostituted to the worst of purposes—­the institution of Christianity not excepted.  But it does not necessarily follow, because an institution is subject to abuse—­because it is prostituted to vile purposes, that there is any thing wrong about the institution.  The evil consists in the abuse or improper use, and not in the institution.  Cupidity inhumanity, and the gratification of the animal passions and propensities, have incited slaveholders to the worst of crimes.  But this does not prove that the holding of slaves is sinful, per se, under all circumstances.  I have shown in the last chapter of this work, (Chap 13,) that men are too often prompted from selfish motives to attach themselves to churches, and that many of them are prostituting a Christian profession to the worst of purposes.  But this does not prove that there is anything defective or wrong about the Christian religion.  No, by no means.  If clergymen descend from their sacred vocation to dabble with politics, and a thousand other things that a minister of Christ should not touch; or to use their ministerial influence to accomplish the most diabolical purposes, and thereby bring reproach on the Christian name, and a grievous curse on the nation—­then assuredly, the institution of Christianity is not to blame for it; for its Author, both by precept and example taught the contrary.  It was but a few days ago, that a skeptic remarked to me, “that the inconsistent conduct of professors of religion satisfied him that there was no truth in the Bible; or at all events, that there was something wrong about it.”  I must hasten to a close, as I cannot extend my remarks on this subject.