As our country is now agitated from center to circumference relative to the subject of slavery, and as there is a fair prospect that this agitation is to increase and be one of the greatest subjects which is to occupy the minds of our countrymen in and out of our legislative halls, does it not become us to inquire, What have we to do with it? We profess to be waiting, watching, and praying for the coming of our Lord; we believe his coming to be near, even at the doors; and if these things are a part of our religious faith, will not our great adversary try to entrap our feet by over-exciting our minds relative to this and other things which are now so much engaging the attention of those who would regulate the affairs of the "two horned beast."
So far as I have to do with the subject of slavery as an individual member of the body of Christ, I have no right to let it occupy my mind to the exclusion of things of greater import. I have no right to enter into the political field and get into discussion with pro-slavery men. But there are things which I can and ought to do. I should let the "two horned beast" take care of his own business; I should mind my own; I can pray for the oppressed and down trodden; if opportunity offers I can assist them otherwise, but to do anything towards the abolition of slavery, I cannot, for several reasons. One is, that I consider our country hopelessly in the hands of Satan, and that it will continue to be until he who is stronger than the strong man armed shall come and take from him all the armor wherein he trusts, and with him shall divide the spoils. Another reason is, judging from passing events and the present mould of the public mind, I am positive that there will not be time enough to revolutionize public sentiment; consequently the ameliorating of the condition of our slave population is entirely out of our reach. Another reason. The Apocalyptic Babylon is to be destroyed when in the very height of her temporal prosperity and glory. She is then to be dealing in "gold, silver, precious stones," &c., "slaves and souls of men," and consequently human slavery will continue until the advent of our King. Lord hasten the day, for our souls are sick with every day's report of wrong and outrage with which the earth is filled.
WM. S. FOOTE.