Slavery by John Nevins Andrews

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 25, 1864

Slavery

By John Nevins Andrews

Is that great national sin whereby our country is distinguished from all other civilized lands. The existing wicked rebellion is that great national calamity by which the Most High makes our country an example and a warning to all the nations of the earth; and by which he admonishes mankind that punishment is inseparably connected with transgression. The crime of making merchandize of human beings, is one of the most atrocious in the catalogue of wicked deeds; involving in American slavery the commission of every foul and abominable act that absolute power in the hands of wicked men, over the helpless, and unfortunate might be expected to cause. Mr. Wesley, who witnessed the working of the institution in Georgia many years since, denominated it "the sum of all villainies." Those at the North, who justify and excuse this great iniquity, make themselves participants in the evil deeds of the oppressor, and cannot be less criminal than he, in the sight of Heaven. Whenever they speak on the subject, they begin by affirming that they are as "much opposed to slavery as any man," and then proceed to vindicate the institution by every argument that they are capable of framing. This shows that their opening statement should have been, "I am as much opposed to slavery as any man who is heartily in favor of it."

How do such men expect to escape the fate of the oppressor when God shall bring him into judgment? By one of the most ingenious devices imaginable. This sin is snugly stowed away in a certain package which is labeled "Politics." They deny the right of their fellow men to condemn any of the favorite sins which they have placed in this bundle; and they evidently expect that any parcel bearing this label, will pass the final custom-house, i. e., the judgment of the great day—without being examined. Should the All-seeing Judge, however, inquire into their connection with this great iniquity, they suppose the following answer will be entirely satisfactory to him: "I am not at all censurable for any thing said or done by me in behalf of slavery; for O Lord, thou knowest, it was a part of my politics!" Will this plea be offered by any reader of this article? J. N. A.