Mr. Garrison now proceeded to Newburyport, resolved that his native town should be the first place in Massachusetts to hear his lectures on slavery. Dr. Daniel Dana, pastor of the Presbyterian church on Harris Street,[207] in the eyes of ungodly men, a system of blood, and violates every commandment of Jehovah. Horrible state of things! ‘For this thing which it cannot bear, the earth is disquieted. The Gospel of Peace and Mercy preached by him who steals, buys or sells the purchase of Messiah's blood!—Rulers of the Church making merchandise of their brethren's souls!—and Christians trading the persons of men!—These are they who are lovers of their own selves—Covetous—Proud—Fierce— Men of corrupt minds, who resist the truth—Having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. From such turn away.’ I think that an able and faithful tract upon this [subject] is greatly needed, and would be the means of incalculable good.— I submit the choice of topics to yourself, and to the benevolent individual who offers the premium. There is no Society in existence bearing the title of the ‘American Abolition Society.’ I think the tract had better come out to the public under the auspices of the ‘Pennsylvania Society for promoting the Abolition of Slavery, the relief of free negroes unlawfully held in bondage, and for improving the Condition of the African Race.’ Agreeably to your request, I select three members of that Society to decide upon the merits of the various tracts that may be presented—namely, the venerable William Rawle, Ll. D., President, and Jonas Preston, M. D., and Thomas Shipley, Vice-Presidents of said Society—all thorough-going reformers and highly intelligent and respectable men, residents of Philadelphia. The premiummoney may be deposited in the hands of the President, Wm. Rawle. I am now on an Eastern tour for the purpose of delivering public addresses on the subject of slavery, of obtaining subscriptions to my proposed new paper at Washington City, of establishing a National Anti-Slavery Tract Society, &c., &c. I shall leave Hartford for Boston this morning, where I shall probably reside some time, and to which place please to address your next letter as soon as convenient. Your friend and well-wisher till death,
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Mr. Garrison now proceeded to Newburyport, resolved that his native town should be the first place in Massachusetts to hear his lectures on slavery. Dr. Daniel Dana, pastor of the Presbyterian church on Harris Street,
The Century Company. , 1885-1889.
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