The Liberator

For the Liberator.

A Fresh Instance of Colorphobia.

WEYMOUTH, July 22, 1842.

Bro. Garrison,—I have just returned from a visit to New-Bedford. In that town, I labored, in my poor way, more than six years. There I became an abolitionist. Privately and publicly, I faithfully declared my views upon this important subject. This course gave great offence to some, who before had been my warm friends. Not a few treated me coldly, and some became open enemies. This led me to examine the subject of slavery with more care. Ardently loving peace, and exceedingly fond of friends, it was very painful to me to have those, with whom I had taken 'sweet counsel,' and with whom I had 'walked to the house of God in company,' turn against me. Every thing that I could find, which had been written upon the subject of slavery, whether ancient or modern, I read with deep interest. The truth was clearly revealed to me. Distinctly I saw the gathering storm, clearly did I perceive that I must either conceal my views of slavery, disregard the groans and cries of the oppressed, or abandon my earthly prospects as a popular minister. It was a painful struggle. It cost me, I assure you, dear brother, much anxiety of mind and many tears. Prayerfully did I seek to know the will of God, and carefully did I search the sacred scriptures. At length, the way was made plain. 'Live or die, sink or swim,' I resolved to walk in the path of duty. Thus far I have found it to be 'as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.' My bold and uncompromising course was such, that many in New-Bedford were so much opposed to me, that it was thought best to move to this place, where there is more freedom than there is in most towns of its size in New-England. Reposing unlimited confidence in God, and trusting in the omnipotence of truth, I now can say,

Should earth against my soul engage,
And fiery darts be hurled,
Then I can smile at Satan's rage,
And face a frowning world.

Recently, a large Martha Washington Total Abstinence Society has been formed in New-Bedford. Knowing that I was deeply interested in the Washingtonian movement, the Society unanimously invited me to deliver its first public address. I was requested to name the meeting-house in which I would prefer to speak. Here I was placed in a difficult situation. I knew the prejudice that existed against the colored man in that town. After much mature deliberation, I informed the President of the Society that I could not lecture in any house from which any person was excluded, or in which any one was proscribed—that she must obtain a house in which all persons could hear me, who desired so to do, and that I desired to have notice given to that effect in the papers, and in the pulpits. Application was made for several of the large meeting-houses, but they could not be had. At length, however, the promise of the North Congregational meeting-house was obtained; but when notice was published that persons 'of all sects, colors and sexes' were invited, and that the seats would be free, the feelings of the holy people, who worshipped that holy stone-house, were much excited. Some declared if the house was thus freely opened, they would not pay another tax; and others asserted that they would nail up their pew doors. The Washingtonians now were informed, that they could not have the house. 'Did you not agree that they should have it?' said the applicant. Yes. 'Is temperance a good cause?' Yes. 'Why then do you not allow us to occupy it?' The committee pointed to the awful word color, in the notice. It was that one word which made all the trouble! Had that been omitted, all would have been well. Now, what is the avowed object in building meeting-houses, and in sustaining the ministry? It is to convert the whole world—'to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God.' What is the practice? It is to exclude and proscribe some. Is it not proper to denominate such places synagogues of Satan? Ought not those who worship in such houses to leave them, after they have rebuked them who cause the people to err, as they would dram-shops and gambling-houses? What is the avowed object of the Washingtonians? It is to redeem the world from intemperance. Is intemperance confined to one sect, sex, or color? No. It was, then, perfectly proper, that all who were interested in this enterprise should hear, if they desired to. I bless God that Mrs. McFarlin, the worthy President of the Martha Washington Society, saw plainly the path of duty, and acted with that decision of character which is requisite to successfully carry on moral reform.

Though no meeting-house large enough to accommodate the congregation could be had, yet the Town Hall was freely opened by the selectmen, and an immense congregation assembled to hear the address, the efforts of some to the contrary notwithstanding. It was a glorious triumph. Although New-Bedford sustains a great many ministers, yet to their everlasting shame be it said, not one of them was there. They do not, as a body, engage in the great moral movements of the day. But the people were there. They listened with deep interest. The spacious town-hall was there. It was not too holy to be used or to accommodate a free temperance meeting. Town-hall religion has more freedom and more humanity than meeting-house religion.

Yours for universal freedom,

JOHN M. SPEAR.