National Gazette

STRUCK with the truth of that remark which teaches us to arrange our actions and principles in such a manner as that all will prove consistent, and no particular one will disagree with its attendants, I was led to compare my own actions with the principles which I had always imbibed and, through the comparison, I found that few of my actions preserved that desirable consistency. On the contrary, I discovered through the general train of my actions one at variance with the other; and the whole of them, at war with my principles. I was happy to find however, that in one important transaction of my life I approached near the rectitude of my breast. In this point, most of my fellow citizens have ignorantly strayed, and acted in a manner, which, in my opinion, reflects disgrace on all the principles of equality which they profess to hold sacred. In short, what I allude to, is nothing less than the late very charitable donation of the citizens towards the building of an African Church. I mean not the least doubt, but that on their making contributions towards this end, they acted from the most christian impulse. But it must still be acknowledged, that in this, their charitable action, they have disclaimed the benign principles which a Benezet and a Wilberforce have laboured to vindicate: and which, they themselves but lately approved.

By whom was this generous building first proposed? Was it by a friend to mankind? Was it suggested by a republican? Or was it not first proposed by men who blend the worst aristocratical principles with the purest religious sentiments? They led the unwary charitable citizens to make liberal contributions, pleading the precious motive of alleviating the miseries of the blacks. and of placing them on a more equal footing; but I fear, instead of this, it will be followed by disastrous consequences to the people of the United States.

It cannot be denied, that the most virtuous men among us might be entangled by the intrigues and chicanery of the most vicious. This is sufficiently evinced by the foregoing instances; and I am of the opinion, that had not the proposition just mentioned, been so shortly followed by its encouragement, it would, at this time, be unthought of. And instead of this utter partition we should now see a negro presbyterian or a negro episcopalian, as heartily welcome to a seat in St. Mary's or Christ's as the whites among us.

I am so far from admitting the least portion of virtue to be in this public act. that I firmly believe it to be a sin against the Christian religion and the Almighty. Do the christians among us believe there are two roads to heaven, one for the white, the other for the black? would not the same elements received in the sacrament by a black man prove as effectual to the salvation or damnation of a white one? and yet our modest and humane gentry, refuse to mingle their prayers with the sincere effusions of some whose greatest misfortune is, to differ in colour! imagining, as I suppose, that their devotions will not ascend with such sweet savors, if alloyed by the prayers of a negro.

But, even acknowledging what has just been hinted, to be distant from the design of the original proposers, I say, that the thing itself is dangerous to, and incompatible with, the equality we now struggle to establish. I believe (tho' some may contradict it) that our constitution recognizes the rights of negroes. The states and the people abolish slavery, and declare all to have equal rights. If this be the case, to cramp them under illegal restrictions. is as alarming to us, as a meditated attack on our own liberties. They are classed among the citizens, they have a right to all the privileges of citizens; and to the same protection from government. But alas, our peace and happiness was not to rest long undisturbed. The wolves have broke down our barriers, & are now devouring the flock. The roaring lion, religious as well as civil, tears asunder the ties which formerly united the citizens of the United States. An aristocratical junto formed to butcher our liberty are allowed to form and execute the most wretched schemes. And we, if we are not on our guard, must shortly be hurried to misery & every wretchedness: & rendered obedient to a set who now are bold enough to bar the gates of heaven to all who are not of the ROYAL BLOOD.

June 24th 1791.
A TRUE AMERICAN.