Clearfield Republican

The Voice of Dr. Bangs.

The following letter was written to the N. Y. Methodist in January 1861, by Rev. Dr. Bangs, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In learning and in piety, Dr. Bangs is one of the most eminent of living clergymen.

"The relation of master and slave has never to my satisfaction, been proven to be a sin. That there are great evils connected with it, or that may grow out of it, I have no doubt. So there are evils that may result from the marriage relation, or the relation of parent and child, but this does not prove the relation to be a sin.

A great change has come over the public feeling, both North and South, within the last twenty-five years. One extreme begets another. The extreme measures of the North on this subject have driven the South into the opposite extreme. Heretofore, there were thousands at the South who considered slavery an evil, but a necessary evil, which they knew not how to remove; but now, so far as I could learn, they have come to the conclusion that "the institution" is right and scriptural, and the best state possible for the blacks. I will not stop to argue the point at all—I merely state the fact. As to the physical condition of the slaves at the South, I believe they are better off than the free blacks of the North: better fed, better clothed, better housed, and do less work. They appear the happiest people to be found—their masters and mistresses having all the care and expense. I am told the laws of Louisiana and Mississippi are very severe in protecting the slave.

The Methodists are doing a great work among them. Many missionaries are employed on the plantations—some of them are paid by the planters themselves, some by the Missionary Society, and some congregations in New Orleans support themselves. I conversed with a brother preacher who is constantly laboring among this people, and he gave a thrilling account of his mission.

"The movements of the Abolitionists of the North have been productive of evil to the masters and slaves, exasperating the former, and causing them to restrict the privileges of the latter. Oh, when shall this wicked strife come to an end, and brotherly love and fraternal intercourse return?'

With regard to the state of public feeling at the South, he says:-

"As far as I could learn, there is but one opinion on this subject at the South—all are for secession, differing only as to how and when. Most were for immediate and separate action, while others, and a much less number, were for co-operation with other States, and waiting until such co-operation could be effected." The ultra-ism of the North has begotten the ultra-ism of the South. They look upon all Northerners as Abolitionists, and believe that the election of Lincoln to the Presidency demonstrates a combination and determination in the North to use the power of the government to crush out their institutions. Whether this be true or false, right or wrong, they sincerely believe, hence the haste and determination for secession.

"I determined to reason with my brethren at the South. They heard me patiently—no one returned an uncivil word, but I fear that few were convinced. Indeed, they were not in a state of mind to reason calmly. I told them they were just like our ultra Abolitionists at the North, and when did an ultra Abolitionist listen to reason? They have split the Church, and now the nation may go to fragments and they will not come to the rescue. Is this the spirit of Christ? Is this the gospel of peace? Will the God of love and peace be with us if we continue this unrighteous warfare? Let us give the South their just claims, and let their institutions alone. Cease this unchristian strife—there is a worse evil than slavery—brother warring against brother!

"I love my Southern brethren. They are as warm and true-hearted Christians there as anywhere on the face of the earth, and they are as honest in their views of things as we are. We must beware of rash judgment. God will judge us all in the last day. Oh, that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for my Church and my country! Shall I live to see this beautiful structure, which my father assisted to raise with his blood scattered to the winds? I pray you, ye men of strife and contention, stop—hands off!—repent, undo as far as you can the mischief you have already done. As long as I live, I will pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and the Union of these United States. O God, the Lord of Hosts, arise, and save Thy heritage, for vain is the help of man."