The North Star (Rochester)/1848/01/07/Great Anti-Slavery Meeting
GREAT ANTI-SLAVERY MEETING.
Pursuant to a call extensively circulated through the city, a large audience convened in Minerva Hall on Sunday morning, Dec. 19th, for the purpose of considering the sin of American Slavery, and our duties, as Christians, towards its utter annihilation.
Joseph C. Hathaway was called to the chair; and Giles D. Stebbins and William C. Nell appointed Secretaries.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Howard.
Frederick Douglass offered the following resolutions:—
Resolved, That in assembling on this day for the purpose of lifting up our voices in behalf of our oppressed and plundered fellow-countrymen, we but follow in the footsteps of Him who has said, "It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath-day."
Resolved, That in the simple act of slaveholding are comprehended the crimes of theft, robbery, and murder; the subversion of all human rights; the destruction of all that dignifies and ennobles man; and is direct war upon the government of God.
During the discussion which continued during the day and evening, Frederick Douglass alluded to the powerful influence which the American church exerted against the liberation of the slave; and detailed many facts in the history of the various ecclesiastical bodies, proving conclusively their manifold wickedness and persevering inconsistency with the teaching of Him whom they claim as Master. And in reference to the day, he remarked, that preaching for the slave was a paramount duty, inasmuch as "a man is of more value than a sheep."
Giles B. Stebbins censured the clergy for their coldness and indifference to the vital question of American slavery,—"They are by far the most guilty party; for by their position they wield a great influence with the masses; but that influence, I rejoice to believe, is fast passing from their hands. The people have begun to perceive the fallacy of their teachings, with liberty for a text, and oppression for its commentary."
C. L. Remond briefly commented upon the resolutions; remarking that when the ear of the American people can be gained, the downfall of slavery in this republic is certain.
J. C. Hathaway presented a graphic picture of the injuries heaped upon the free colored people of this land, and the slaves in the southern plantations. Many an eye filled with the sensitive tear, as the speaker portrayed the angiush of mothers and daughters, victims of a relentless tyrant a power; and as he invoked the co-operation of all present to aid in undoing the heavy burden, that the oppressed might go free, the immense audience seemed, by their expression of countenance, "the mirror of the mind," to give in their hearty assent to his appeal.
After remarks in further support of the resolutions, by M. D. Codding, L. Burtis, and others, they were unanimously adopted.
The meeting united in singing an Anti-Slavery hymn, and with apparent reluctance adjourned.