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PUBLISHER'S PREFACE

suspicion upon those time-honored institutions which have commanded the world's admiration, and by which are secured to us the richest blessings of civil and religious liberty. Is it not time, then, that the South should begin to defend herself against the aggressions of these time-serving votaries of error and fanaticism, and show to the world that her peculiar policy and institutions are in harmony with the genius of republicanism, and the spirit of true Christianity? Believing that such is her true policy, and that this proposition is much more consistent and reasonable, as well as more easily established than its converse, we have been induced to give publicity to the following pages in vindication of Southern rights and institutions.

Although we believe that the institution of slavery received "the sanction of the Almighty in the Patriarchal age;" "that it was incorporated into the only national constitution which ever emanated from God;" "that its legality was recognized, and its relative duties regulated by our Saviour, when upon earth;" that it was established in wisdom, and has been wisely continued through all ages, and handed down to us in mercy; and that the relation of master and servant harmonizes strictly with the best interests of the inferior or African race in particular, in securing to him that protection and support which his native imbecility of intellect disqualifies him from securing for himself; yet do we most cordially reprobate any abuse of the relation by the superior