denounces and condemns in it, as he does in all. And the Bible, which must ultimately become the rule of life and conduct for all men—in authority and out of authority, for the ruler and the ruled—furnishes no more legitimate objections or arguments against the institution of domestic slavery, than it does against any other institution of man or society; and they who demand the total and unconditional abolishment of slavery on moral and religious grounds, must first produce a special message and revelation from God, on which to sustain their demand.
The last great fact I would notice, deduced from the history of the world, and which greatly concerns us, is, that since the flood the world has been distinguished by three great eras or periods. The first of these was the call of Abraham and the erection of the Jewish Commonwealth, which God made the starting point of his great and gracious purposes to men. The second was the coming of Christ and the introduction of Christianity into the world. And the third was the discovery of America, with the mighty events that have and will continue to flow therefrom. This last may be called the American era or epoch of the world. The first prepared the way for the second, and the second led to the third, which is a full and complete extension of the second, the consummation of God’s purposes of love and mercy to the children of men. And for this high and most benevolent mission and destiny, we, as a nation, are called. In the providence of God, we are destined to be the file leader to all the nations of the earth, to lead them to liberty, honor and happiness. And how long shall this be our post of honor, glory and power? Just as long as the American people are true to their duties, their rights and their responsibilities. Just as long as each and every succeeding generation of the American youth prepare themselves to resume and carry on the great and glorious work which their fathers laid down, and meet all their responsibilities fearlessly and faithfully; until the world’s regeneration and deliverance, political, moral and religious, are accomplished. And what distinguishes us as a nation, in this work of regeneration, from all the nations that have preceded us, is not the sword or physical power and force; but the mild, pacific and gentle spirit of liberty and our institutions; a mighty moral and political influence ema-
