TO THE READER.
Though no apology for the present publication, or for the form in which it appears, will be attempted, yet it may not be improper or uninteresting to state a few facts relating to its origin.
The author has been in the habit, for a number of years past, of celebrating the anniversary of our Independence with public worship in his own congregation. Previous to the last 4th of July, notice to that effect was given, and at the same time it was stated that the subject of discourse would be—not AmericanLiberty, but—AmericanSlavery: in connexion with which, the object and operations of “The American Colonization Society” would be brought into view, and its claims upon publick patronage defended and urged. A similar notice was sent to the other congregations in this place with an invitation to attend.
To a very respectable audience, thus convened, the following discourse was delivered, and a contribution taken up in aid of the Colonization Society.
At the close of the service, a meeting was organized, of which the following are the minutes:
“The Hon.John M’Leanwas chosen Chairman, andGerrit Wendell,Secretary.
“The following resolutions were then unanimously adopted.
“Resolved,That it is expedient and proper, in the view of this meeting, hereafter to celebrate the anniversary of our National Independence with religious exercises.
“Resolved,That Messrs.John Ashton, Sidney Wellsand Dr.Matthew Stevensonbe a committee to make arrangements for the next anniversary, by designating the place of meeting, and procuring a speaker for the occasion.”
“On motion of Mr.Ashton,seconded bySidney Wells,—Resolvedthat the Rev. Mr.Primebe requested to furnish for the press, a copy of the Address delivered by him this day, and that the above mentioned committee be authorized to adopt the necessary measures to procure its publication.”
Although the proposal of the last resolution was totally unexpected to the author, yet he is willing frankly to acknowledge that its adoption was extremely grateful to his feelings; not only as an explicit approval of the sentiments which had been delivered, expressed by many of his own congregation and others, whose judgment he highly reveres; but also as affording the sanction of their authority in proclaiming them to the world. And, that it might have the full influence of that authority, the address is printed, with the exception of a few verbal corrections, and the addition of two notes, precisely as it was delivered.
The author cannot say that the views exhibited are the result of any new convictions in his own mind. Though he was familiar with slavery from his birth, yet from his earliest recollection, it was revolting to his feelings; and the first emotion of humanity that left an indelible impression on his memory, was that of commisseration for the degraded condition of a negro child about two years younger than himself; and from that moment, he never felt at rest on the subject, till the last vestige of the evil was removed from his parental dwelling. The same sentiments with respect to the universal guilt, and consequent danger of the American people, he has entertained ever since he became acquainted with the institutions of his country, and has occasionally exhibited them; but he acknowledges himself highly censurable in not having more frequently and pointedly urged them. He therefore presents this address to the publick, not only in compliance with the wishes of those whom he cannot refuse, but as a small atonement for having so often neglected to employ his pen, and raise his voice against an evil so extensive in its operation, and so alarming in its consequences.
Cambridge, July 5th, 1825.