citizen. Many persons suppose that abolitionism is of modern origin; but it is an error, for we learn from the Epistle of Paul to Timothy, that it was agitating the church of Christ in the apostolic ages. St. Paul denounces those agitators as "men of corrupt minds;" and he moreover says unto Timothy, "from such withdraw thyself;" viz., excommunicate them--exclude them from the church, and have no fellowship with them. It is a fact, worthy of note, that primitive Christians never meddled with the civil institutions of the countries in which they resided. They were under all circumstances good and loyal subjects. But the efforts of the apostle Paul, to crush the monster abolitionism, did not entirely succeed, for it has continued to agitate the church, from that day to the present hour. Yes, the foul fiend, with head erect, and brazen front, is stalking over our beloved country to the present day! It appears that portions of the church, notwithstanding the solemn injunctions and admonitions of St. Paul, continued to interfere with the civil and domestic relations of master and servant. But the practice was condemned as unchristian, by nearly all the principal _fathers_. Particularly, Ignatius, Chrysostom and Jerome. Ignatius says, "let them (servants), serve their masters with greater diligence, and not be puffed up--and let them not desire their liberty to be purchased by the church." It was decreed by one of the ancient councils of the church,--"if any teach, that by virtue of religion or Christian instruction, that the slave may despise his master, or may withhold his service, let him be anathema," viz., let him be accursed of God, and separated or excommunicated from the church of Christ. Let the church have no fellowship, union, or communion with him, and let him be an off-cast from society. Mark the above, reader! It is the language of the apostle Paul, and the voice of the primitive church of Christ with reference to abolitionism. I have said nothing worse--I have not said more--I shall not say less. It is God's truth; harsh and severe as it may appear to some of you. And to abolitionists, I have only to say in conclusion, poor deluded souls, I sincerely pity you. Bow your heads with shame and grief--it may be, the Lord will have mercy upon you. CHAPTER XI.