addressed by the Infidels in their discussion with me to show the absurdity of the Bible: and according to the use made of it by Abolitionists, the argument of Infidels would be unanswerable! But will Abolitionists stand by this rule? They will not: for if they did, they would instantly abandon their crusade against their southern fellow citizens: and if they will not, then let them no longer quote that as authority, by which they themselves will not be governed! [See this subject further illustrated in a subsequent chapter.] Liberty then may be defined to be, _the privilege of doing all that is good--and nothing that is evil_--But who is to decide that which is good, and that which is evil? The Creator of the universe--Man unassisted by revelation never was, and never will be, able. The Bible which contains the revealed will of Omnipotence is that volume, and that only, which constitutes the umpire of good and evil[11:A]--The very fact of the existence of laws in the land, proves man is not at liberty to do as he pleases: for, "law is a rule of action:" actions therefore must be controlled--Society demands it--God has authorised it--And perfect Liberty maintains it. The Pirate boasts of liberty--preaches liberty to his comrades--and condemns all law! Here is a specimen of perfect liberty! He may with equal propriety, when taken prisoner, urge the Abolition text, "do unto others, as you would be done by." Now, if you had been a pirate, (he would say) and had the misfortune of having been taken prisoner, would _you_ not _wish_ to be set at liberty? You reply, yes, certainly--then he says, the Bible commands you to do unto others as you would be done by; and, as you would _wish_ to be set at _liberty_, were you in my situation, if you regard the authority of God you will set me _free_! The reader must perceive to what lengths this principle may be carried out--even to the utter destruction of all society!