The slave looks forward with ever-growing hope to the struggle that must come. He joyfully “smells the battle afar off.” The slave-owner folds his arms, and shuts his eyes in paralysing despair. He hears the fearful threatenings of the gathering storm. He knows it must come,—to him fatally. It is only a question of time! Who would not “rather be a slave than a slave-owner?” [Signature: C. M. Sedgwick] LETTER FROM THE BISHOP OF OXFORD[1] TO THE SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY. CUDDESDON PALACE, JULY 7, 1852. MADAM,—I readily comply with your desire. England taught her descendants in America to injure their African brethren. Every Englishman should aid the American to get rid of this cleaving wrong and deep injury to his race and nation.—I am ever yours, [Signature: S Oxon.] “HIDE THE OUTCASTS.” Hide the outcasts, and bewray not Him that wand’reth to be free; Haste!—deliver and delay not;— Let my outcasts dwell with thee.[2] Shelter thou shalt not refuse him, Lest, with him, his Lord ye slight;[3] When, at noon, the foe pursues him, Make thy shadow dark as night. With thee shall he dwell, protected, Near thee, cherished by thy side; Though degraded, scorned, neglected,— Thrust him not away, in pride.[4] As, in truth, ye would that others Unto you should succour lend, So, to them, as equal brothers, Equal love and help extend.[5] Thou shalt not the slave deliver To his master, when he flees:— Heritage, from GOD, the Giver, Yield them freely, where they please.[6] As thyself,[7]—thy babes,—their mother,— Thou wouldst shield from murd’rous arm, So the slave, thy equal brother, And his household, shield from harm. Hearken, ye that know and fear me,[8] Ye who in my law delight; Ye that seek me, and revere me, Hate the wrong and love the right.[9] Fear ye not, when men upbraid you, Worms shall all their strength devour; My salvation still shall aid you, Coming ages learn my power. Why forget the Lord thy Maker? Why th’ oppressor’s fury dread? Zion’s King shall ne’er forsake her;— Where’s th’ oppressor’s fury fled?[10] Scorn the mandates of transgressors;[11] Fear thy God, and fear none other; ’Gainst _thyself_ conspire oppressors, When they bid thee bind thy _brother_.