_The Good Farmer and the Good Citizen_: Acting in conformity with the laws of God, rather than the statutes of man, they know that in this way only can true prosperity be obtained. Believe me, dear Sir, with much respect, Very faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. HON. MARSHALL P. WILDER. THE FUGITIVE SLAVE ACT TO BE DISOBEYED. LETTER TO A COMMITTEE AT SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 28, 1854. The escape of the Fugitive Slave, Jerry, at Syracuse, was commemorated at a public meeting, to which Mr. Sumner was invited. His answer was published at the time as "from a man who is not afraid to speak out." BOSTON, September 28, 1854. Dear Sir,--I cannot be with you at Syracuse, according to the invitation with which I have been honored; but I shall rejoice at every word uttered there which helps to lay bare the true nature of Slavery, and its legitimate offspring, the Fugitive Slave Bill. That atrocious enactment has no sanction in the Constitution of the United States or in the law of God. It shocks both. The good citizen, at all personal hazard, will refuse to obey it. Yours very faithfully, CHARLES SUMNER. POSITION AND DUTIES OF THE MERCHANT, ILLUSTRATED BY THE LIFE OF GRANVILLE SHARP. ADDRESS BEFORE THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF BOSTON, ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 13, 1854. Veluti in speculum. Here was another effort to obtain a hearing for unwelcome truth. While portraying the life and character of Granville Sharp, Mr. Sumner was saying what he had most at heart on Slavery, and exposing that swiftness which had been shown here in support of the Fugitive Slave Act. Describing the simple championship of the Englishman, he presented an example for imitation. Showing how Slavery had been overturned in England, he exhibited the essential rule of interpretation, by which, in the absence of precise words of sanction, it necessarily becomes impossible. Condemning the London merchants who contributed to support this wrong, and also the able lawyers who lent themselves to the same cause, he presented a picture where our merchants and lawyers might see themselves. Extolling that conscience which sustained Granville Sharp in his career, he vindicated all among us who would not bow before injustice.