I have stated these great principles, and made these general remarks upon the subject presented in our texts, on account of some recent teachings which have been put forth as _religious_--put forth in _religious_ publications, by _ministers_ of the gospel. I have no reference to mere politics--to political papers or political parties, whig or democrat. I have never entered into such matters: other things occupy me. I have never given but one vote in any legal election, during the eighteen years I have resided in the State since I returned to it; and I never expect to give another. And if principles opposite to those I have laid down in this sermon were promulgated among us, only by politicians and political parties and papers, I should not advert to them here. I have always supposed, that some extravagant and evil principles would be occasionally promulgated for party purposes and political effect, and that the people very well understand this, and therefore will not be led very far astray by them. And whenever such evil principles have been put forth in the name of religion, by men whose fanatical phrensy contemned the Sabbath and other institutions of God, (like some of our Northern fanatics, "men of one idea" and not capable of two,) I have very seldom adverted to them at all, but have supposed it best to leave them to be counteracted by their own extravagance and by the character of their advocates, and let them die by their own contemptibility. But now, principles, contrary to the plain meaning of the texts before us, come to our ears from some more respectable quarters, and in the name of religion. I should be a traitor to the high trust of this pulpit, if I did not caution you against them. Forbearance and delicacy must sometimes have limits. We owe duties to truth and Christianity, which tenderness must not make us violate. The "New York Evangelical Congregational Association" recently passed the following Resolution in respect to the "Fugitive-Slave Law,"--a Law regularly enacted by the Congress of the United States:-- "Resolved, That we cannot recognize this Law, as of any binding force upon the citizens of our country."--(I am thankful that these modest men did not go on, like him of the triple crown, to absolve "the citizens of our country" from all allegiance to the government, and give our rulers over into the hands of a majesty fit to take care of them.) A _religious_ paper, edited by Congregational clergymen, holding respectable stations, Pastors of churches,--a paper professedly devoted to the cause of Christ,--holds the following language in an _Editorial_ article, under the caption, "How to oppose the Fugitive-Slave Law":--