which, in its proper, generic sense, the _lie_ enters, even in the least degree, is a poisoned act; and he who does this, is to that extent a basely wicked man, however smooth his tongue or winning his manners. Guilt has poisoned his utterance; and if this vice be not speedily arrested in its progress, it will spread itself through the whole mass, and break down his entire moral constitution. But it does not certainly follow that all utterances which are in themselves _truths_, are right utterances. There are many facts, to which, if we were to give utterance, we should only speak the truth, but at the same time we all know that they should lie buried (perhaps for ever) in the depths of our own hearts. To injure our neighbor by speaking the truth when no claim of paramount justice demanded it, and the claims of charity or kindness forbade it, would be a wicked act. For a child in a similar way to injure a parent would be the conduct of a demon. All such acts, though they envelop a right principle--truth--do at the same time envelop a wrong principle--_malevolence_; and it is the nature of wrong principle to stamp every act into which it enters with the character of guilt--_it is wrong_. The conclusion we reach is this: If the abstract or generic principle of an action be _wrong_, the action itself is therefore _wrong_; but that, if the abstract principle be _right_, it does not follow that the action is therefore _right_, but that the action itself is _either right or wrong_, as may be determined by the presence or absence of certain other coincident principles; or, as we usually say, as may be determined by the circumstances. If, then, the abstract principle of the institution of domestic slavery be wrong, the institution itself is wrong, and ought to be abolished; but if the principle be correct, the institution itself is or is not _right_, just as the circumstances of the case may or may not require that it be maintained; as in the case of any other act involving correct principle. The points to be settled, then, are-- I. Is the abstract or generic principle of domestic slavery _right or wrong_? And if it be right, then,