Transcription

Henry Grew, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, "to the Friends of Righteousness and humanity to convene at West Chester on the 25th inst.", 1861 October 23

Regrets that he cannot attend the abolitionist meeting; hopes God will guide the convention; afraid that "the Temptor" will turn them from a "right end" and make them use "wrong means" God may use the Civil War to bring about abolition, but he may allow wicked men to accomplish this; the faithful are obligated to not support the war if it is not a "right measure to accomplish a right end"; the war is not just because it seeks merely to restore the pre-war government that allowed slavery; support for a government that merely prevents the extension of slavery is not enough; even if the ends are right (i.e. total abolition), war is still wrong; God's command of "thou shalt not kill" applies to soldiers as well; ministers who leave the pulpit and accept commissions are hypocrites; God's weapons are sufficient to defeat slavery.

Grew, Henry

Small Collections Box 75 Folder 1 Item 3

SC 01101

eng

Text

1861-10-23

Abolitionist Movement Collection

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