The Fugitive Slave Bill, or God’s Laws Paramount to the Laws of Men - A Sermon, Preached on Sunday, October 20, 1850 #245651

Whereas, The recently passed Fugitive Slave Bill, is a part and par cel of the same atheistical code, and in direct and manifest opposition to the revealed will and law of God, who requires of us To deliver him that is spoiled, out of the hand of the oppressor, To hide the outcasts, and to bewray not him that wandereth, To let his outcasts dwell with us, &c. And who also expressly forbids a compliance with this law, saying, Thou shalt not deliver unto his master, the servant which is escaped from his mas ter unto thee, he shall dwell with thee even among you, in that place which he shall choose, in one of thy gates where it liketh him best; thou shalt not oppress him. Therefore, Resolved, That as disciples of Christ and members of his church, we ought not, we cannot, and as we fear God, we will not render obedience to the said law. We should regard it as practical atheism, for a moment to give it the supremacy over the law of God, with which it is at direct and mani fest war. We do indeed, recognize our duty with all meekness, to abide whatever penalties a wicked and oppressive government may see fit to inflict upon us for our fidelity to the laws of God. But be the consequences what they may, we feel solemnly bound by every means in our power, to feed, com fort, shelter and aid the fugitive from southern bondage, the same as if no such law existed, and the same as if they were our own children, fleeing from the savages of the wilderness, or from any enemy who was seeking feloniously to deprive them of their liberties or lives.