The Function and Place of Conscience in Relation to the Laws of Men A Sermon for the Times Preached at the Melodeon, on Sunday, September 22, 1850 Classic Reprint

Excerpt from The Function and Place of Conscience in Relation to the Laws of Men: A Sermon for the Times; Preached at the Melodeon, on Sunday, September 22, 1850

Let us look a little at our duty under this law. If a man falls into the water and is in danger of drown ing, it is the natural duty of the bystanders to aid in pulling him out, even at the risk of wetting their gar ments. We Should think a man a coward who could swim and would not save a drowning girl for fear of spoiling his coat. He would be indictable at common law. If a troop of wolves or tigers were about to seize a man, and devour him, and you and I could help him, it would be our duty to do so, even to peril our own limbs and life for that purpose. If a man undertakes to murder or'steal a man, it isthe duty of the bystand ers to help their brother, who is in peril, against wrong from the two legged man, as much as against the four legged beast. But suppose the invader who seizes the man is an officer of the United States, has a commis sion in his pocket, a warrant for his deed in his hand, and seizes as a Slave a man'who has done nothing to alienate his natural rights, does that give him any more natural right to enslave a man than he had be fore? Can any piece of parchment make Right wrong, and Wrong right?

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