“I have the honor of being a son of old Massachusetts.”
“Are you an abolitionist?”
“Yes, sir; I believe in the abolition of the devil and all his works.”
“That is not what I mean. Are you a political abolitionist?”
“I think every wrong in politics should be abolished, and finally will be.”
“But are you for abolishing slavery in Missouri, and the other Southern states?”
“I believe negro slavery to be wrong in morals and in politics, and a curse to the white man and the black man; but it is sustained by the laws of the land, I do not expect to do anything unlawful against it. But what is your object in questioning me in this public manner?”
“I wanted to know your sentiments.”
“You have them on slavery; and now I will give them concerning yourself. My opinion of you is, that you are a very meddlesome and officious fellow.”
Although, probably, nearly all present were intensely proslavery, for Palmyra was always strong in that direction, they generally condemned the preacher for his impertinence, and treated me kindly. I journeyed to Tully and lectured several times. Had the following conversation with a church member: