The year of jubilee; but not to Africans: a discourse, delivered July 4th, 1825, being the 49th anniversary of American independence
TO THE READER.
Though no apology for the present publication, or for the form in which it appears,will be attempted, yet it may not be improper or uninteresting to state a few facts relatingto its origin.
The author has been in the habit, for a number of years past, of celebrating the anniversaryof our Independence with public worship in his own congregation. Previous tothe last 4th of July, notice to that effect was given, and at the same time it was stated thatthe subject of discourse would be—not American Liberty, but—American Slavery: in connexionwith which, the object and operations of “The American Colonization Society” wouldbe brought into view, and its claims upon publick patronage defended and urged. A similarnotice was sent to the other congregations in this place with an invitation to attend.
To a very respectable audience, thus convened, the following discourse was delivered,and a contribution taken up in aid of the Colonization Society.
At the close of the service, a meeting was organized, of which the following are theminutes:
“The Hon. John M’Lean was chosen Chairman, and Gerrit Wendell, Secretary.
“The following resolutions were then unanimously adopted.
“Resolved, That it is expedient and proper, in the view of this meeting, hereafter tocelebrate the anniversary of our National Independence with religious exercises.
“Resolved, That Messrs. John Ashton, Sidney Wells and Dr. Matthew Stevensonbe a committee to make arrangements for the next anniversary, by designating the place ofmeeting, and procuring a speaker for the occasion.”
“On motion of Mr. Ashton, seconded by Sidney Wells,—Resolved that the Rev. Mr.Prime be requested to furnish for the press, a copy of the Address delivered by him this day,and that the above mentioned committee be authorized to adopt the necessary measures to procureits publication.”
Although the proposal of the last resolution was totally unexpected to the author,yet he is willing frankly to acknowledge that its adoption was extr