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gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him." It was the duty of the Israelites to retain him within their commonwealth, though the master should have pursued him even to their very gates. God has forbidden his delivery. He must be obeyed, and duty strictly discharged at all hazards. The language is imperative and unequivocal, cogent and commanding.—"Thou shalt not deliver the servant to his master," &c. This Slave had the freedom of choice to "dwell where it liketh him best, within thy gates." He was to remain upon principles of perfect equality. "Thou shalt not oppress him."
This portion of the Word of God, as well as other portions, is shamefully trodden under foot in the Northern States, by rendering up Fugitive Slaves. The immorality does not consist in the character of the persons to whom they are delivered, whether they are heathen, pagan, or Christian masters: the command is "thou shalt not deliver to his master;" evidently implying whatever his character may be, the simple act of delivering him to his master contrary to a Divine command, is wrong, and will be punished as other wrongs, in proportion to its magnitude. Wickedness is systematically framed by law, and it is truly a fact, "men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil." "Is not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose
