Page:The rising son, or, The antecedents and advancement of the colored race (IA risingsonthe00browrich).pdf/331

 CHAPTER XXXVII.

GROWING OPPOSITION TO SLAVERY.

The vast increase of the slave population in the Southern States, and their frequent insurrectionary efforts, together with the fact that the whole system was in direct contradiction to the sentiments expressed in the declaration of American independence, was fast creating a hatred to slavery.

The society of Friends, the first to raise a warning voice against the sin of human bondage, had nobly done its duty; and as early as 1789 had petitioned Congress in favor of the abolition of slavery.

Previous to this, however, William Beorling, a Quaker, of Long Island, Ralph Sandiford of Philadelphia, Benjamin Lay, and several others of the society of Friends, had written brave words in behalf of negro freedom.

Benjamin Lundy, also a member of the Society of Friends, commenced, in 1821, at Baltimore, the publication of a monthly paper, called "The Genius of Universal Emancipation." This journal advocated gradual, not immediate emancipation. It had, however, one good effect, and that was, to attract the at