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Table of Contents:
Lecture
VI
: the abstract principle of slavery discussed on
Scripture grounds
, and misrepresentations of the principle examined.
[26]
And a false principle believed, has its results, be cause it is believed; and they very much resemble the results of truth believed.
But we dare not admit that error can take hold of the conscience as pure principle, essential truth will do it. But, again, there is another great psychological fact, which is often overlooked.
A false principle may be honestly believed by minds which, at the same time, adopt antagonistic principles that are essential truths; but, owing to various causes calculated to confuse the ideas, the inconsistency is not perceived.
Now, in such a case as this, the principle of essential truth is really brought into practical antagonism with essential error, and that in the same minds and upon the same subject.
And as truth is more powerful than error in the minds of all honest people, the truth holds its way in practical results, in defiance of false principle, which is relatively powerless in the presence of truth.
The antagonism between the false principle and the practical results of things may be perceived and acknowledged; whilst the antagonism of the false principle with the true principle, which underlies and produces these practical results by a law of its own operation, is not only not perceived, but actually denied to exist.
Now so long as this false principle is honestly believed to be true, and clearly perceived to be in conflict with the practice,
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