In February, 1831, occurred the famous debate at
Lane Seminary, near Cincinnati, presided over by Dr. Lyman Beecher. The
eloquence of that debate swept over the country; it flooded many hearts,
and set souls aflame. Sarah Grimke also thought a _little_. Under
date of "5th mo., 12th, 1835," appears the following in Angelina's
diary:--
Five months have elapsed since I wrote in this diary, since which time
I have become deeply interested in the subject of abolition. I had long
regarded this cause as utterly hopeless, but since I have examined
anti-slavery principles, I find them so full of the power of truth, that
I am confident not many years will roll by before the horrible traffic
in human beings will be destroyed in this land of Gospel privileges. My
soul has measurably stood in the stead of the poor slave, and my earnest
prayers have been poured out that the Lord would be pleased to permit me
to be instrumental of good to these degraded, oppressed, and suffering
fellow-creatures. Truly, I often feel ready to go to prison or to death
in this cause of justice, mercy, and love; and I do fully believe if I
am called to return to Carolina, it will not be long before I shall
suffer persecution of some kind or other.
When, after the Garrison riot, Mr. Garrison issued his appeal to the
citizens of Boston, Angelina's anti-slavery enthusiasm was fully
aroused.
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