The Oberlin Evangelist

July 6, 1859

Reply of the Moderator of the Ohio Cong., Conference at Sandusky, to Prof. Peck’s Letter to that Body.

SANDUSKY, JUNE 11, 1859.

      Rev. H.E. Peck – Dear Brother: - Your brethren who are members of the State Conference of Congregational churches, now in session in this city, have directed me to reply to your letter which they have just received and read. I assure you, my dear brother, it is a source of sincere grief to us that you especially, are not permitted to be with us and take part in our deliberations. This we regret more deeply because we are confident, not only from the spirit of your letter, but also from our knowledge of your character, that the experience of mental sorrow and disappointment through which you have lately passed, would have inspired a new element of wisdom, and firmness, and earnestness in your words of counsel. We are glad to believe that the wrongs you and your suffering brethren have endured at the hands of that government whose foundations were laid in the blood of our fathers that it might forever be the friend of freedom, have not produced in you the spirit of revenge, but of forgiveness, that they will make all of your more earnest of advocates of righteousness, and truth, and freedom. You have, yourselves, tasted the cup of oppression and wrong, and you would be able now, in a manner in which we are not, to sympathize with our poor and weaker brother, the Slave. It is through suffering that we are supported. The words you will hereafter speak for God and for your brother will be touched with a new and indefinable power.

      From the prayers that have gone up to the throne of mercy in the behalf of each of you; and from the facts that have been uttered from time to time by your brethren here, I am able to assure you there is not one of us who does not make your cause his own, and who would not, if it were possible, be willing to share with you your prison sufferings. And we do all pray God to enable you humbly to endure your sufferings for weeks longer, if need be, rather than compromise in any way the principles of justice and freedom. We believe the hour is at hand, not only of your deliverance, but also of our enslaved brother. And we pledge ourselves with you, remembering the eye of God is upon us, to renew our zeal in opposition to that most odious law under the shadow of which you are in bonds. And now, my dear brother, permit me, in behalf of Conference, to extend to you, and through you to those in like bonds with you, our warmest and most earnest sympathy. We do now, and always commend you in our prayers to Him who is able to deliver you and all who are in bonds, and who will do it in his own wise and good time. May he make you the “prisoners of hope,” and fill your minds with that peace which only they know who do their duty in the fear of God, and without regard to consequences.

      With this note I transmit to you the resolutions, which were adopted without one dissenting voice, which will more full express the minds of our brethren concerning your conduct and condition.

May the Lord of peace and mercy bless you all.

      Yours in the bonds of Christian love and in behalf of the Conference.     S.P. Fay.