The True Life of a Nation: An Address, Delivered at the Invitiation of the Erodelphian and Eccritean Societies of Miami University, the Evening Preceding the Annual Commencement, July 2d, 1856.
New Albany [Ind.]: Printed by Norman, Morrison, & Matthews, 1856. First edition. 8vo, removed pamphlet (no wrappers), 47 pages. A little light foxing and dust soiling; a very good copy. Item #14213
An important if now somewhat forgotten Ohio Valley address: the Presbyterian clergyman, anti-slavery advocate, and then-president of the New Albany Theological Seminary here returns to his old stomping grounds at Miami (where he had been president from 1845-1849) to deliver a lengthy address, with ample references in Greek to Plato and the New Testament, as well as allusions to Lieber and Madison, et al. that in large part attacks the peculiar institution and its expansion since the foundation of the Republic:
"It is in direct conflict with the ethical and ethico-political principles of our whole system and the ends for which this Constitution is formed: and the name slavery must not blot the face of this Constitution, destined to continue, long after this anomalous and nefarious system shall have passed away and perished."
Despite MacMaster's loyalty to the Old School Presbyterians, he was one of the foremost anti-slavery voices in the antebellum Midwest.
Price: $150.00