Maria G. Frost to Frederick Douglass, September 10, 1858

LETTER FROM THE AUTHOR OF "GOSPEL FRUITS."

BROTHER DOUGLASS:—Having noticed in your paper a brief correspondence between my honored father, and L. CLOUGH, respectinga work of which I am the author, I crave theprivilege of making a few remarks, to correct false impressions that may have arisen with regard to the principles I have advocated.

For whatever of truth or goodness my sentiments embrace, I owe all under God to that venerable parent. If I have imbodied falsehood and error, I beg that it may be regardedas existing in spite of and not as the result of his teaching.

In writing a religious anti-slavery work forplastic minds, it was my aim to show that thetrue anti-slavery spirit is the gospel spirit; thatit contains that principle of benevolencewhich is the essence of piety. In connection with this truth, I taught another which perfectly harmonizes (i. e.) the necessity of a changeof heart by the Holy Spirit, to an acceptable development of anti-slavery principles.

We have been deceived for years by manyapparently zealous and true hearted reformers, who have lacked the sanctifying influences ofthe spirit of God, as the foundation of their activities.

It is this great want among reformers thatI have endeavored to mend. The remarksof your correspondent convinces me of mysuccess. He is unwilling to call an outwardact selfish, because it springs from an unregenerated heart. I maintain that in the motive, consists the moral quality of the action.—Christian anti-slavery alone stands the test ofGod's crucible. There is much selfish anti-slavery cursing of the world.

It is absurd to suppose a man may recommend himself to God by voting for a wise andjust ruler. The act of voting for GERRITSMITH is a virtuous act only when sustainedby a holy motive, (i. e.,) the glory of God.

I also maintain that slaveholding, and pro-slavery voting, are so antagonistic to Biblereligion, as to furnish evidence against one's spiritual birth. So of ever form of sin.

Christianity consists, not in the abandonment of any particular form or class of sins, but a hatred of all sin, and a love of the truth for its own, and God's sake.

In my mind the conviction is deepening, that we want more viral piety, as the foundation of our reformatory efforts. We have

depended too much on human instrumentalities, too little on God.

We have labored superficially and in our own strength. We want more prayer, more thought; more depth and earnestness to give character to our work.

MARIA G. FROST.