Their special object was the protection of loyal persons, so that no form of confiscation or forfeiture should reach them,--meaning, of course, protection against Emancipation,--“whilst inflicting on the guilty leaders condign and exemplary punishment, granting amnesty and oblivion to the comparatively innocent masses.
Sumner highlights the need for protecting loyal individuals during the tumultuous period of Emancipation while also punishing the leaders responsible for the conflict.
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The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
The devices of party can no longer stave it off.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
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