What specific federal laws do you think Thoreau contended made him "an agent of injustice" toward the slaves? [closed]

Solution 1:

He is saying that sometimes the workings of government will result in occasional injustice. However, if a particular circumstance would require that you impart harm on another person, he's advising you break the law.

An example that comes to mind is when someone steps in to help someone in peril, and then is sued because of the outcome. This out-of-control tort resulted in many people not helping others in trouble, fearing the outcome. Several states have implemented 'Good Samaritan' laws as a result of this. That would be an example of the machine "wearing smooth" as a result of friction.