446 MM* THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES AN ADDRESS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY O F FRIENDS, ON THE DUTY OF DECLINING THE USE OF THE PRODUCTS OF SLAVE LABOUR, BY CHARLES MARRIOTT, " The Lord, in the riches of his goodness, is leading some into the feeling of the condition of this people, who cannot rest without labouring as their advocates ; of which, in some measure, I have had experience, for, in the movings of his love in my heart, these poor sufferers have been brought near to me." Extract from the Works of John Woolman. NEW-YORK : ISAAC T. HOPPER, STATIONER, 386, Pearl-street. 1835. \ MM INTRODUCTION. UNDER an impression that on this subject, the writer of this address has owed a debt to his fellow-members in religious profession, he feels de- sirous to discharge it in the best manner he can. As there are those who believe that the rise or decline of our Society, is intimately connected with the rise or decline of this testimony, to these it becomes a question of very great magnitude. On the other hand, we behold a number of our estimable members, and some who stand in the very front of the society, who profess to see, in the concern, nothing obli- gatory on them, and who treat its introduction into our religious meetings as an improper intrusion : it, therefore, becomes us to inquire from whence arises this difference of feeling and of conduct? Impressions to perform religious duties, even while .individuals are moving under the same precious influence, may be various, in order to qualify the different members to fulfil the various offices designed for them. But it appears reasonable, to suppose, that the outward moral obligations of justice, between man and man, are equally binding upon all, since all are required to "do justly" and "love merry." "Whence, then, proceeds this difference in the conduct of good men, towards their suffering fellow- creatures ? Time was, and the day is not very remote, when our ministers and elders were themselves slave-holders, and tears, entreaties, and years of labour, were insufficient to induce some of them to relinquish tlieir slaves, and yet, those individuals were deservedly esteemed for their general excellency of character. Here, we see an evidence of the force of custom and tradition, in k reconciling the minds, even of pious men, to things un- doubtedly wrong in themselves. Nevertheless, John Woolman and some others, even at that day, saw still further, and, under the humbling visita- tions of truth, had their understandings so enlightened as to behold, and be enabled to display to others, with convincing clearness, the relation in which the purchaser of these unrighteous gains stood, towards the oppres- sor, and the oppressed. Let us, now, inquire what has been the progress of this testimony since. About the close of the labours of these early, faithful advocates, a band of valiants were raised up, and on perusing the memorials of deceased Friends, issued by the Yearly Meeting of New-York, striking evidence is afforded of great unity of views and conduct, in this respect. Almost all of them bore their testimony against the use of those articles. But a period of outward prosperity and ease succeeded, and while men slept the enemy sowed tares. Calls to practical righteousness were lost in the louder alarms of un- soundnessof faith ; 4 and while sailing on the smooth sea of indifference, our whole body were awakened, only by a storm that will long be remem- bered ! an accusing spirit swept over our ocean, wave after wave, of. crimination and recrimination, rolled onward, threatening to engulf every Christian virtue. But when dismay had seized the mariners, and the most skilful could do no more than lash the helm of our frail bark and let her drive, trusting to the mercy of Heaven ! It was then, that He, whom "the winds and the sea obey," was once more pleased to arise and rebuke " the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." Thanksgivings and gratitude are forever due for our deliverance ; shall we not then, leaving all speculative doctrines, bring forth fruits of practical righteousness, and returning again to the tendering impressions of our first love, remember the afflicted and those in bonds. We are told, that we are urging the subject too fast. But while I feel a strong conviction that thousands have perished, and that thousands may 483278 . ANTHBQ-SOC. yet perish, the victims of this cruel delay, my heart is too full to reply to the assertion. The responsibility already incurred is of oppressive weight, yet, thanks be to our Heavenly Parent, such, for the last few years, has been the progress of this blessed cause, that a short period of united faith- ful labour would, now, in all human probability, finish the work. And while the members of other religious societies are earnestly and success- fully engaged in it, we, surely, shall not cast away our crown, and fold our hands in apathy ! Let us rather arise, and rejoicing in the evidence afforded that the concern is rightly spreading, and becoming increasingly dear to our members, press onward to its final consummation. The following essays appeared at different times in some periodical works, and are now collected and revised, with additions. The form of numbers is preserved as tending to perspicuity. No. 1. " Rebuke a wise man and he will love thee," was the assertion of one who was himself wise, and who had doubtless, in his own experience, known its truth. To be skilful in reproof is, however, of difficult acquire- ment. To blame where we love is painful, where we do not, is wrong ; for Christianity sanctions no other spring of action. And seeing we are all, more or less, involved in the evil we are seeking to remedy, this cir- cumstance calls for the exercise of the virtues of charity and fellow-feeling. If greater warmth of expostulation be indulged in these remarks than some may approve, it was believed that the case required it. But I would call the reader's attention, from the manner of treating the subject, to the subject itself, a subject involving in its consequences perpetuity of misery to an incalculable amount. After a long and arduous struggle, the cause of humanity has so far pre- vailed, that most of the nations once actively engaged in the trade to Africa for slaves, have by law abolished that iniquitous traffic; but suppose it at an end, must those who are now in slavery find no refuge but in the grave? must their offspring, for ages yet to come, languish in the same hopeless and abject condition ? These are important questions. Great are the exertions now making on behalf of this injured people, yet, in viewing the apparent apathy, that still too generally prevails, on this subject, the benevolent mind may be ready to turn in distress from the dismaying prospect. To hold up this testimony to the world, seemed, in its origin, emphati- cally laid upon us, and our abandonment of it at this day, would manifest an unfaithfulness more to be deplored than if it affected ourselves only. The labours of a Benezet and a Woolman have enlightened thousands, and their successors are called upon to contribute with equal faithfulness, toward finishing a work already so successfully begun. It is not by addressing those conflicting assemblages of men called governments that we can expect success ; their remedy is the sword coercion excites to acorresponding spirit of violence, and the present alarm- ing extent of the trade to Africa for slaves, and the equally detestable legalized traffic on our own coast, prove how little we can expect from such bodies. It is rather by using the armour of our own Society, the patience, the perseverance, the unwearied industry, that has been so often successful ; but above all, by exhibiting to the world a steady uniform example of equal justice to all men. In doing this, it may be necessary to submit to some privations; but let it be remembered that our faithful predecessors never shrunk from making any sacrifice, which the firm support of our religious testimonies appeared to them to require. No. 2. In the epistles of our Society, frequently published to the world, we have clearly and unequivocally, as a united body, declared our abhorrence of slavery. And to show that no specious pretext of good usage could warrant such a flagrant violation of natural rights, our own members, if guilty of such violation would be disunited from the Society. Is it, then, reconcilable with moral equity, and with our own consistency of character, to employ another to do an act which we ourselves cannot conscientiously perform? That this is done requires no other proof than the undeniable fact, that many amongst us are freely purchasing articles obtained (by our own declarations) through violence and injustice, in other words, such as are raised solely by the labour of slaves; for what, I ask, is the negro purchas- ed, for what is he retained in slavery, but to obtain those articles? It may be said, that the articles alluded to are so numerous, and in such daily use, that in seeking to extricate ourselves we might become entangled in a labyrinth of scruples, and be at last unable to draw the line. The case, it is admitted, is not without its difficulties. The difficulties, however, are more imaginary than real, if it can be shown that our religious Society has already drawn the line, and in a regulation respecting one of our own pecu- liar tenets, every article of which appears to apply with still greater force to this subject, I allude to our testimony against war. In war a variety of passions are strongly excited, while revenge, a principle deeply rooted in minds unsubjected by the influence of religion, urges retaliation for real or imaginary injuries ; and the subsequent frequent recurrence of acts of mutual aggression, seem to offer some apology for robbery and murder. But, in this case, there is not even the stimulus of revenge, for it is not pre- tended that the negroes have injured us. One mean, despicable passion, avarice, cold-hearted, but vulture-eyed avarice, seizes his unresisting prey, and devours for ages, insatiable as the grave. No. 3. We decline war whatever may be its plea. We declare that we cannot employ another to act as a warrior on our behalf, either by hiring, or by purchasing from him, or others, articles obtained through violence. Here in vain may the slave look for equal justice at our hands. The rich planter freights his ship with the product of human misery, and sails for our ports. If he arrives in safety, we, with a knowledge proclaim- ed to all, that the cargo has been obtained through grievous oppression, freely become purchasers. If, on the contrary, he be melon the ocean and forcibly dispossessed of it, an act which, with this species of property, would be only retributive justice,* we totally refuse to purchase the articles. What can occasion this difference ? Is the situation of the negro less piti- able because he is first bound, and then robbed with impunity. In the one case, the individual has the power of resisting, and he sometimes does successfully resist, the spoiler of what he calls his property, in the other he has none. It may be said, the planter has expended large sums on his estate, and has, consequently, an equitable claim on a part of the produce of it. But has not the owner of the armed ship, likewise, expended large sums on his vessel and its equipments, and with views, at least, equally just? On what ground can the claim be admitted in one case and rejected in the other? Such part of the vessel's cargo as may have been fairly purchased, and the produce of such portion of the planter's estate as may have been cultivated by equitable contract \vithfree-men, are obviously on equal ground. Ask the merchant, whose property has been plundered on the high-seas, and he will tell you, that he would willingly relinquish it for its full value. The negro too, would, doubtless, for an equitable consideration, relinquish * Let no one suppose that " retributive justice " is approved by us. 6 all claim to the produce of his toil, and a member of our Society might, perhaps, in either case, conscientiously purchase the articles, provided he knew the proceeds would be restored to the true owners ; but knowing that they will not, why does he refuse to participate in one case and not in the other ? Were it possible that our moral regulations, so excellent and so generally admired, were intended only for the whites, a knowledge of the circum- stance would fill with pain the hearts of many, who have been accustomed to contemplate our Society and its institutions, with mingled emotions of love and esteem. No. 4. To assert that war and slavery are dissimilar, and that under the same circumstances our conduct would be alike to all, without regard to colour, would be but a poor subterfuge, since no two descriptions of cases can be found, however they may be allied in guilt, that are in all respects parallel. But it cannot be admitted. Which of us is prepared to say, that should the whites on any portion of the globe be enslaved to-morrow, I stand ready to rivet their chains, by purchasing henceforth and forever the pro- ceeds of their labours. It were in vain to urge that the earth is so filled with oppression, it would be impossible to avoid partaking of things that come through im- pure channels, shall we do nothing because we cannot do every thing ? It would be inconsistent with the mercy and goodness of the Creator of men, to require impossibilities, but when an evil is placed before us, and ability to clear our hands in any degree of it is afforded, it assuredly be- comes the duty of a rational, responsible being to avail himself of the privilege. Acts of injustice are, indeed, too obvious in every quarter, but can it be right to traverse the European or Asiatic empires in search of them, solely with a view to render abortive every effort against this great and lament- able evil ? What but the clearest conviction that it exceeded most com- mon crimes, could have warranted our Society in thus singling it out and exposing with such energy its sinfulness. They knew that its boundaries were sufficiently definable ; and that the grounds they were about to take, were strong enough to withstand even the insidious attacks of the keen, calculating sophistry of avarice itself. And shall this dignified testimony, this evidence of correct moral feeling, so beautiful, so substantial in theory, perish like " the baseless fabric of a vision " for want of practical support ? No. 5. To refuse participating in profits obtained through injustice is no new doctrine ; it is believed by the fairest construction to be an unlimited rule of our Society, unless indeed the sable hue of the unhappy subjects of this address excludes them from its benefit. It is also the language of our most esteemed writers, and is sanctioned by that most noble rule of moral equity, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them." But observations are sometimes made by our members implying a doctrine that requires in- vestigation: viz., that using articles raised by slaves may be wrong for some and not for others. In the performance of religious duties, there may reasonably be a difference, as all cannot fill the same places in the Church. But the outward moral objections of justice between man and man, are immutably the same, and nothing but ignorance of their existence can justify their violation. And ignorance in this case cannot be pleaded by any intelligent member of our Society. Our Epistles openly proclaim the 'turpitude of slavery, and have been replete for years, with many excellent remarks on this head. The facts relating to it are in the hands of all, yet lamentable to say, our members are still supporting the system. Alas! for what are we sacrificing that in- valuable birthright, consistency of character, by using these articles when so small a sacrifice would furnish an unpolluted substitute. It may be asked are the things themselves contaminated ? Let our con- duct respecting prize goods afford the answer. Doubtless they were cre- ated good, and intended for the use of man, but let him obtain them equit- ably. There is one expedient by which the use of these articles might be con- tinued, and yet the amount of suffering be greatly diminished. Let those who think they cannot relinquish them, send a deputation of their mem- bers to purchase slaves, raise sugars, &c., for the use of Friends only ; these persons would be responsible, their breasts would contain some portion of the milk of human kindness, and the poor blacks would no longer groan under the iron hand of despotism. We should then be only supporting slavery in its mildest, instead of its harshest form. Should this proposition be rejected, it remains for every individual to add to the sum of human, misery, or diminish its amount, which it admits to a demonstration will be done, in exact proportion as the proffered bribe is accepted or refused. I shall now address the females of our religious Society. No. 6. It is a common observation that your sex have an extensive influence over the conduct of ours. It is also a truth, though one that man in his fancied superiority may reluctantly admit, that a very large proportion of all the morality and piety that exist in the world is communicated through the medium of your instructions. This woull not excite surprise, were we to reflect that the human mind during the period when it is most sus- ceptible of impressions, and when the impressions it receives are most du- rable, is almost exclusively under your control. These observations are general, but it is believed they are peculiarly ap- plicable to the females of our religious Society, which has seen and had the candour to admit the importance of your station. Your social and general duties have been enlarged, in a degree unknown elsewhere; and may be still further enlarged until the Society reap all the advantages that they might derive from your just and equal co-operation in its labours. You have your deliberative assemblies your stations in the Church your share in public ministry. But among all your duties, perhaps there is none more important, none on which the welfare of our religious body so emphatically depends, as on the education of your children. Teach them equity : teach them never to vary the measure of justice due to their fellow-creatures by the colour of their skin. For when once their tender and affectionate hearts become hardened through the continual temptations placed before them from early infancy, to gratify themselves at the expense of the happiness of others, experience has proved that it will require " something like a miracle," to induce them to forego indulgences that have become so habitual. Your companions have many things to engage their attention, and, in the multiplicity of bu- siness, "the still small voice" is not always heard. In grasping after wealth, its touch like the touch of the torpedo, benumbs the finest feelings of the soul. The domestic economy of your household depends chiefly on you, and there are numbers among you, who have long refused to participate in the gain of oppression. Your example is exceedingly important. Think on the distressed situation of unprotected females on the sufferings of infan- cy.* Reflect that the course you pursue, may involve in its consequences * The following advertisement now lies before me. " For sale a valuable negro woman with or without, a child six months old." 8 the happiness of thousands. I appeal to you in their behalf, shall I appeal in vain? No. 7. To point out an error with a view to promote improvement is no incon- siderable proof of friendship. I shall therefore make no apology for these essays, though implicating in some degree of censure many estimable members of our Society. Many of us have looked towards these for correct example on this question, and have looked in vain. Had all the pillars of our Chu.ch suffered the great Architect fully to remove the rubbish of custom and prejudice, and place their foundations on the same rock of immutable justice with those upright columns, Benezet and Woolman, there are those who believe that long be- fore this time not a slave would have existed on the American continent, and that the situation of the wretched sufferers in other parts of the world would have been greatly meliorated. If this belief be well founded, mark the awful responsibility ! For want of greater faithfulness it seems now, as if this continent will soon be the last strong-hold of slavery in the ci- vilized world. A few have supported with dignified firmness the cause of universal equity. But "your fathers where are they," and "the prophets, do they live forever?" These have borne their load of sorrow; they have eaten also their manna ; and they are gone but where, oh, where are the fruits of their labour? Now and then, after long intervals of silence, a solitary individual may raise his voice "for the Dumb" "appointed to destruction;" but to make our testimony extensively availing, our members must more generally, and as far as practicable, clear their own hands from supporting the system. How far it may be practicable to go, beyond the line which it has been shewn we ourselves have drawn, in theory, in our discip.ine, is a question on which there may be some diversity of sentiment. The subject is before us, let us examine it fairly, ever retaining in remembrance that when placed as judges in our own case, to be able to decide equitably, requires great uprightness. JVo. 8. Were a person to tell us that he had long been in the habit of purchas- ing goods dishonestly obtained that his character did not suffer because his neighbours did the like and that he should not discontinue the prac- tice until he found it to be his duty ; should he also profess to be a reli- gious character and exclaim against the villainy of the robber, would it not afford a striking evidence either of mental blindness, or of the deep dupli- city of the human heart? Should we be disposed to condemn this indi- vidual, it might be well for us to reflect on the language of the Prophet Nathan to David on a certain occasion. "A man does not think that he has no share in some public charity be- cause he is but one in ten thousand that contributes towards it ; but if it be a religious charity, and attended with great and happy effects, his con- science tells him that he is a sharer of all that great good to which he con- tributed. Now let this teach us how we ought to judge of the guilt of en- couraging any thing that is had, either with our consent, our money, or our presence; we must not consider how much our single part contributes to- wards it; how much less we contribute than several thousands of other people, nor that the work could go forwards if we did not at all contribute toil, but we must look at the whole thing in itself, and whatever there is of evil in it, or whatever evil arises from it, we must charge ourselves with a share of the whole guilt of so great an evil." Law on stage entertain- ments. The aptness of this quotation to the point in hand will excuse its length. It is sometimes said that the remedy is not in the hand of man j that the 9 Almighty only can remove the evil. The danger of this sentiment, as manifestly tending to the rejection of the very means offered by Providence for its removal : its danger also in relieving man from a due sense of re- sponsibility for his conduct, and in inducing him to charge his very crimes on his Creator, is too apparent to require much examination. It is abun- dantly refuted by our views of the Millenium. Is it not enough that the mind becomes enlightened the will subjected and the difficulties in the path of duty surmounted in proportion as the heart yields in simple obedi" ence to the manifestations of Divine Grace? Shall we. rather than submit to the benevolent laws of our Maker, which after offering their guidance, leave us free to act, with the restriction of accountability, call upon Him with daring impiety, to compel us to be virtuous ? No. 9. It may be proper to examine further the comparative difficulties attend- ing the two subjects, war and slavery. War, like the mountain torrent, rushing with impetuous force, may deso- late the labours of the husbandman, but its ravages are soon over, and to survivors, admit in some degree of repair; while slavery, like the stagnant and putrid pool, unremittingly breathes pestilence and death on all around. In promoting the objects of the one, we refuse all active compliance, either by performing military duty, hiring substitutes, or by purchasing articles taken forcibly from the rightful owners. Thus far, can there be a doubt of it, the rule is equally applicable to both. There are taxes, a part, if not the whole of which, are applied to military purposes, and in time of war, large quantities of foreign goods are captured, and when exposed for sale, it is often difficult to ascertain their real character. On the other hand, there are also articles of doubtful origin, it cannot be clearly ascertained whether they are raised by freemen, or by slaves. Why are not these treated alike? If we find no insuperable difficulties in the former, why create any in the latter? In the latter too, the difficulties are less, as the articles raised by slaves are generally of a character less likely to be mistaken. The per- suasion in our own minds on the evidence before us, as to their true cha- racter, will constitute, in either case, our guilt orinnocency in purchasing. The unwearied benevolence, so often conspicuously manifested in our Society, makes it impossible to attribute the fact of our possessing one rule for white men, and another for negroes, to any thing but custom blind, un- feeling custom. To examine the slow progress of light on the human in- tellect, would, in this case, be an interesting and affecting investigation. The ardent and enterprising minds of our predecessors, broke asunder some of the iron fetters of education and habit; yet such was their united strength, even in the days of Woolman, that it was not until after a long period of arduous labour, that our own members could be induced to Jibe- rate their slaves the number, prior to that day, who disapproved the prac- tice of slave-keeping, was undoubtedly less than the number of those who are now convinced of the inconsistency of our consuming the fruits of their unrewarded toil. Indeed I c;mnot believe that there is a srngte intel- ligent, well-informed member of our Society, whatever may be his prac- tice, who is not convinced of the inconsistency of our continuing to use those articles. From th*> events that have taken, and are taking place in the world, there is reason to believe that it is the will of the Most High ! the unal- terable decree of Heaven, that this people shall be free! But it remains to be seen whether this can be effected by the mild and beneficent spirit of the gospel, or whether it will require that the dark and vengeful passions of the human breast, he let loose to scourge the wickedness of man ! Al- ready has the storm of vengeance swept away the white population of Qne Island. Other clouds are gathering, and it may require but a few more hecatombs of human victims, to cause them again to burst with overwhelm- ing fury. The recurrence of scenes like these must be deeply deprecated 10 by us; but with what confidence can we plead with the slave-holder to avert impending destruction, when he tells us, that he is virtually our agent; that we are in fact deriving greater benefit from the system than himself, because we are partaking its advantages, without sharing the dreadful perils that continually surround him. No. 10. Could I " delineate the dark and melancholy features of negro slavery," the strong arm of oppression compelling the reluctant sufferer to drink the bitterest draught of complicated misery, it would form indeed a part, but a part only, of the mournful picture. There are other traits, that, in the view of a religious Society like ours, are of infinitely greater importance. The victim of oppression, after a few short years, effects his escape ; he cannot be pursued beyond the grave. And had the evil we deplore been more limited in its effects ; had there been none to follow us, and no here- after, I might have silently sunk into the grave with the present generation of men, in the hope, that the mantle of oblivion would soon have been per- mitted to cover man, and his crimes forever. But if, to this fugitive state of being, the enlightened mind cannot be confined, what then is the situation of those, who, by trampling on the clearest injunctions of the gospel, reject all participation in its promises? Compelled to hide even from themselves, if it were possible, the state of apprehension and alarm in which they live? To see these too thought- less, too cruel men, descend from age to age in continual succession to a state of final retribution, is surely an awful prospect. Nor do the visitations of Divine displeasure wait till we enter another state of being. No man can oppress his brother without admitting into his own breast a host of malignant passions that torment him from day to day, and wreck his peace. Our religious Society may contain, in various parts of the world, nearly two hundred thousand individuals; let us then reflect for a moment on the number of human beings who are toiling, from year to year, in the degrad- ed condition of slaves, to supply with articles of luxury us only, and we may form some idea how far we are supporting a system in all its parts, so fraught with misery; and what are the objections to the step proposed ? In the liberation of our slaves, such was the wickedness of the laws, that some of them were seized and sold to masters far more cruel. In our testimony against war, we have to disregard or transgress the laws of our country; but here means are put into our hands that can injure no one, violates no law and over which others can have no control, as if they were purposely afforded to test the sincerity of our declarations. Let us remit, then, to the miserable sufferers, such portion of the residue of their toil as it is yet in our power to do. What evil, I again ask, can arise from it? If it should be said that in confining ourselves to articles raised by freemen, the supply would be inadequate and the price enhanced. The latter objection would quickly operate to remove the former, but surely neither of them can have weight with a moral and religious people. It ought not to excite surprise if articles dishonestly obtained should be offered at lower rates than those that were not.* * It maybe said that purchasing articles raised by freemen is only taking so much from the market, and that consequently others would be confined to those raised by slaves, without diminishing the evil. It is only necessary to examine this argument, and indeed almost every other, as they would bear on prize goods, to prove their fallacy. What has man to do witn consequences ? His business is with the justice of his actions though nothing can scarcely be moie obvious than the good effects of this step, in every point of view, both as respects himself and all those on whom it would silently but powerfully operate. In taking an ex- panded view of things, it appears impossible that any real evil can ever flow from actions truly upiight. 11 If the blessed consequences I have anticipated from the influence of our correct example have been overrated, that influence would nevertheless be great ; but should it, as in our testimony against war, be apparently small, it would surely be no inconsiderable source of consolation to be able to re- flect that we had cleared our own hands, as far as practicable, of so griev- ous an oppression. No II. Closing address to the youth, $c. My dear Friends, "While, perhaps, beneath a garb little in accordance with the simplicity that would tend most to human happiness, some of you, I am persuaded, retain a sensibility of heart favourable to the growth of every virtue ; and although as a constituent part of the Society, you have already been addressed, yet a conviction that on the youth it prin- cipally rests as instruments to remove the evil pointed out, has induced this additional appeal. In the unsuspecting confidence of childhood every act of our parents is viewed as unquestionably right; but a time arrives when it becomes our duty, as rational responsible beings, to investigate for ourselves, a time when it is necessary to be on our guard against the example, even of virtu- ous men. For, if the pious and enlightened Fenelon and Guion bowed down to images if your own excellent predecessors were themselves slave-holders, can you at this day with your present light, innocently fol- low their example? Your parents, your elder brethren and sisters have obstacles to over- come, to which you are in great measure strangers. Habits in which they are deeply involved have gained less root in you, habits, which if once in- corporated into your common course of action, may cease to be regarded, or struggled against in vain. In the doctrine of Christian redemption, as laid down by our great pattern, immediately preparatory to the injunction "learn to do well," are these equally emphatic words, "cease to do evil," mark well the gradation! " cease to do evil," is the first command, and is there an individual among you who does not feel that it is an evil that slaves should toil for him? or one, who, while consuming the produce of their unrewarded labour, is not conscious that they are so toiling, and that it is in his power, in some de- gree, to lessen the evil? But when the understanding is convinced, oh ! how difficult it often is to rectify the conduct! We may assent to truths that carry conviction with them, nevertheless, while the will refuses sub- mission to the manifestations of progressive light, the fruits of our actions will continue to be, disorder, oppression, and misery. You are called with a high and holy culling to glory and to honour; but remember the path to those dignified attainments is through suffering, where there is dross and impurity, (and who has escaped them?) the necessity of submitting to Him who sitteth as a "refiner with fire'' and "a fuller with soap" is obvious. Shrink not from the purifying operation, however painful, for if the minis) ration of condemnation be not without its glory, how much more glo- rious the ministration of justification. If the seasons of unmixed felicity, while here, be short and distant, this life may be less a stale of happiness than of 'preparation for it. And what comparison will the brevity of the one bear to the endless duration of the other? We may remember also, that the sum of human sorrow is ever lessened by obedience to the disco- veries of divine grace; and that without such obedience, no real happiness can be enjoyed. Vital religion, while it calls upon us to share in the dis- tresses of others, affords the sweetest cordial to relieve our own, and, while it adds tenderness, it adds, also, stability and firmness to the character. "In the bloom of youth no ornament is so lovely as that of virtue" was the language of our excellent Woolman, a man whose feet were early " shod with the preparation of the gospel ;" whose rule of life was the law of love from whence springs every virtue, and the effect of whose labours, 3 12 as a faithful instrument in the Divine hand, will he felt by thousands yet unborn. Cherish, as he cherished, a capacity to " weep with those that weep," and you will find that true tenderness is a plant of immortal ori- gin, rising, as duly cherished, in strength, and in beauty ! Happy ! thrice happy, are all those who repose beneath its shadow. In inserting the following extracts from letters addressed some years since to an esteemed minister of our Society, it may be proper to preface them with a few general remarks, several of which do not apply to that individual, whom I have ever believed to be a sincere and valuable advo- cate of this oppressed people. Many, and deep, are the baptisms that this portion of society undergo, not only on their own account, but to enable them to sympathize with, and aid others, under their various trials. That these should be preserved in purity, and their lights shining, is very important, and it is pleasing to see how many of this class, have been upright and successful labourers in this cause. And as plainness of speech seems an essential requisite in a Gospel minister, he is entitled to receive in return, wherever it may appear necessary, a like measure of sincere and earnest expostulation. It seems then, that some of this description, after having been fully con- vinced of the rectitude of this testimony: after having seen clearly that such as freely purchased and used slave-grown produce, were strengthen- ing the hands of the oppressor, and participating in his guilt; and after having conformed to these convictions, both by example and precept, have from some cause, relaxed their concern, and returned to its use, and being joined by some who profess never to have felt any thing upon the subject; not content with their present indifference, or dereliction of duty, are now the greatest opposers of the concern, and wherever it is revived in our religious meetings, seek to check its progress and paralize the effect. I have mourned under a conviction that this line of conduct has tended to retard the advancement of this righteous testimony in our Society, more than all other causes combined, and that it has weakened, and if persisted in, will continue to weaken and lay waste the services of these individuals. If they cannot aid in this good work, why do they not suffer it to go on without them, and be content to follow on, as they will eventually have to do, at whatever distance they themselves may choose ; for they may rest assured, that the concern is gaining ground in the Society, be- yond what they are willing to believe, and that it will progress in propor- tion as there is a yielding to the tendering impressions of Divine good. We are told that we shall have no reward for attempting to do good in our own wills ; and it is at once assumed that those who are labouring in this cause, are so doing. Would it not be as charitable, and more useful to inquire what our reward will be, for persisting to do evil in our own will*. And, whether, when our understandings are convinced, if it be not presumptuous to ask a further extension of Divine revelation, ere we con- sent to cease to oppress our fellow-creatures. What is morally wrong can never be religiously right.* Extracts from letters from C. M. to invited by a communication from the latter calling in question the propriety of a sentiment advanced by the former that had the Society of Friends kept faithful to their original concern against slavery,Jthere would have been, by this time, an article of Discipline against the use of the products of slave labour. LETTER I. 5th Mo. 4th, 1824. Beloved Friend. To the first half of thy letter I can very cordially sub- scribe, knowing, by some degree of humbling experience, that human rea- It may be well for those who are not prepared now to move forward in this cause, to ;nect, that two hundred persons are added daily to the number of slaves in these United States and can we expect that this fearfully progressive accumulation of crime, will ever bring " a more convenient season." 13 son, unenlightened, and undirected, by that which is indeed light, i9 wholly insufficient either to guide our own steps aright, or to point out the path of peace to others ; yet, while wandering far and wide in error, human acts are not all indifferent alike, since those that are immoral or dishonest in themselves, tend powerfully to obscure and prevent the arising of that which alone is the true light of men. Hence, the necessity of Dis- cipline, made in the light, of truth, though not wanted for its faithful fol- lowers : the^e have no guide but one, because they know that none but one could possibly have raised them out of the pit into which they had fallen. But while the work of the new creation is effected, " day after day," various causes may have prevented him who has seen and rejoiced in many of those days, from beholding with clearness what is obvious to another in his earliest religious infancy. How can we otherwise account for the fact, that our worthy ancients, bright and shining instruments, should so long have bought and sold, and kept in bondage, their fellow- creatures. And when the stripling Woolman proposed shackling them with "yokes of bondage," how did their feelings revolt from his implied charge of injustice against them. Had they not learned obedience from the things that " t'jey had suffered in the school of Christ!" Having been melted, refined, and set free from the law of sin and death ! Here we may see with admiration and gratitude, the infinite compassion and tender dealing of Him with whom we have to do ; in thus leading and blessing (so far as they were prepared,) those who were entangled in tilings mani- festly wrong and unjust. "When we love one another we feel that we can use great freedom ; allow me then to say, that thy arguments appeared to me to be just such as the before-mentioned Friends used against John Woolman ; together with others more powerful in their favour, for it is doubtful whether our conduct is not in some respects more inexcusable than theirs. They knew that their slaves were tenderly treated, comparatively, and if liberated were likely to be seized and sold to worse masters. They were also in the way of receiving civil and religious instruction, whereas, the thousands who are now toiling for us, obtain no assistance from us in those respects. I note thy remarks. " Those who walk by faith are not, in the nature of things, bound by any human law : this is as clear to my mind, as it is that no inferior law can possibly judge the law of God, or bind the soul that has purchased its freedom by fulfilling the perfect law of liberty." However great these truths, can the perfect law of liberty, sanction a clearly known and acknowledged oppression of our fellow-creatures? Oh t my friend ! if thy heart has felt deeply for this people, and I know it has, examine once more, what it is that so shackles thee, so shackles thou- sands, from pleading their cause ! Poor, inconsistent creatures that we are ! behold us, reprobating a system in words, but supporting it in acts Proclaiming its injustice in the authority of truth, (when truth can rise into dominion,) and then hanging our heads in a deeply weakening sense of our own participation in its support ! Shall we never shake our hands from holding of bribes? How powerful is custom in closing our ears and eyes from perceiving what we do not wish to perceive, and what we should otherwise at once behold in its true colours. Indeed, it is scarcely possible to believe that there can be one Friend, of commo : understanding, who does not know that it is wrong that slaves should toil for him. But the enemy of human happiness steps in, and although he cannot per- suade us that we are doing right, he reasons, and reasons almost < Mutu- ally, to stifle our convictions ; suppressed and smothered as they have long been by habit. Point out the difficulties attending a different line of con- duct, and by a strange, yet successful piece of sophistry, persuading us, that it would be wrong for us to cease to oppress our fellow-creatures, until loudly called upon by convictions that we had habitually trodden under foot. He does not tell us to go to the theatre, and pay our money 14 for the support of actors, while we blame the whole establishment as a school of vice ! He does not tell us to purchase articles captured in war, and yet declare that war is anti Christian. But he tells us to advance our money to support another in acts we un- equivocally condemn, and should disown our own members for doing. He says that to withdraw our support would be a species of coercion, and would not be the right way to remove the evil ; and when the understand- ings of any are opened in the light of truth, to see and expose these delu- sions, we hear him reasoning most loudly against the use of reason. It is not in my power to convey here the sorrowful sense I have of the loss the Society, and many of its ornaments have sustained, for want of the latter bringing their conduct, in this respect, to the true touch-stone, of doing to others as we would that they should do unto us, were they to do this, their example would powerfully aid, instead of retarding, the progress of reformation. I feel no hesitation in repeating my clear conviction that nothing but our own unfaithfulness has prevented Discipline from being made to wipe away this great inconsistency between our profession and practice, neverthe- less, it may not be right to have that Discipline made, until we become more generally faithful ; lest we be like another religious body, who some time since made a rule to prevent their members from keeping slaves, and through weakness had to rescind it.* The path of simple obedience to what we know to be right would lead through all our difficulties. May we patiently travel in it, and if we possess any " powers of reasoning," on subjects " abstruse" or plain, yield these, and every other gift, to the service of Him, who only can make them conduce to His glory, to our good, and to the good of our fellow-creatures. Farewell ! whenever it appears right, use as great freedom as I have done, and with one hint more I will close my letter. The armour with which thou art sometimes clothed, is too excellent to be used in any warfare that is not perfectly just. Thy assured Friend, C. M. LETTER II. 7th Mo. 12th, 1824. My much valued Friend, Some parts of thy letter of 5th Mo. 29th, I fear, I am not in a capacity fully to understand, and some other parts have a good deal surprised me. Thou sayest, "if the mode thou proposes! of doing a way iniquity among men, and advancing righteousness in the earth, as respects the deeply-dyed sin of oppression exercised on one part of the human family by another, could be so illustrated to my mind, as to appear like effectually pleading their cause, or laying a foundation for their emancipation, or even doing any thing for them, I believe I could fully accord with thy views," and adds, " but so it is not with me." As respects advancing righteoxisness in the earth this is the sole prerogative of Him who sitteth as a refiner with fire, to redeem and to purify, and in this sense is altogether internal; but to abstain from wrong things is always safe whether we are willing to yield to theoperation of this fire or not, it is, however, perhaps, the best outward evidence that can be given of having yielded to it. But, how a mind like thine can avoid seeing the relation that exists between the principal and the agent em- ployed, is to me surprising. Do we not know that slavery is solely supported by the consumers of the articles raised by the labour of slaves? Obtained, too, in a manner that has been unanimously protested against by our Society, as most iniquitous. On what principle is it, we decline purchasing articles cap- tured in war ? * The Methodists southward. 15 Do we expect to "coerce" nations into peace ? Vain attempt ! is it not rather that we may wash our own hands in innocency, from the blood of our fellow-men, and as a testimony against the injustice of using property that has been wrested from the rightful owners by violence? Such "coer- cion" John Woolman used towards the slave-holder. Just such the Chris- tian must forever use when, he withdraws his countenance and support from crime. Thou sayest, "John Woolman's testimony against the use of those arti- cles was needed in his day, to aid in convincing the world of an evil which in that day was not generally viewed to be such ; but that civilized nations stand but little in need of a similar testimony, (for a similar end,) when by the general consent of nations the practice is reprobated." But is the evil remedied? If not, the facts here stated draw me to a very different con- clusion. When the evil was not seen, could it be expected we should decline supporting it ? Continuing that support was then only the crime of ignorance, yet when it is seen and reprobated, and with the fullest knowledge persisted m, is it a time to call this striking at the very root of the evil a minor testimony that must "decrease" and we again afford the enormity our full practical support? But it seems thy hopes of severing the bonds of this people are turned to the princes and rulers of the earth, as instruments, whose hearts are to be inclined by the Great unseen and unacknowledged hand, to commiserate their sufferings! What do I see?^A sensibility that shrinks from the coercion of declining to feed the cruel avarice and licentious extravagance of the oppressor, in which case, if general, the poor blacks would, of ne- cessity, be permitted to raise their own food, (which a small proportion of their present toil, so directed, would enable them to do.) thus blessing both, and clearing, at the same, our hands from the dark stains of participation that now discolour them. A sensibility like this, that can yet turn to those of whom it was said, " I have clothed thee with strength though thou hast not known me," and leave the work for them to do, by the sword ! It is to prevent scenes of outrage, and mutual slaughter, that the visita- tions of Divine love would enable the Christian traveller to plead with the oppressor, even in silence, by the language of an example at once mild, and powerfully persuasive. Thou supposes! an inconsistency in our purchasing articles from Hayti, and term the inhabitants "a band of murderers, whose possessions are still reeking with the blood of their (in many instances) rightful owners." This appears to me to be a strong figure of speech, when applied to a nation that for more than 20 (now 30) years have enjoyed almost uninterrupted peace and tranquillity, while the inhabitantsof other lands, deemed polish- ed and civilized, have been embrumg their hands in each other's blood, on questions that sink into nothing, when compared with the wrongs of the people of that island. Were acts like these of former days, sufficient ground on which to exclude commercial intercourse, our transactions with all Europe would be at once closed. I believe with thee, that the work of the emancipation of this people is on the wheel, and that governments may yet be the unconscious instruments of promoting its accomplishment, perhaps throush scenes of carnage dreadful to contemplate ; and all this for want of faithfulness in many who had ''cast away their shield as if it had not been anointed with oil." In thy former letter thou speakest of "liberty of conscience" do we apply the term aright as meaning the liberty to injure our fellow-creatures? Of " our views being carried beyond these outward things ;" I believe they are often so carried, but it would be strange if any right unfoldings should enable me to adopt the language virtually used by our poor society at the present day, namely, we deeply feel for you, poor, injured descendants of Africa, and are willing to plead your cause before kings and rulers, and all we ask in return is, that some thousands of you (our fair proportion) should 16 continue to toil for us from year to year, your whole lives, and your chil- dren after you, so long as slavery may exist, as some compensation for our sympathy and labours on your behalf. Various are the gifts and stations in the great family of man, and the great Parent offers to each his proper place; but all are alike called to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. And if in seeking so to do, diffi- culties surround us, He whose compassion is over ali his works will lend his aid, becoming our all inall, redeeming, from time to time, from what he may successively (as we may be able to bear the discovery) manifest to be evil in us. Oh ! for the simple obedience of a weaned child ! How would, then, every cloud that obscures our sight be removed. To know every action brought to the light, and ourselves to walk in it, would be our greatest care. All reasoning on the effects of our actions would cease, since nothing properly deemed evil can possibly flow from actions truly up- right. Yet I confess with thee, that those who walk not in the light, see nothing clearly, and are very likely to err in their perceptions of right and wrong ; and is there not greater danger of doing this when things are under consideration, that custom, and convenience, have strongly establish- ed, than when we are led into a path more untrodden, and one attended with some privations, and many trials? I have sometimes regretted that in clothing the views that have attended my mind in words, the power of persuasion had not been mine. That, if possible, those who have mouth and utterance might be prevailed upon faithfully to " plead the cause of the dumb appointed to destruction." I could entreat, yea, beseech with tears. But when I see thousands of slaves toiling from year to year to supply us only; with no probable termination to their sufferings, but with life, the language seems continually sounded in my ears, " Is this a time for smooth things! is it not rather a time for regret, lamentation, and alarm ? Arise ! and search the camp !" The hidden things of Esau ! ! Well ; " He whose ear is open to the cries of his afflicted ones, is doing his own work, and will yet redress their wrongs, peacefully if we permit him to rule in our hearts in judgments if we refuse, for His right to govern all that he has formed can never be relinquished." Of the largest and most valuable portion of thy letter I have said noth- ing, but have been pretty strongly reminded of "the precious ointment of the apothecary," and after seeking to gather out the " dead flies" a good deal remains to be preserved for use. The door is open for future communication, for thy letters have not les- sened the love and union of feeling on the great point, in which I have, ever since our acquaintance commenced, been thy assured, and affectionate friend, C. M. LETTER III. llth Mo. 20th, 1824. My dear Friend, Previous to receiving thy letter of the 16th of ninth month last, I had not felt quite clear respecfng the subject of our former correspondence, but hope this letter will enable me to be so. Perhaps the apparent difference in our views consists more in misunder- standing each other, than in the thing itself. An apprehension has im- pressed my mind that neither of us have put the best possible construction on each other's expressions. When mentioning a fear that I was not in a capacity fully to understand some part of one of thy letters. I sincerely believed that the fault was in myself, for having travelled less diligently the path of dedication than the friend I was addressing , but this circumstance made me more desirous that the ground and foundation of this concern might beopenedarightin his view. My friend asks why I evade the charge of inconsistency he has made against us for trading freely with the inhabitants of Hayti, whom he terms, a " band of murderers, &c." I thought I had fairly and fully met that charge. Were we to admit the grounds there taken, all intercourse be- 17 tween thyself and me, a"s well as between us and all the nations on earth would of necessity cease for has not all been wrested by violence at some period from the rightful owners? But there appears to me lo be a great difference between acts of former days, which we are neither " called upon, nor capacitated to remedy," and those that are now transacted, in which we are invited to participate. I did indeed consider the language of thy letter when applied to that nation, as not only " a strong figure of speech," but too strong for the truth to justify. Where, among a barbarous people, have such rapid advances in civilization and order, ever before taken place? And where, in the annals of nations, can be found a greater instance of mag- nanimity, than their recent offer of twenty millions of dollars to be paid the former owners of the soil, on the simple terms of acknowledging their in- dependence. Thou enumerates a long list of oppressions under which creation groans, and asks, " from which of these shall we wholly withdraw, as an accept- able sacrifice and atonement to God for remotely continuing our support to the others?" Again, allow me to express my surprise that we should see things so differently. So far from viewing the withdrawing from one evil as sanctioning our indulgence in the others, such a step appears to me to tend powerfully to- wards subjecting the remainder ! Far be it from me to wish to turn the eyes of any to evils, which " they are neither called upon nor capacitated to remedy, so as to prevent them from beholding those which are nearer their own borders !" Our whole duty is at home. The revealed will of the arbiter of nations must forever remain to be the standard of the ac- countability of his creature man. But is there no truth in the axiom, " what we do by another we do our- selves?" While all the world acknowledge, that, as respects the manufac- tures and products of the earth raised by the labour of whites, the consumer who pays his money for the article is the great supporter, why do we not admit the same truth as respects the blacks. Is there one standard of mo- rality for white men and another for negroes ? I see not the danger thou imagines of "establishing a too high standard of morality," the only true one, so far from admitting us to injure our neighbour, prevents us, while obedient to its requisitions, from doing it even in thought; can it be carried higher? thou speakest of contaminated articles ; " I have never supposed that .the articles themselves were any more contaminated than articles captured in war, or otherwise dishonestly obtained. They are good, and intended for the use of man, but let him ob- tain them equitably." I acknowledge with sincere regret the truth of thy remarks on the pro- gress of this testimony, its rise and decline.* It had, indeed, atone time, nearly shared the fate of many other reformations in the world, and from the same cause. Weary of self-denial, we seek an easier path, and seize on the examples of others as pleas for our own dereliction of principle. Nevertheless, I do believe that this testimony will never fall to the ground but with the evil itself, being persuaded that many upright minds are be- coming more and more convinced that the concern is of the Lord, and that the reason why it makes such slow progress in the world, is because some of his own dear children oppose it! With thy closing remarks on disci- pline, I can pretty fully unite, and have no wish that a rule be made on this subject, until the great body of Friends can unite in supporting it. But as a larger proportion of them are convinced of the rectitude of this step, than at one time disapproved of Friends themselves keeping slaves, it would be wrong to suffer desponding feelings to weaken us. Thou hast pointed out one of the hidden snares, in asking whether there may not be a secret self-gratifying feeling in treading some of those "more untrodden paths?" The danger is confessed., but I know my friend ,he * A considerable advancement, it is believed, has taken place since the date of this letter. 18 will not wish to stamp that peace which is the sweet reward of walking up- rightly with the name of self-righteousness ; neither will he wish that any should transgress the divine law to avoid the danger of self-complacency ; rather, when such feelings arise, let us enter into the school of Christ, where every thing of that nature will sink before abasement of self, in a sense of what wo are. There is one view that I think will bring this subject fully and finally to a close. The great aim of all thy letters seems to be, to vindicate the right of sovereignty of Him with whom we have to do. This position is indeed strong, it is invulnerable! Let us then unite in it, nor ever more advance our money in support of this cruel business until we find it to be our duty, our clearly manifested incumbent duty, so to do. Thy friend affection- ately. C. M. Closing 1 Remarks. In contemplating the present state of this concern within our borders, it is encouraging to observe that considerable advancement in individual faithfulness has taken place of late. And the following appendix will shew the progress we have recently made in it in a collective capacity. It now appears to be an obvious and important truth that the time is near at hand, when our religious Society, will either have to follow up its repeated recommendations on this subject, or adopt the only other alterna- tive of altogether giving up its testimony against slavery. Light has been too widely diffused to allow us ever to convince the world of the consistency of mir professions against this evil, while we continue to pay thousands, and tens of thousands of dollars annually, to enable the slave-holders to perpetuate it. APPENDIX. Extracts from the minutes of the Yearly Meeting of New- York, on the subject of slavery, and of declining the use of the products of slave labour. 1832. "The feelings of many Friends have been tenderly awakened on behalf of the oppressed descendants of Africa, and a lively concern wit- nessed, that our testimony on their account may still advance. And Friends are earnestly entreated to be faithful to the convictions upon their own minds in the light of truth, in regard to abstaining from or dealing in, the produce of the labour of that oppressed people." 1833. "The Committee to take under their consideration the subject in relation to the produce of the labour of slaves, and the condition of the free people of colour, made the following report, which on claiming the at- tention of the meeti.ig was united with, and is directed to be transmitted toour subordinate meetings in the extracts from the minutes of this meeting. "In deliberating on the subject of our appointment, the Committee were introduced into a feeling, harmonious labour that our testimony against sla- very might not, only be maintained, but advanced in the progressive open- ings of light; and strong desires were felt, that Friends might watchfully attend to its further discoveries. "The Committee were united in believing, that to decline the use of the products of slave labour would be a consistent and dignified testimony, whereby we might silently, yet powerfully plead the cause of this people. We have believed that it would be right that the subject be recommended down for the solid consideration of Friends." 1834. " The long continued exercise of our Society, on the subject of the slavery of our suffering brethren of the African race, we trust, is deep- ening in the root, and will yet work more and more powerfully in the minds of Friends, as they yield to the tendering visitations of Divine love." 2385 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. DECS 1950 8 i i NOV 1 19* MAR APR r- 4-9 m PM 9- IO Form L9-25m-8,'46(9852)444 nil* A 001215609 7