Free Labor.
Dublin Core
Title
Free Labor.
Description
Though we may differ in sentiment, yet if we speak and act with submission, it is no trespass upon the rights of individuals of the quiet society, to offer interchanges of thought, or feelings.
The fear which suggests to our conservatism the need of placing defenses around the truth, is, perhaps, as dangerous an element as innovation. We are safe only, and only free, in that pure love which casts out all fear.
I have felt that allusion may be made to a subject that has claimed the attention of many just and consistent persons through two or three generations past, and which seems to rather increase than otherwise; although it has not, and never may become a testimony of the Society, as a body.
I allude to the concern to avoid the use of the products of the slave, or unpaid labor. That such a concern is in the abstract right, none can deny. It might seem that all who come to hear this inspoken mandate, "Be ye perfect," would feel its force as an individual requisition; yet, as it is for us not to judge, perhaps it may be otherwise. The amount of encouragement that is given to free labor by a demand for its products, has not so far as I remember, been clearly stated. It seems to me, that it would not only prove, as a record of facts, the superiority [?] freedom, but would develop a quiet force, that without war or turmoil, would raze the ever tottering fabric of oppression to its foundation. Now, that a Friend of Philadelphia not only procures free groceries of every description needed, but has in operation a cotton manufactory which supplies every essential article of that material, it seems that the scruples of those who are thus concerned, may be kept inviolate; particularly as those goods are offered at wholesale, as well as retail, and can be sent to any part of the country, where desired.
S.A.
Woodstown. N.J. 9 mo. 1855.
The fear which suggests to our conservatism the need of placing defenses around the truth, is, perhaps, as dangerous an element as innovation. We are safe only, and only free, in that pure love which casts out all fear.
I have felt that allusion may be made to a subject that has claimed the attention of many just and consistent persons through two or three generations past, and which seems to rather increase than otherwise; although it has not, and never may become a testimony of the Society, as a body.
I allude to the concern to avoid the use of the products of the slave, or unpaid labor. That such a concern is in the abstract right, none can deny. It might seem that all who come to hear this inspoken mandate, "Be ye perfect," would feel its force as an individual requisition; yet, as it is for us not to judge, perhaps it may be otherwise. The amount of encouragement that is given to free labor by a demand for its products, has not so far as I remember, been clearly stated. It seems to me, that it would not only prove, as a record of facts, the superiority [?] freedom, but would develop a quiet force, that without war or turmoil, would raze the ever tottering fabric of oppression to its foundation. Now, that a Friend of Philadelphia not only procures free groceries of every description needed, but has in operation a cotton manufactory which supplies every essential article of that material, it seems that the scruples of those who are thus concerned, may be kept inviolate; particularly as those goods are offered at wholesale, as well as retail, and can be sent to any part of the country, where desired.
S.A.
Woodstown. N.J. 9 mo. 1855.
Creator
S.A.
Source
Friends' Intelligencer 12:29, p. 458
Date
10.6.1855
Collection
Citation
S.A., “Free Labor.,” No Stain of Tears and Blood, accessed October 22, 2026, https://productsoffreelabor.com/items/show/118.
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