Antislavery movements -- United States; Slavery -- United States
MY FRIEND:--
I have found no moment till the present that I could devote to a
compliance with your request, and I am now probably too late. However,
let me hastily proffer a few suggestions to opponents of slavery, which
I trust may not be found unprofitable. I would say, then:
1. Do not choose to separate and isolate yourselves from the general
movement of humanity, save as you may be constrained to oppose certain
eddies of that movement. Had WILBERFORCE, CLARKSON, and their associate
pioneers in the cause of British abolition, seen fit to cut themselves
loose from all preëxisting sects and parties, and for a special
anti-slavery church and party, I think the triumph of their cause would
have been still unattained.
2. Do not refuse to do a little good because you would much prefer to
do a greater which is now unattainable. The earth revolves in her vast
orbit gradually; and he who has done whatever good he can, need not
reproach himself for his inability to do more.
3. Be foremost in every good work that the community around you _will_
appreciate,--not _because_ they will appreciate it, but because their
appreciation and sympathy will enable you to do good in other spheres,
and do it more effectually.
4. Be preëminent in your consideration and regard for the rights and
wrongs of labor in your own circle, even the rudest and humblest. An
abolitionist who hires his linen made up at the lowest market rate,
and pays his wash-woman in proportion, will do little good to the
anti-slavery or any other philanthrophic cause. The man of liberal
culture and generous heart who unostentatiously tries to elevate the
most depressed to his own level, is doing a good work against slavery,
however unconsciously.
5. Have faith, with a divine patience; man is privileged to labor
for a good cause, but the glory of its success must redound to his
Maker. Next to a great defeat, the most fatal event for slavery would
be a great triumph. Doubtless, the bolts are now forging in some
celestial armory destined to strike the shackles from the limbs of the
bondman, and cleanse the land from the foulest and blackest iniquity
ever organized and legalized in the christian world. The shout of
deliverance may come when it is least expected,--nay, the very means
employed to render its coming impossible, will probably secure and
hasten it. For that and every other needed reform, let the humane and
hopeful strive, not despairing in the densest midnight, and realizing
that the darkest hour is often that preceding the dawn. Let them,
squandering no opportunity, and sacrificing no principle,
“Learn to labor, and to wait.”
Horace Greeley
THE GREAT EMANCIPATION.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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