Autographs for Freedom, by Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Thirty-five Other Eminent Writers
History
Autographs for Freedom, by Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Thirty-five Other Eminent Writers
Antislavery movements -- United States; Slavery -- United States
Ours is a noble cause; nobler even than that of our fathers, inasmuch as
it is more exalted to struggle for the freedom of _others_, than for our
_own_. The love of right, which is the animating impulse of our
movement, is higher even than the love of freedom. But right, freedom,
and humanity, all concur in demanding the abolition of slavery.
[Signature: Charles Sumner]
BOSTON, OCT. 16, 1852.
WORK AND WAIT.
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 pre-existing sects and parties, and form 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 pre-eminent in your consideration and regard for the rights and
wrongs of labour 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 philanthropic 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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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