Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Wayne County, Ind.) 1831-1837, 1833-08-24

FROM me OeHtus 81 LaiceTS0t EH0ytcl pAilOn
Published by particular Request.
THE PRODUCTIONS OF SLAVERY
it appears to US that too MANY per-
sons satisfy themselves in the use Of
the productions Of slave labor, by re-
soning upon the subject incorrectly.
They look abroad ard observe the
greater portion ofthe community con-
ten,edIy drawing the means Of their
comforts and luxurics from the unre-
warded labor Of the rlave. and instead
Of asking themselves, Is this right
they only inquire, What good will it
effect for me to do otherwise land
persuading themselves that they can
do nothing etfectuai towards abol.shing
slavery, they arc satisfied to reap what
benefit they may from its continuance.
They will acknowledge that it may be
the duty Of some persons to abstain from
al, these productions, because they be-
]ieve those to whom they allude, are
clearly impressed with sense OF lis
being such. But fer themselves they
" innocent. This we conceive to be
making opposition to slavery rather a
matter Of religious opinion, than prac-
:icnt!e duty, equally binding on every
one. We readily admit the necessity
Of abstinence from the produce Of slave
labor, to have been sealed upon the
minds Of many persons as a religious
duty. But is 1t reasonable TO suppose
that such only are called upon to bear
this testimony against slavery?-that
the voice OF reason and truth is not 10
be attended to, because ! course Of
conduct which we have always IN
ihinkiugly pursued, may give US no
pain? Conscience does not always
speak unsolicited, and prejudice and
seiGshness may too often stitle the wish
80 hear her dictates. If some persons
have been especially called upon 10 be
III example OF se!fdcnialin this matter
was it not to awaken the attention Of
others. and point out Il means for rid
ding the nation Gifts great sin? Can
those of the sect OF Wcodman, w.o
vencratc his virtues and his memory.
and believe him 10 have been called OF
God to declare the words of truth a.
moag i.is brethren, suppose that tilc
duty Of SO lawfully abstaining from the
polluted fruits Of slavery. was so forci-
bly, cnjoined upon him for no good rur-
pose? II TO participate III the harvest
Of opposition. is innocent for others.
why was 1t not SD to him! As an in
dividual. his abstinence could have 10
more effect upon the system, than that
Of any other one person; therefore the
plea Of its usct Ssncss. il sufficient for
the excuse OF others, must, We should
suppose, have been sufficient for him
also. And if it WAS not intended that
his prcccp.s and example should exert
any influence over others, why was The
command laid upon him to offer thcm'
Let not then our sisters. rs IN excuse
for their supineness on subject Of
such immense Importance. persuade
themselves that until they can see what
elfec's their cxeriIons will produce.
they have 10 concern in the wre.Chcd-
uess of their fellow creatures. and may
innoccnt!y support the opprcssor in
his wickedness. Let thesl ask them
selves with Il desire to be convinced Of
the truth. what moral right have we
to the productions Of Slavery! They
are the spoils oppression. and wrong
and violence. can we gul;lcssly par
take ofthem?