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destroyed that brotherly freedom which frequently subsists be tween us and inoffensive Strangers.

In this adverse condition, how reasonable is it to suppose, that they would revolve in their distressed minds, the iniquities committed against them, and mourn! Mourn without any to comfort them!

Though through gradual proceedings in unrighteousness, dimness hath come over many minds, yet the nature of things is not altered. Long oppression hath not made Oppression consistent with Brotherly Love, nor length of time through several ages made recompense to the posterity of those injured Strangers. Many of them lived, and died without having their suffering cases heard and determined according to Equity, and under a degree of Sorrow on account of the wantonness, the Vanity and Superfluity too common amongst us as a Civil Society, even while a heavy load of unrighteous proceedings lies upon us, do I now under a feeling of universal Love & in a fervent concern for the real interest of my fellow members in Society, as well as the Interest of my fellow creatures in general, express these things.

Suppose an inoffensive youth, forty years ago, was violently taken from Guinea, Sold here as a Slave, and laboured hard till old age, and hath children who are now living. Though no sin may properly be mentioned as an equal reward for the total deprivation of Liberty; yet if the sufferings of this man be computed at no more than fifty pounds, I expect candid men will suppose it within bounds, and that his Children have an Equitable right to it:

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Now when our minds are thoroughly divested of all prejudice in relation to the difference of colour, and the Love of Christ, in which there is no partiality, prevails upon us, I believe it will appear that a heavy account lies against us as a Civil Society for oppressions commited against people who did not injure us; and that if the particular case of many individuals were fairly stated, it would appear that there was considerable due to them.

I conclude with the words of that Righteous Judge in Israel, Behold here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before. his anointed; whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe, to blind mine eyes therewith; and I will restore it you. I Samuel xii. 3.

CONSIDERATIONS

on the

TRUE HARMONY OF MANKIND

And how it is to be maintained.

1770

The original manuscript of this Essay is at Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania. The introduction is missing. The following letter, however, of John Woolman to Israel Pemberton (no date) relates to this Essay, and the suggestion for the Advertisement accompanies it. It was first published in 1770.

Belova frd, on reading & considers thy letter, it apears agreeable that the piece be read in Meeting for Sufferings first. I believe I may be most easie, in notice being sent to each of our quarterly Meetings with a number of short Advertis", equal to the number of monthly meetings, that one may be sent to each monthly meeting; and I am free to sign such an Advertisement, first writing them myself, or that my name be put to it, I first seeing a copy if printed, when the books are printed and after a proper time for friends to have notice and to have oportunities of sending for the books, Then what remains (I first taking 300 sheets) may it's likely with less expense be taken of as thou propos.

With kind Love to thee and thy wife, I remain

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As I have under an Apprehension of duty wrote Considerations on the true harmony of Mankind and how it is to be maintained,

1 Pemberton Papers. Vol. 21, p. 87, Historical Society of Pa.

CONSIDERATIONS

ΟΝ ΤΗΕ

TRUE HARMONY

O F

MANKIND,

AND

How it is to be maintained.

By JOHN WOOL MA N.

And the Remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many People, as the Dew from the Lord, as the Showers upon the Grafs, that tarrieth not for Man, nor waileth for the Sons of Men, Micah v.

7.

LONDON:

Re-printed by MARY HIND E.

the piece has been inspected by the Overseers of the press and by them agreed to be printed and the books may be had at the house of for per dozen, that being no more than the expense

of publishing and covering them."

The Essay sold at two Shillings per dozen: John Woolman was at this time-1770-himself an "Overseer of the Press." [Minutes, Meeting for Sufferings, p. 324.] In 1771, the Essay was on sale at the printing house of Joseph Crukshank.

340.]

[Do. p.

And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people, as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of man.—Micah v. 7.

INTRODUCTION.

As mankind from one parent are divided into many families; and as trading to sea is greatly increased within a few ages past; amidst this extended commerce, how necessary is it that the professed followers of Christ keep sacred his holy name, and be employed about trade and traffic no further than justice and equity evidently accompanies: that we may give no just cause of offense to any, however distant, or unable to plead their own cause; and may continually keep in view, the spreading of the true and saving knowledge of God, and his son Jesus Christ, amongst our fellowcreatures; which through his infinite love, some feel to be more precious than any other treasure.

THE TRUE HARMONY OF MANKIND.

CHAPTER I.

On serving the Lord in our outward employments.

Under the humbling dispensations of the Father of mercies, I have felt an inward labour for the good of my fellow-creatures, and a concern that the holy Spirit, which alone can restore mankind to a state of true harmony, may with singleness of heart be waited for & followed.

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