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about ordering him to be punished; for he professes to be conscientious about submitting to serve as a slave.
I have myself suffered because I could not conscientiously comply with military requisitions.
The Society of Friends have suffered much in England on account of ecclesiastical demands.
I have thus some cause to know how hateful are persecutors, in the sight of God and of men. I cannot therefore be active in persecuting James, or any other man, on account of conscientious scruples.’
‘It is your duty to have him punished,’ rejoined the blacksmith.
‘I am the best judge of that,’ answered Friend Hopper; ‘and I do not feel justified in compelling him to submit to slavery.’
The blacksmith was greatly exasperated, and went off, saying, ‘I hope to mercy your daughter will marry a negro.’
At the expiration of the term of imprisonment allowed by law, James still refused to return to service, and he was committed for another thirty days. His master called to see him again, and told him if he would return home, and behave well, he should have a new suit of clothes and a Methodist hat. ‘I don't want your new clothes, nor your Methodist hat,’ replied James.
‘I tell you I never will serve you nor any other man as a slave.
I had rather end my days in jail.’
Boston, J. P. Jewett and Company; Cleveland, Ohio: Jewett, Proctor and Worthington; London; Low and Company, 1854.
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