Difficult, however, as the task may seem, I think I may lay down three
positions, which will probably not be denied, and which, if admitted,
will assist us in the determination of the question before us. The first
of these is, that no Quaker can be concerned in the sale of a thing,
which is evil in itself. Secondly, that he cannot encourage the sale of
an article, which he knows to be essentially, or very generally, that
is, in seven cases out of ten, productive of evil. And, thirdly, that he
cannot sell things which he has discarded from his own use, if he has
discarded them on a belief that they are specifically forbidden by
Christianity, or that they are morally injurious to the human mind.
If these positions be acknowledged, they will give ample latitude for
the condemnation of many branches of trade.
A Quaker-bookseller, according to these positions, cannot sell a profane
or improper book.
A Quaker spirit-merchant cannot sell his liquor but to those whom he
believes will use it in moderation, or medicinally, or on proper
occasions.
A Quaker, who is a manufacturer of cotton, cannot exercise his
occupation but upon an amended plan.
A Quaker-silversmith cannot deal in any splendid ornaments of the
person.
The latter cannot do this for the following reasons. The Quakers reject
all such ornaments, because they believe them to be specifically
condemned by Christianity.
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