LETTER TO A COMMITTEE OF THE KANSAS AID SOCIETY AT BOSTON, OCTOBER 3,
1856.
PHILADELPHIA, October 3, 1856.
MY DEAR SIR,--There is inspiration in a good cause, which is
shown at once in the improved character of all who embrace it.
Especially is this apparent in the young. Never is youth so
radiant as under its influence. The young men of Boston have done
wisely for themselves in associating together for the relief of
Kansas. All that they can do will be twice blessed,--blessing
them in their lives, and blessing distant despoiled
fellow-citizens.
With pleasure I learn that the Governor will preside at your
earliest public meeting. But this is only according to the just
rule of life. Kindred to honors are duties; and the head of a
Christian Commonwealth should be the head of this Christian
charity, while every citizen should range in place, and our
beloved Massachusetts, by the contributions, voices, and votes
of her unanimous children, should become one united, compact,
all-embracing _Kansas Relief Society_, at once an overflowing
fountain of beneficence and an irresistible example to the
country. For myself, I would rather a thousand times serve
this cause, even in the humblest capacity, than be a Governor
indifferent to its appeals.
All that can be given is needed; and whoso gives bestows upon
a missionary enterprise, which, in the footsteps of Liberty,
will carry peace, civilization, Christianity, the Bible, and all
blessings of earth and heaven. To such a charity every person
must give; if in no other way, the man who has two coats must
sell one, and let Kansas have the other. But, while encouraging
this effort, candor compels the confession that all your
contributions will be of small account, unless a President and
Congress are chosen who shall give their sympathies to Freedom
rather than to Slavery. Only in this way can the rod of the
oppressor be broken. A vote for such men will be a contribution
to Kansas.
Present my thanks to your associates, and accept for yourself the
assurance of my special gratitude for that constant devotion to
human freedom by which you have been distinguished.
Ever faithfully yours,