From a Letter to John and Rebecca Ketcham, 8^th Mo. 30, 1852

. . . While the enemies of the Abolitionists are continually charging them with havg. put back the slave’s redemption some 50 years, scarce 20 yrs. of their labor have aroused this slumbering Nation to a consideration of its accumulated wrongs—and now the balads of the North are in favor of the despised Ethiopiann—at least they are changing in their tone & tune, and a tenderness & pathos marks them now, far different from the old "Jump Jim Crow"— So that whether freedom be preached in Novel or Song, therein we do rejoice, yea & will rejoice.

The woven threads of Priestcraft, & of Political demagogueism, by which they essay to hold back the express train of Reform are as the green withs to Sampson’s strength. A short time ago we were comforted, as we passed over this Jordan, with our staff, that one "old man eloquent" {John Quincy Adams} lifted up his voice among the people— Now, they are many, who, "before all Israel & the Sun," proclaim the name of Liberty, "without concealment & without compromise

— Not alone the black Slaves enfranchisement do we seek, but that of Woman is demanded, at the East & at the West. So successful have the Conventions been thus far, that we hail the approaching Gathering at Syracuse, and hope very many of our liberal friends will be there to take part. How is it with you?

. . . What a divided State this said Organization [the Society of Friends] is in! No corner of our Heritage that is not suffering under a blighting, Sectarian Conservatism. You are aware that our Yearly Mg. confirmed the Intolerance of the Western Qr.—& that in consequence a real separation is in progress. Jas. & self attended the late Qy. Mg. of the Liberals, which was held to satisfaction—the small house at Kennett Square filled. They have not yet decided what distinctive title to bear. They will doubtless be in sympathy & correspondence with the Congregational Frds. of Waterloo—the coming Yearly at Salem Ohio—the Green Plain & other Convocations of a similar character. It does not yet appear that the separatn. will he more than local, in our Yearly Mg Time however may reveal a wide-spread division—for how can we walk much longer together unless we be agreed. more than for 10 years past? "When ye shall see Jerusalem [is] compassed about with armies, then know that the time of desolation draweth thereof is nigh."

John asked months ago for some information, as to spiritual manifestations. He ought to have been answered before now. As James has paid much more Attention to the subject, than I have, he can better satisfy you. I agree with John, that the subject ought not to he treated with ridicule, or as wilful deception— but it requires more faith than I can command, to receive it as direct communion with the departed. There is a grossness about it, not suited to the imagined aerial State of the "just made perfect." Still the developements are wonderful, & some of them of an enlightened character. Jas attended a circle for io weeks last winter, & was much interested. I have never witnessed anythg. of the kind. Is there not reason to fear the effects of such frequent reveries, on Isaac Post’s mind? A Mrs. Taft of Mass. has lately become quite insane, from that cause . . . .

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