“ For you will see, in a moment, that if madam rumor, with her thousand poisoned tongues, was once to set afloat the story that this society had come out in favor of the doctrines of Abolitionism, there would be no safety for one of us in the South; for our enemies would grasp at it as a precious morsel, whereon to feed the gullibles of this generation.
But thanks to an all wise Providence we have men among us who are able, and willing, to take up their pens in defence of their civil and religious rights ”

“ These articles on the subject of Abolitionism, in the Messenger were written by no hireling scribblers, but have emanated from men who are actuated by no other motive than a desire to benefit their fellow creatures, and to do all they do with an eye single to the glory of God. ”

“ For we as a society, do not hold to any such doctrines—neither do we fellowship those who do,—that is if they endeavor to put their sentiments into practice.—And furthermore, being aware that our brethren are numerous in the South—as also many moving from the east, to that country—it was thought advisable to come out decidedly in relation to this matter, that our brethren might not be subjected to persecution on this account—and the lives of our traveling elders put in jeopardy. ”