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OF

ELIAS HICKS.

INCLUDING ALSO

A FEW SHORT ESSAYS,

WRITTEN ON

SEVERAL OCCASIONS,

MOSTLY

ILLUSTRATIVE OF HIS DOCTRINAL VIEWS.

NEW YORK.
PUBLISHED BY ISAAC T. HOPPER.

M DCCC XXXIV,

G 8344.552.60

HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY
FROM

THE BEQUEST OF
EVERT JANSEN WENDELL

1918

Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1834, by ISAAC T.
HOPPER, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the Southern District of
New York.

ADVERTISEMENT.

IN presenting to the public this volume from the pen of Elias Hicks, it is proper to observe, that it might have been much enlarged by the addition of many other letters; but, we believe, that those contained in the present collection, are sufficient to give a pretty full exposition of the views of the writer on the various subjects of which they treat, and which comprehend the most important doctrines of the Christian religion: and though sentiments may, perhaps, be found in it, that may appear new to some, yet, we think, upon an attentive examination, they will be found in accordance with the Scriptures of truth and the doctrines of our most approved and enlightened primitive Friends; and we think, too, that the long life of unsullied integrity and fervent piety of the writer, claims for them a close and impartial examination. Most of these letters were written to his intimate friends, without any expectation, so far as appears, that they would ever be made public; the candid reader will, therefore, readily admit in this fact, a sufficient apology, if the writer has not always been as successful in elucidating some points, as might have been desired. Another circumstance should be noticed. Most of the letters contained in this volume, were answers to letters received, which not being in our possession, we have not been able to state the questions that elicited his replies; and hence some things in the latter may appear to require explanations which, probably, they would not have been thought to want, had those questions been published at the same time. To this we add, that if the reader should discover some things which may appear ambiguous, or objectionable, we think he will find the same subjects more fully and satisfactorily explained in other parts of the work.

In giving publicity to the opinions and doctrinal views of Elias Hicks, as exhibited in this work, we believe we shall be doing a public service, and at the same time gratify many of his friends.

The contents of this volume have been carefully transcribed from letters, or papers, in the hand-writing of the author, with the exception of a very few, which have been taken from copies, either written or printed.

The author appears fully to have believed, that the doctrines promulgated in them, were opened to his understanding by that Divine life which is the light of men; but, the reader must be left to form his conclusions from the light and evidence in his own mind.

New York, 2d mo. 1834.

OBSERVATIONS

ON THE

SLAVERY OF THE AFRICANS

AND THEIR DESCENDANTS,

AND ON THE USE OF THE PRODUCE OF THEIR LABOUR.

[This Essay was first published in the year 1811, after having been approved by
the Meeting for Sufferings.]

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