Those who are well acquainted with Quaker views, are aware that by “the inward light,” they signify something higher and more comprehensive than conscience.  They regard it as the voice of God in the soul, which will always guard man from evil, and guide him into truth, if reverently listened to, in stillness of the passions, and obedience of the will.  These strong impressions on individual minds constitute their only call and consecration to the ministry, and have directed’ them in the application of moral principles to a variety of subjects, such as intemperance, war, and slavery.  Men and women were impelled by the interior monitor to go about preaching on these topics, until their individual views became what are called “leading testimonies” in the Society.  The abjuration of slavery was one of their earliest “testimonies.”  There was much preaching against it in their public meetings, and many committees were appointed to expostulate in private with those who held slaves.  At an early period, it became an established rule of discipline for the Society to disown any member, who refused to manumit his bondmen.

Friend Hopper used to tell an interesting anecdote in connection with these committees.  In the course of their visits, they concluded to pass by one of their members, who held only one slave, and he was very old.  He was too infirm to earn his own living, and as he was very kindly treated, they supposed he would have no wish for freedom.  But Isaac Jackson, one of the committee, a very benevolent and conscientious man, had a strong impression on his mind that duty required him not to omit this case.  He accordingly went alone to the master, and stated how the subject appeared to him, in the inward light of his own soul.  The Friend was not easily convinced.  He brought forward many reasons for not emancipating his slave; and one of the strongest was that the man was too feeble to labor for his own support, and therefore freedom would be of no value to him.  Isaac Jackson replied, “He labored for thee without wages, while he had strength, and it is thy duty to support him now.  Whether he would value freedom or not, is a question he alone is competent to decide.”

These friendly remonstrances produced such effect, that the master agreed to manumit his bondman, and give a written obligation that he should be comfortably supported during the remainder of his life, by him or his heirs.  When the papers were prepared the slave was called into the parlor, and Isaac Jackson inquired, “Would’st thou like to be free?” He promptly answered that he should.  The Friend suggested that he was now too feeble to labor much, and inquired how he would manage to obtain a living.  The old man meekly replied, “Providence has been kind to me thus far; and I am willing to trust him the rest of my life.”

Isaac Jackson then held up the papers and said, “Thou art a free man.  Thy master has manumitted thee, and promised to maintain thee as long as thou mayest live.”