"There must
still remain an essential difference between justice and injustice,
cruelty and mercy. So that I ask, Who can reconcile this treatment
of the Negroes, first and last, with either mercy or justice? ... I
absolutely deny all slave holding to be consistent with any degree
of natural justice. ...
"I ask, First, Why
are thousands of people starving, perishing for want, in every part
of the nation? ... Why have all these nothing to eat? Because they
have nothing to do. The plain reason why they have no meat is
because they have no work. ... But why are port, poultry, and eggs
so dear? Because of the monopolizing of farms; perhaps as
mischievous a monopoly as was ever introduced into these kingdoms.
The land which some years ago divided between ten or twenty little
farmers, and enabled them comfortably to provide for their families,
is now generally engrossed by one great farmer. ... Thousands of
people throughout the land are perishing for want of food. This is
owing in various causes: but above all, to distilling, taxes, and
luxury. ... How can the price of pork be reduced? ... By repressing
luxury; whether by laws, by example, or by both. I had almost said
by the grace of God; but to mention this has been long out of
fashion." (John Wesley quoted in Christian Social Teachings
edited by George W. Forell, 1966, p. 284-291)
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