Baxter, James Phinney. (Author and Ex-Mayor of Portland, Me.)
There is an unchristian Socialism which embodies the spirit of an utterance all too familiar: "Do to thy neighbor as he does unto you." It is impatient and intolerant of restraint, and, ignoring individual freedom, would resort to force to compel men to obey its arbitrary commands; indeed, it would destroy the fabric of society in the vain hope of rebuilding a perfect structure upon its ruins. What this spirit would do for the world may be read in the pages of history. To achieve its ends, it would employ cruel agencies, and the structure it would rear would partake of its own imperfections, for the unchangeable law is, men are known by their works.
May God deliver us from this kind of Socialism, and, in His good time, establish that, the beauty of which He sent Christ to reveal to men. (See also "Why I am in Favor of Socialism.")
Emerson, Samuel Franklin. (College Professor.)
I am opposed to Socialism because it is a mechanical reconstruction of society, instead of an organic development.
Because it is an economic readjustment of society instead of morals.
Because it is based upon the essential antagonism of social classes instead of essential co-operation.
Because it is a passing reaction against the present transitional system of industry.