CHAPTER VIII.


I shall now proceed to show, that the holding of slaves is not
necessarily sinful under all circumstances; or in other words, that
the relation of master and slave is not, under all circumstances,
inconsistent with, or in opposition to the revealed will of God. In
the discussion of this question it will be necessary, first to glance
at the origin and history of African slavery. I am apprised of the
difficulties which I shall encounter in the investigation of this
subject; and I am by no means blind, or insensible to my own
incompetency; but I set out with the determination to look the subject
of slavery full in the face, and fearlessly to express my opinions,
regardless of consequences; at least so far as my own personal ease,
interest, or reputation is involved; I shall, therefore, take the
responsibility of openly expressing such opinions and views, as I
conceive to be in accordance with the Holy Bible, and leave
consequences to a just, wise and righteous God. To Him, and to Him
alone, am I responsible for what I write.

God in his infinite benevolence and wisdom, and for the manifestation
of his own glory, created man in his own image, and placed him in the
garden of Eden, holy and happy. And he commanded him, "of every tree
of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of knowledge of
good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou
eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Adam disobeyed the high mandate
of heaven; he ate of the forbidden fruit, and thus he fell by
transgression from his high and holy estate. He was our federal head;
and he fell not alone, for on all his posterity fell the withering
curse of Almighty God. "Curst is the ground for thy sake." "Thorns and