" But
the singular fact of slavery in this land, continued and defended under
all political changes, and now having the prospect of being more firmly
established than ever by means of our great national commotion on this
subject, is enough to make a serious mind reflect whether it be wholly
the work of Satan, or whether the providence of God be not concerned in
this great and difficult problem.
It is certainly remarkable that religion, which once gained such a
footing in Africa, so soon and entirely died out there, but that the
Africans, transported to our land, are of all races the most susceptible
to religious influences. If we should visit a foreign missionary field,
and learn that the mission had been blessed to the extent which has
characterized the labors of Christians at the South for their slaves, of
whom, according to the "Educational Journal," Forsyth, Ga., there are
now four hundred and sixty-five thousand connected with the churches of
all denominations, we should regard it as the chief of all the works of
God in connection with modern missions. It is this providential and
Christian view of slavery which quiets my mind. Now, suppose that,
contemplating a foreign missionary field where such results should be
found, one should object: "But there are evils there; people do not all
treat their dependants as they ought; hardships, cruelties, and some
barbarisms remain;"--we should not, I apprehend, proceed to scuttle such
a ship to drown the vermin.
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