The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-03-20
WHITEFIELD ON SLAVERY.

Wesley's denuncistion of slavery as "the
sum of all villanies," has often been quoted.
l do not recollect to have seen, except in his
"Life," the letter of Whitefeld, justifying
this institution. I think that it is worthy of
circulation, since, though slavery in the
United States has ceased to exist, it's true
history remains to be written, and false no.
tions upon the subject may work harm even
now. Whitefeld was, at least, not inferior
to Wesley in piety, zeal, and success in win
ming souls to Christ, and certainly was much
better acquainted with slavery than Wesley
could possibly be. We may well be surprised
at the sagacity which could anticipate more
than one hundred and twenty. five years ago,
the resultant benefits of slavery in the Uni
ted States.
"BRIsToL, March %, 1751.
r. \ "Thanks be to God that the time
for fayoring that colony ,orgia) sdems to
be come. Now is the season for US u exert
ourselves to the utmost for the good of the
poor Ethiopian. We are told that even they
are soon to stretch out their hands to God.
And who knows but their being settled in
Georgia may be overruled for this great end.
As to the lswfulness of keeping slaves |
have no doubt, since hear of some that
we're bought with Abraham's money, and
some that were born in his house. l also
cannot help thinking that some of those ser.
wants mentioned by the apostle in their epis-
ties, we're, or had been slaves. Ii iS plain
that the Gideonites were doomed to perpet-
ual slavery; and, though liberty is a sweet
thing to such as are born free, yet to those
who never knew the sweets of it, slavery per
haps may not be so irksome.
However this be, it is plain to demon
stration, that hot countries cannot be cult,
vated without negroes. What furnishing
country might Georgia have been, had the
uae of them been permitted years ago How
many white people have been destroyed fol
want of them, and how many thousands Of
pounds spent to no purpose at all! Had Mr.
Henry been in America, believe he would
have seen the lawfulness and necessity o.
having negroes there. And, though it il
true they are brought in a wrong way from
their native country, and it is q trade not tt
be approved of, yet, as it will be carried OF
whether we will or not, should think my
self highly favored if l could purchase
good number Of them, to make their live
comfortable, and lay foundation for breed
ing up their posterity in the nurture an
admonition of the Lord.
You know, my dear sir. that l had NJ
hand in bringing them into Georgia. Thoug)
my Judgment was for it, and 80 much none.
was yearly spent to no purpose, and L wa
strongly importuned thereto, yet | woul'
have no negro upon my plantation, until tn
use of them was publicly allowed in the col
ony. Now this is done, let US reason n
J more about it, but diligently improve tn
/ present opportunity for their Instruction.
The Trustees favor it, and we may neve
have like prospect. II rejoiced my sou
to hear that one of ny poor negroes in Cal
> olna was made brother in Christ. Ho'
: know We but we may have many such in
b stances in Georgia before long By mixip
D with your people, l trust many Of them wi
o be brought to ,eus; and this consideration
as to Us, swallows up all temporal inconyer
fences whatsoever" S. L G.