He that sets up for himself, regardless of the peace, happiness, and comfort of his fellow creatures — he that hath a will of his own, and will not yield to the requisitions of God’s word — he that will take his own way, regardless of the dictates of his better informed judgment — he that will go his own course, it matters not on whose rights he infringes — he that will consult his own interests, and at the same time trample under foot the dearest interests of others, has no right, or title, to the name of a Christian. If the Bible says do this, or abstain from that, the Christian has no right to demur; it matters not how repugnant it may be to the feelings and inclinations of his heart. He must cheerfully and heartily at all times, and under all circumstances, acquiesce in the will of a superior intelligence. He must be willing to sacrifice all; not only his earthly goods, but life itself, if God requires it at his hands. This is the doctrine of the Bible, and well did the Saviour say, “Strait is the gate and narrow is the way, that leadeth to life; and few there are that find it.” “Many are called, but few are chosen.” The Christian is not at liberty to consult his own personal interests and inclinations, when they are in opposition to the will of God. “Ye are not your own, (says the apostle), ye are bought with a price.”
It was impressed on my mind in early life, that there was much error and misconception among Christian slaveholders in general, in reference to their obligations to their slaves, and a long residence among them has but strengthened and confirmed those convictions. I have no reference here to those who view slave property in the same light, that they do every other species of property; but to conscientious and humane men. I allude to you, who profess to be the followers of the meek and lowly Jesus — you, who take the Bible for the man of your council — you, who profess to be the servants of that God who is no respector of persons — you, who profess to be under the influence of that religion which recognizes every man as a brother beloved, for whom Christ shed his precious blood.
I beg leave to impress on your minds the solemn truth, that your slaves are human beings of like passions, feelings, and propensities as yourselves; that they have immortal souls; that their joys and their sorrows, their happiness, and their misery, are suspended on the treatment which they receive at your hands; and that not only their present happiness and misery, but in all probability, their eternal destiny may be influenced by your course of conduct toward them. These are weighty considerations — would to God I could impress their importance on your minds; and that you would give them that prayerful and serious attention winch they demand at your hands.
In assuming the right to direct and control fellow beings, from their cradles to their graves, you have taken on yourselves responsibilities, onerous indeed; and whatever may be your feelings, — whatever may be your views — whatever may be your course toward these unfortunate beings, of one thing you may be assured, that you are destined to meet them at the bar of judgment, and that if you have failed to discharge the duties obligatory on you, God Almighty will require their souls at your hands.
It is there that the rich and the poor, the bond and the free, the slave and his master, shall meet on a common level before a just and Almighty Judge; who, without respect of persons, colors, grades, or conditions in life, shall render unto every man according to his works, whether they be good or evil. In that dread day, it will avail you nothing, that in this world you were men of renown; that in this world the indigent and the ignorant, cowered in your presence, or were awed into submission by your superiority; or, that the summits of your superb and beautiful mansions vied with the clouds — that you added house to house, and field to field — that you amassed silver and gold as the dust of the earth — and that you were surrounded by all the elegancies and enjoyed all the comforts of life — rioted in excess and reveled in luxury. There you will stand before a just and scrutinizing God, divested of all those superfluities, and stripped of all that drapery, and those fascinating accomplishments, which attracted the attention and commanded the respect and admiration of your dependants and inferiors in this world.
Having in the preceding pages, but incidentally alluded to the duties of servants, I will close the present chapter with a few remarks on that subject. “Servants obey in all things your masters according to the flesh,” &c. Servants are taught in the New Testament, not only to obey their masters, but to do it in the fear of God, cheerfully, freely, and actively; not simply with a view to please their masters, but as a service or duty, which God requires of them and for which he will hold them accountable.
It is a little remarkable, that so much should have been said and written about the cruel and harsh treatment of servants, and the duties of masters, and that the duties of servants should have been overlooked. Servants are commanded to be subject to their masters, “not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.” The non-observance of this command on the part of servants, has frequently engendered that peevishness and perverseness in masters to which the apostles alludes, viz. forwardness among servants, has engendered frowardness in masters. It is the duty of servants, to oppose the evil tempers and dispositions, and the inhumanity of masters, by opposite tempers and dispositions, and by an opposite course of conduct. This is the command of God; and by yielding obedience to this command, they would to some extent, at least, reform their masters, and secure to themselves kind treatment. It is their only hope; it is all they can do, that will be likely to ameliorate their conditions as slaves. If servants would obey the injunctions of Holy Writ, they would seldom be treated cruelly or unkindly. It is their own disobedience and perverseness that subjects them, for the most part, to cruel treatment. I know, from personal observation, that the unkind, the harsh, the cruel treatment of slaves, in a large majority of cases, originates in their failure to observe the injunctions of the inspired writers.
I have shown that it is the duty of servants to “love” and “obey” their “masters,” to “count them worthy of all honor,” and “to please them well in all things;” and it now devolves on those who have taught a contrary doctrine, to either admit their error, or otherwise to throw away their Bibles. It is folly for persons to persist in a course so contrary to the word of God, and notwithstanding, to call themselves Christians. I know that there are many who will plead ignorance, when they are arraigned for their unscriptural views, and their unwarrantable interference with slavery. It is too true — poor souls, they are ignorant — deplorably ignorant; but in all seriousness I would ask, how is it in this land of Bibles, that a majority of those professing Christianity, should know but little more about the Sacred Scriptures, than the heathen who never saw a Bible? But they have no time to read the Bible, and what is worse, they have no taste for it. All their leisure moment are devoted to the reading abolition papers, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and other contemptible low, filthy novels!
But how is it, that there are ministers of the gospel of all denominations of Christians, who are guilty of inculcating doctrines on the subject of slavery, that are directly opposed to teachings of Divine inspiration? Are they ignorant of the fact, “that slavery pervaded the whole Eastern world, at the introduction of Christianity;” and yet not one word was uttered by our Saviour and his apostles, in condemnation of it as a civil institution? Are they ignorant of the fact, that both masters and servants were admitted into the church of Christ, and that masters were required in no instance, so far as we know, to manumit their slaves? Are they ignorant of the fact, that Christ and his apostles taught masters and servants their relative duties, and otherwise left the institution of slavery as they found it? Have they ever read Paul’s letter to Timothy? “Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren? but rather do them service, &c. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof c
ometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth. From such withdraw thyself.”
A more graphic description of the abolition clergymen of the present day could not be drawn. It is a picture of modern abolition drawn by the Omniscient God; and every word of it was originally applied to the subject of slavery and abolitionism. We have had strife, we have had railings, evil surmisings and perverse disputings; and we are indebted to corrupt fanatical clergymen for all these evils — for all this contention and slavery agitation — for all this envy, jealousy, hatred and sectional feeling — for all that endangers our peace and prosperity — our liberty, our happiness — and the perpetuity of this glorious Union. Yes, my fellow citizens, we are indebted to the emissaries of England, and native born American citizens, who from sinister motives have cloaked themselves with ministerial garb, for all the contention, all the evils, all the crime that has accrued or grown out of African slavery in the United States! St. Paul says, that they are “men of corrupt minds,” and that they are “destitute of the truth;” and he moreover commands Timothy to “withdraw from such” characters. And in the name of God, I command every Christian, every patriot, every friend of republicanism, every gentleman of honor, to “withdraw” from such men. Excommunicate them, cast them off, — cast them out as evil spirits — have no fellowship with them, until they repent of their crimes and cease from the evil of their ways. They are enemies to “pure and undefiled religion,” and traitors to their country; and as such, they should be viewed and treated by every good citizen.
Many persons suppose that abolitionism is of modern origin; but it is an error, for we learn from the Epistle of Paul to Timothy, that it was agitating the church of Christ in the apostolic ages. St. Paul denounces those agitators as “men of corrupt minds;” and he moreover says unto Timothy, “from such withdraw thyself;” viz., excommunicate them — exclude them from the church, and have no fellowship with them. It is a fact, worthy of note, that primitive Christians never meddled with the civil institutions of the countries in which they resided. They were under all circumstances good and loyal subjects. But the efforts of the apostle Paul, to crush the monster abolitionism, did not entirely succeed, for it has continued to agitate the church, from that day to the present hour. Yes, the foul fiend, with head erect, and brazen front, is stalking over our beloved country to the present day!
It appears that portions of the church, notwithstanding the solemn injunctions and admonitions of St. Paul, continued to interfere with the civil and domestic relations of master and servant. But the practice was condemned as unchristian, by nearly all the principal fathers. Particularly, Ignatius, Chrysostom and Jerome. Ignatius says, “let them (servants), serve their masters with greater diligence, and not be puffed up — and let them not desire their liberty to be purchased by the church.” It was decreed by one of the ancient councils of the church,—”if any teach, that by virtue of religion or Christian instruction, that the slave may despise his master, or may withhold his service, let him be anathema,” viz., let him be accursed of God, and separated or excommunicated from the church of Christ. Let the church have no fellowship, union, or communion with him, and let him be an off-cast from society.
Mark the above, reader! It is the language of the apostle Paul, and the voice of the primitive church of Christ with reference to abolitionism. I have said nothing worse — I have not said more — I shall not say less. It is God’s truth; harsh and severe as it may appear to some of you. And to abolitionists, I have only to say in conclusion, poor deluded souls, I sincerely pity you. Bow your heads with shame and grief — it may be, the Lord will have mercy upon you.
CHAPTER XI.
I am not yet done with the obligations of masters to their slaves. I cannot hastily dismiss the subject. In it I feel an intense interest. Bear with me, my beloved friends and fellow citizens of the South. For I assure you, that if I know anything of my own heart, I am prompted to write by the best of motives and the kindest of feelings. To many of you I am personally known; and I flatter myself, that those who know me best, will not suspect me of improper motives or feelings. I have for you the highest respect, and for you I entertain the kindest feelings. I long resided in your midst, and was treated with kindness by you, in all the relations of life, whether private or public; and I feel myself bound to you by ties of gratitude, which neither time nor space can separate; by all those tender and endearing associations and relations in life, which must necessarily grow out of a long residence in the midst of a generous, humane and hospitable people. My regard and solicitude for my Southern friends is now a thousand fold greater than at any previous period of my life. And my anxiety for your peace, happiness, and permanent prosperity, becomes more and more ardent. But I must come directly to the point under investigation.
Masters, I conceive, are under obligations to act with reference to the comfort and happiness of their slaves; and not solely with a view to their own pecuniary interests. If they fail to provide for their slaves comfortable houses, clothing suited to their various wants, and adapted to the varying and changeable seasons of the year, together with a supply of wholesome and nutritious food, they violate the commands of God. Their own interests, as well as duty, demand it at their hands. I do not contend that the master is bound to furnish the slave with clothing of the same material with which he clothes himself; nor do I contend, that in all cases, he is bound to provide for him the precise articles of food, on which he himself subsists. The occupations of the master and the slave may be different; and supposing that they are engaged in the same occupation, their feelings, views, appetites and propensities differ. In other words, their wants differ. Hence, what would conduce to comfort in the case of the slave, would not, at all times, suffice for the master’s happiness and comfort.
Here is a fact which is not understood in the free States. Slaves are happy and content under circumstances in which a white man would be miserable. They are satisfied and content with food, on which the better portion of the white race can hardly subsist. Nor would soft beds and fine houses conduce to their comfort. There are many of them, who, if they were provided with downy beds, would prefer to repose on the hearth or the floor. They are by nature a happier people than the Anglo-Saxon race, and of course, less will suffice for their happiness and comfort. All that I contend for is, that the health, comfort and convenience of the slave, should be amply provided for by the master; or at least as far as practicable. I wish here, as well as elsewhere, to avoid the error of asking too much, for I have generally observed through life, that those who ask too much are likely to get nothing. I shall, therefore, contend for nothing more than the clear, obvious, and indisputable duty of slaveholders.
Slaves do not, as a general rule, receive that attention in sickness from their masters, to which they are entitled. Humanity, as well as interest, should prompt their masters to be a little more attentive to them, under the afflictive dispensations of Providence. And the necessity is more apparent from the consideration of the fact, that slaves are ignorant, and universally entertain opinions in regard to dieting the sick, which, if practically carried out, will in all cases, endanger their lives. I allude to the notion prevalent among them, that the sick are in no danger, so long as they can by any means induce them to take food. The same error is common among the more ignorant class of white people; and it constitutes the worst difficulty that the physician encounters in the treatment of disease. I once remarked to an ignorant, drunken, degraded son of Belial, that if he was not a little more cautious in the use of certain articles of food, he would sooner or later destroy himself. “Oh! there is no danger,” said he, “I shall never die while I can get plenty of fat ‘possum to eat, and whiskey to drink.” So it is with ignorant persons; they know that food sustains life, and for that reason they believe, that as long as they are able to cram it down their throats, there is no danger.
It is a little remarkable that the proprietors of sla
ves do not more generally enforce cleanliness among them. This is the more to be regretted, as cleanliness conduces not only to the health and comfort of the body, but also to the purity of the mind. I am aware that it would in most cases be difficult to enforce cleanliness among them, as they seem to be constitutionally a filthy race. This may originate partly, however, from, the peculiar circumstances under which they live, their ignorance, degradation, &c.
But there are yet duties obligatory on slaveholders, to which I have not directly alluded, which bear heavily on my mind. Oh! that I could in appropriate language, impress their importance on the minds of my Southern friends. Oh! that in view of their responsibility to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, they would calmly, patiently, soberly, seriously and prayerfully reflect on the following remarks. Aid a worm of the dust, O God, to plead the cause of humanity. “Paul may plant, and Apollos may water,” but thou, O God, “must give the increase.” Thou knowest that in vain I admonish my Southern brethren, unless thy Spirit attends the warnings and admonitions herein given. May thy Spirit attend this little volume in its Southern tour. Give the hearing ear, and the understanding heart. May they hear, and give ear; and not only hear and give ear, but may they “work, while it is called day, for the night cometh, when no man can work.”
I allude to the mental and moral culture of the African population in the Southern States. I feel intensely on this subject; and could I arouse the Southern States to reflection and action, I should then feel as if the great work of my life was accomplished. I could then repose in peace and quiet on my dying pillow; assured, that ere long, my beloved country would, be redeemed from the curse of slavery.
In whatever aspect we may view slavery, the ignorance of slaves presents itself to us, as the darkest spot in the picture. It is humiliating — a national reproach — an omission of duty, for which Almighty God will hold us accountable, that so little effort has been made to enlighten the minds, and elevate the characters of the African population in our midst. Here lies our great delinquency. “O shame! where is thy blush?” In the name of all that is sacred, how long is this state of things to continue? When, Oh! when will we arouse to a sense of our vast responsibilities to God, and our obligations to the African race? Several millions of fellow beings in our midst, not one in twenty of whom can read the Holy Bible! And yet it is our boast, that we are the most enlightened nation under the sun — the most virtuous and intelligent people under the canopy of heaven — a nation of Christians. God help us; for when I reflect on these things, I cannot avoid asking myself, is there any probability, that we shall ever get our eyes open, and help ourselves? It is the duty of every slaveholder to instruct his slaves so far as to enable them to read the Bible; and to furnish every slave with a copy of the will and word of God; to encourage them to read the same; and not only read it, but to make it the “man of their council.” This, friendly slaveholder, is your obvious and indispensable duty, and you well know it. If you have neglected or overlooked this duty in time past, for your own sakes, for the sakes of your slaves, defer it no longer. There is no time to be lost; it is a matter of infinite importance, both to yourselves and your slaves. Commence it in good earnest, and may success attend your efforts. You are under moral obligations to enlighten the minds and elevate the characters of your slaves, as far as practicable. You should spare no pains, and no consideration whatever, of expediency, convenience or self-interest, should deter you from the faithful discharge of your duty.
Complete Works of Harriet Beecher Stowe Page 918
