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Practical considerations founded on the Scriptures: relative to the slave population of South-Carolina : "respectfully dedicated to "The South-Carolina Association"

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The author of this pamphlet, Frederick Dalcho, was an Episcopal clergyman and leader in the Nulification Crisis. He wrote the work as a "South Carolinian" for the planters of his state. He begins with a justification of slavery as follows:
"Manumission would produce nothing but evil....Indolent and ignorant by nature, improvident and depraved by habit, and destitute of the moral principle, as they generally appear to be, ages and generations must pass away, before they could be made virtuous, honest, and useful members of the body politic."

While the Negroes are cursed by the curse of Noah to be slaves, this does not restrict their being saved from sin by the gospel of Christ. It is the obligation of the planters to teach the slaves under their control so much of the gospel as is necessary for their salvation. Despite this the author reminds us we find "no prophecy which removes the curse of servitude from the descendants of Ham and Canaan." Also there is no law or prophecy which releases the planters to teach the gospel in such degree that the slaves's souls might be saved. This is the thrust of the book.

We are reminded, "If we turn to the New Testament, we shall see that slavery is not incompatible with the principles and profession of Christianity....Christianity makes no alteration in men's political state. Onesimus the slave did not become a freeman by embracing Christianity, but was still obliged to be Philemon's SLAVE FOR EVER, unless his master gave him his freedom." This is proof the Epistle to Philemon was used to justify slavery and the return of fugitives as early as 1823.

The author warns there are scriptures which can be easily misinterpreted and should nto be allowed to be read before slaves because they might not understand the true meaning. So it is the responsibility of the Christian master to instruct the slaves in enough og the gospel for eternal salvation but not so much that they think they can go free.