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A
PASTORAL LETTER, ,^
' I J ^ o
ON THE f ^
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF THE SLAVES
MEMBERS OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
THE STATE OF SOUTH-CAROLINA,
PREPATIED
AT THE REQUEST OT THE CONVENTION
CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE.
TO WHICH IS APPENDED
A TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS, PREPARED IN CONFORMITY WITH THE RESOLU-
TION OF THE CONVENTION.
By NATHANIEL BOWEN, D. D.
Bishop of the Pro. Epis. Church in South-Carolina.
CHARI^ESTON:
PRINTED BY A. E. MILLERj
No. 4 Broad-street,
.1835.
SI 31
EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNALS OF THE CONVTENTION OP THE
PROTESTANT EriSCOPAL CHURCH IN SOUTH-CAROLINA, HELD
IN FEBRUARY, 1834, AND FEBRUARY, 1835.
Jonrnnl o/1834, page 37—" On motion of the Rev. Mr. Young, Resolved, That a
Committee of three Clerical, and three Lay Delegates of this Convention, be
aiipointed to take into consideration the subject of the religious instruction of our
tlave population, and to report to the next annual Convention of the Church of the
Diocese."
"The following Committee were appointed, viz : the Rev. Thos. John Young, the
Rev. C. E. Gadsden, D. D. the Rev. P. Trapier, Mr. Stephen Elliott, Jr., James H.
Ladson, Esq. and the Hon. Lieut. Governor, C. C. Pinckney, Esq."
Journal of 183.5, pat^e 39—" The Rev. Mr. Young, from the Committee on the in-
struction of the coloured population, made a report at length."
"After discussion, on motion of 3Ir. Robt. Barnwell, the report was accepted."
"The resolutions contained in the report, were then considered, and after some
modification, were adopted as follows," viz :
1. '•Resolved, That the Bishop be respectfully requested to address a Pastoral
Letter ou the subject, (embracing so much of the report, as he shall deem expedient)
to the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese."
2. " ResolveJ, That the Bishop be respectfully requested to prepare, or cause to bfr
prepared, a Catechism and Scripture Lessons, for the nse of the teachers (Clerical or
Lay) of our coloured population."
CLERGY AND LAITY
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Brethren —
THE reluctance with which, in compliance with the desire
of the Convention, as shown by the extracts given irom the
Journal of their proceedings, I should otherwise have pro-
ceeded to address you on the subject of "the religious instruc- •
tion of our slave population," has been obviated in no.consid- /-/ t
erable degree, by the sense with which T am myself deej)ly
affected, of its claims too long generally disregarded, and the
strong sympathy, in the feeling with which I am myself pos-
sessed res{>ecting it, of many of" the most wise and judicious,
and at the same time, extensively interested, of the proprie-
tors, embraced by the hmits of our communion. There is,
however, another, and more obvious reason, why any
such reluctance, on my part, might be waived. Acting, on
this occasion, as the mere organ of the Convention, and
having nothing to do, but to report to you their views, I can-
not but feel the responsibility of my agency to be very light,
and that it belongs to others, rather than myself, to vindi-
cate and make good with their brethren, generally, almost
every thing which this communication will be found to
convey. The subject, however, as they have presented it,
will, I flatter m3'self, meet with no other, than at least a
friendly reception.
The sentiment which the Committee of the Convention,
in the beginning of their report on this subject; have ex-^
pressed, is sU'ongly entertained by many, and will have its
correctness disputed by none. " To Episcopalians of South
Carolina, say they, the subject of the religious instiaiction of
our slave population, is one of deep and vital interest.
Forming as we do, a large majority of the slave-holders in
the low country, we, more than other denominations of
Christians, are bound to inquire into the duty and means of
affording such instruction to our slaves, as shall make them
wise unto salvation." "Araons; us, must beoin the eood
work, which, if entered upon with an humble reliance upon
divine grace, must result in a harvest of abundant blessing
to the Church and her members, both now and at that day,
when we shall be called upon to give an account of our
stewardship."
With respect to the duty of the religious instruction of
» our slave population, I do not allow myself to question the
3 \ \ existence among Christian people, of a common persua-
sion of its imperative obligation, to the whole extent of its
practicability. "Slaves" (says one of our most respectable
and exemplary proprietors,) " are human beings ; hke the
rest of our fellow creatures they must die, and render to
God an account of their actions." "No Christian will deny
the importance of religious in?trt.iction to slaves. On this
head, there is no difference of opinion."* "If I know my
own heart, and understand my own motives," (says another
distinguished planter, an influential member of the House
of Representatives, in the Legislature of the State, and to
whom, in the last capacity, the public are indebted for an
important instrumentality in procuring the enactment of
some provisions of law most happily adapted to the moral
amelioration of our slaves,) "so far from obstructing the
development of moral and religious feelings in the slave by
any measure, I would the rather lend my aid towards its
encouragement; and as Ihave already declared, would glad-
* Essav on the Management of Slaves, &;c. by Whiteinarsh B. Seabiook, pp. 11, ir<.
ly approjiriate the tithe of my income to the attaimiient of
ail object in every point of view so eminently desireable."*
Tlie importance and dcsireahlcness of the rehgious in-
straction of slaves, must be understood to involve its reli-
fjious obligation. The writers whom I have quoted have
meant, I have reason to believe, to assert nothing less. They
have but expressed that which is, of course, the common
sentiment of Christian people. The argument of which the
mind of the Christian is in possession, whether resting on the
letter of Scripture precept, or drawn from the principles of
Christianity, is complete to demonstrate the indispensable
duty of the father and master, in every instance, to have his
household, of whomsoever it may consist, to the utmost that
he can, kept, in the fear and knowledge of the Lord ; and he
who will make no use, to such an effect, of the authority with
which Providence has invested him, or will neither by in-
struction or example, endeavour that his household shall
learn, and he faithful to religious obligation, and be set in
the way of their immortal interest, as the believer of the
Gospel cannot but conceive it, is certainly unmindful of that
which his own religious consistency, soundness, and safety
should be understood to imply.
To him, who is not, through the faith and prqfessioji of the
Gospel, yet prepared to admit the demands of religion on
the subject, considerations of humanity may be addressed, to
which he needs not be supposed to be insensible. It is,
often, not without good reason asserted, that, in general the
condition of the slave among us, in comparison with the
aboriginal condition from which he was taken, as well as
that of the labouring poor of most nations of the earth, al-
though not slaves, is enviably good. Both in a temporal and
moral point of view, this superiority of his condition must,
I believe, be admitted. Its circumstances are those of great
comparative elevation. Many of the arts of civilization, and
I.pticr to thp Hon. Whitemarsh B. Seabrook, Esq. by Eflwar.l R. Laiiions, p. 9.
e
the means of comfort are known to him, and are generall j
within the reach of his attainment : while by virtue of the
disciphne and control to which the innate evil of his na-
ture is forcibly subjected, as well as by the gradual intiuence
of the kindness and good treatment to which not even he
can be insensible, he becomes, to a considerable extent, a
humanized and ameliorated being. Still, while he is denied
the knowledge of God according to the Scriptures, and as
involved in it, those consolations and hopes of rehgion, without
which, happiness cannot be known in any circumstances of
human existence, his condition remains, whatever may be
its comparative advantages, one wdiich it is melancholy and
painful to contemplate. If it is temporally better, it is spir-
itually worse than that even of the savage freedom from
which he has been rescued. In that state he had not
been hopeless as to Christian illumination. For him, as for
all the human race, the command had been given, and must
in his good time who gave it, have been executed, "to preach
the Gospel to every creature." In its progress through the
nations, the sound which is gone out into all the woiid, must
have come to his ears. Even into the deep darkness of the
shadow of death, which had en wrapt him, "the light which
lighteneth every man that cometh into the world," must
have one day shone. Deny your slaves the privilege of
access to the means of Christian knowledge, and you charac-
terize their condition, by a moral hopelessness, to which not
even the roamer of the wilderness, and the tenant of the
forest, are consigned.
One other view of the case may be presented. In what
degree moral obligation exists for your slaves you know not,
or how it may be qualified. Yet they are placed where
responsibility is imposed, and where the violation of it has
its immediate penal consequences. Offences against the
moral law, their ignorance does not excuse, and you annex
present penalties to the crimes of which they are guilty, at
once against it and your authority. Shall they have .no
knowledge of higher and more solemn sanctions to restrain
them from evil, than those which your will has instituted,
no motive but the fear of their enforcement, to influence them,
and yet be expected to be in all things faithful, upright, and
pure ? You refer them not to God, and they are, without him
in the world. Providence has subjected them to your con-
trol and authority, and they undoubtedly are bound to obey
the one, and be subjected to the other. Yet shall they know-
no reason for either, but that of the vanity or the bitter pre-
sent effects to them, of resistance ? Will you deprive the
temptation to resistance of none of its natural strength ? That
temptation, perhaps, incites them to the crime, of which
the last and bitterest penalty of the law, is the consequence.
Shall humanity not plead for them, that they may be saved
from the power of this temptation? Shall they not have the
terrors of the Lord in aid of those of men , to restrain them from
their ruin ^ And more — shall not humanity be permitted to
plead for them, that they may have the benign and cheering
influence of Christian instruction, to reconcile them to their
lot of necessary, inevitable, and not intolerable restraint —
to infuse the happiness of " subjection, not only for wrath,
but also for conscience sake," and to illumine the othert^ose
gloomy scenes of their earthly toil and duty, with the hope
of the reward in Heaven, that awaits alike the fidelity of
the servant, as of the master, at the hands of him who has
assigned to every one his lot and portion upon earth .?
Passing, thus, by that part of the subject, which would
consist of reasons of religious obligation given, for the Chris-
tian instruction of our slaves, I would almost as transiently
treat the question of its policy. Experience has placed this
beyond the possibility of reasonable dispute. The report
of the Committee, contains statements on this point, whose
authenticity and correctness are perfectfully unquestiona-
ble. " As early (say they) as the year 1702, the vene-
rable Society (in England) for the Propagation of the
Gospel in Foreign Parts^ sent out their first Missionary to-
this State, with particular directions for instructing the slave
population of the country." " From that period, the work
has been carried on, with varied success."
" An appeal to facts will confirm the assertion, that when-
ever the Gospel is preached in all its purity to these people,
and rehgious instruction afforded, immense good has resul-
ted, both to the master and the slave. The effects produced
by the labours of the Missionaries and Catechists of the
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts^
has been already statpd. In the West-India Islands, the
exertions of the Moravian Missionaries, have been crowned
with eminent success. In the Island of St. Thomas — in
that of Jamaica, Barbados and St. Kitts, they had the satis-
faction to find such effects follow their labours, as con-
vinced the Planter's of their advantage, and induced warm
expressions from them, of gratitude, confidence and esteem."
" In our own country also, facts prove the beneficial re-
sults of proper religious instruction. In the insurrection of
1712, in New- York, only two of the scholars of the Cate-
chist of the Episcopal Church, were even accused of being
engaged. One of them was proved innocent, and the other (not
a baptized person,) was not engaged in the murder commit-
ted. At the time of the contemplated insurrection in Charles-
ton in 18^, there were 316 coloured persons, communicants
in our Episcopal Churches in that city, and a large, not ascer-
tained number of worshippers not communicants, not one
of whom was implicated ; and indeed the discovery of the
plot is to be attributed to the just sense of duty entertained
by individuals of that class, who were Episcopalians. The
experience of your Committee, warrant them to assert, that
the best ordered, and most prosperous plantations, are those
where true religion flourishes among the slaves. On the
plantation of Mr. Clay, of Georgia,* a member of the Pres-
*Mr. Clay's Pamphlet is worthy of general attention. If his plan may not be
thought to be generally admissible or practicable, it will at least shew that success in
this important matter is attainable. — ^N. B.
byleriaii Church, (whose admirable 'details of a plan for
the moral improvement of negroes on plantations,' ought to
be read by every planter, and, who with a tiiily Christian
zeal and fidelity, has d-^voted himself to the moral and re-
ligious improvement of his slaves,) the orderly behaviour
and happy condition of his people, are such as to cheer the
heart of the philanthropist, and put to silence the cavils of
the Northern fanatic and abohtionist. " If every body of
negroes in the Southern States, (said an advocate of the Co-
lonization Society to Mr. Clay, after looking through the
arrangement of his plantation) was disciplined and Instruct-
ed as yours are, so far from wishing to colonize your slaves
in Africa, 1 should be glad to bring all the Africans to you."
They do more, and better work, with greater cheerfulness,
and in less time, than before he introduced religious instruc-
tion among them.* His factor's returns show that his income
has rather increased than diminished. On the plantation
of the Rev. Mr. Blodget, also of the Presbyterian Church in
St. Luke's Parish, the slaves are assembled regularly to
family prayers, morning and evening, and the result has
been, that, that plantation is one of the best conducted, and
most productive in proportion to the number of hands em-
ployed, of any in that Parish. The labours of the ^^etho-
dist Missionaries in St- Helena Parish, St. Luke's Parish,
St. Bartholomew's Parish, and on the Santee Rivers, have
been attended with such good effects, as to gain them the
confidence of the planters concerned."
"We might multiply instances, and state individual cases
without number, but sufficient has been said to prove, that
even were the duty not imperative, it would be sound policy
in the planter to use every exertion — to enjploy every lawful
means, to furnish his slaves with proper religious instruc-
tion."
tin a letter from one of tlie members of liis family, it is said—" We have great rea-
son to feel that the blessing of God attends these efforts— our people are every year
more contented, cheerful, and industrious. There is a decided improvement in th(J
morale of the women and the men, so far as we can judge."
1^
The evidence thnsi given of the effect of rehgions ilistruc-*
tion, in the restraint jiut by it upon the worst passions of our
nature, in its effect so to humanize, and soften and change,
tliat temperament in the slave, which would have instigated
him to deeds of the foulest crime, is evidence of its moral
influence in the whole extent, in which it makes men "wise
unto salvation." It bespeaks " the fruits of the spirit, which
are love, joy, peace, long suffering, patience, gentleness, meekness
and lirotherly kindiiess. It shows unequivocally the effect of
the inhibition, received by faith into the heart ; " Let all
bitterness and vrrath, and anger, bejmt away from you, with all
malice'''' — and of that important apostolic instruction — " ser^
vants be obedient to them that are your masters according to the
flesh, with fear and trtmbling, in singleness of your heart, as
iinto Christ ; loith good will, doing service, as to the Lord, and
mot to men : knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth,
the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.''^
It is when effects and influences such as these are mani-
fest, that we are authorized to pronounce with confidence
on the utility and success of the religious instruction of the
slave population of the countr}'^ — and, of course, to assert
that religious duty and policy, here go hand in hand. I am
by no means disposed hastily to attach importance to the
reports which are sometimes made to the religious pubhc,
by various denominations, of the numbers of people of
colour, who attend religious ordinances — the crowds of
them gathering at appointed places of rehgious resort, and
joining their voices in loud and clamorous devotions.
The proper inquiry is, what effect has the hearing of the
word, and the instruction that is given him, upon the tem-
per and the life of the negro. Is he a better man in the
condition in which Providence has placed him ? Is he more
honest, more temperate, more faithful, more quiet and con-
tented ? Is he better in his domestic relations ? Is he more
kind and just, and friendly in his deportment towards his
fellow slaves ? Is he more sensible of the obligation of grati-
tude and obedience towards his master ? Do his whole life
11
and conversation, evince that he is " transformed by tlit
renewing of his mind ?" Is he by the constraint of divine
precept, as conveyed to him by the mouth of his rehgious
instructors, from the word of God, so far as may be reason-
abl}' expected of him, in all things, happily and cheerfully
conformed to the necessity of liis condition, and through the
steady, diligent, faithful, peaceful, performance of all its
duties, seeking, as the disciple and servant of Christ, to
** work out his eternal salvation?"
" We are aware" (say the Committee,) " that it has been
a common complaint among planters, that those of their
slaves, who professed to be followers of Christ, were gene-
rally the most negligent of their duty, and the most difficult
to manage. But the religion of Jesus, cannot produce this
result. It has proceeded from a want of true religion. The
master leaves his slave to procure instruction where he can,
most frecpiently from those as ignorant as himself, and then
complains, that religion produces what is the fruit of its
abuse. There are hypocrites and superstitious persons
among all classes of society. But let the master exert him-
self to give or obtain for his slaves proper religious instruc-
tion, and he will find thefollowersof the Cross of Christ, the
most industrious, honest, submissive, and well ordered of his
charge."
The facts already adduced,* to shew the happy practical
efficacy of the religious instruction of our slaves, speak in-
telligibly, and with demonstration for themselves. In many
other instances the same result admits of being satisfactorily
shewn. From a voluminous report of a Committee of the
British House of Commons, ordered to be published in 1832,
I might adduce much convincing evidence of the happiest
efficacy of the religious instruction of negro slaves; evidence
irresistible, to shew that these people duly trained in the
*The facts stated on page 8, in relation to Moravian Missionaries in the British
West Indies, are taken from a Historj- of Moravian Missions, by Rev. J. Holmes,
from which the information relative to the other Islands, has been derived. A note
•f the Committee to this effect, was omitted to be inserted in its proper place.
12
school of Christ, have been made to a great extent, and
through very numerous plantations, his disciples not in
name only and in tongue, hut in deed and in truth. If less of
the influence of religious privilege, than was to be looked
for, has been reported to us from those possessions, since the
extraordinary^ raeasm-es of the British Government in rela-
tion to them have been carried into effect, it is admissible to
ask, if this be not the natural effect of a, perhaps, prema-
ture and too sudden investment of the slaves, with a degree
of freedom for which they were not adequately prepared.
Even, however, under the tr3nng circumstances, into which
these unfortunate people have been thrown, b}^ a legisla-
tion, which dealing what was thought to be good to one
class of subjects, has too slightly, perhaps, estimated the
claims of others, we are warranted in asserting that the effect
of religious instruction among them, has been most hap-
pily restraining and conservative. It were, however, but
unnecessaril}- to lengthen this communication, to quote from
the mass of documents, of which the report referred to
consists, while observation and experience, supply us with
a testimony at once direct and sufficient, in the indisput-
able fact of a religious and moral character, of a pecuhar
value, transmitted from the earliest subjects of religious in-
struction here, by the INIissionaries of the venerable So-
ciety of which the Committee have spoken, and the cer-
tain existence of a similar character now prevailing, where
similar means have been perseveringly employed to pro-
duce it. We may appeal, moreover, to any candid and
reasonable inquirer into the merits of the question, whether
the religious instruction of these people, be, according to
his own observation, an abortive benevolence or not — and
whether, as much at least, as circumstances would war-
rant to be looked for, has not been, and is not, and may
notbeexpected to be, its result. To n-liom much is given, of
1dm much, will be required. Take the question with a reference
to the means and opportunity enjoyed, and th«" demand rea-
1-3
souably founded in tbem of improvement, and sa\" whether
the comparison is indisputably much to the 3,dvantage of
the most favoured of those who collectively compose the
communit}', in which we live. Inconsistency with profes-
sion, and abuse or neglect of privilege, the too little moral
influence of religion, its principles, offices and observances
upon life and conduct, are to be admitted and deplored,
among all alike, who profess and call themselves Christians —
ccrtainl}^ not in a greater proportion, \\'hcn the circum-
stances of their case are fairly considered, among those,
whose claim to be instracted is under consideration, than
among others. On this subject, I may be permitted
to adduce the testimony of one, who though dead, is
well entitled, from his long and extensive experience of
it, to be heard : I mean the late venerable Minister of
the Baptist Church in this city. It is matter of painful
regret, that I have not Uis written words, in which to
convey the effect of his experience on his mind. It is,
however, perfectl}^ recollected, that when, some few years,
before his death, he had expressed to me his concern for the
existence of a prejudice against the religious instruction of
our slave population, in the minds of respectable fellow-citi-
zens, as seeming to find its justification in unhapp}" facts
which had brought to light the crimes of some professing
Christian people, long successfully concealed from Miniscers
and masters by the plausible guise of religion, he declared
it (the delusion of fanaticism among these people admitted,
for which others were more in fault than the}-^, and the
treachery and deceit natural to the slave, allowed for) to be
the result of the long experience aiid observation of his
Ministry, that the practical influence of Christian profession
and communion, was not by any means less, among them,
than among those with whom, under other circumstances,
he had so extensively been conversant. I adduce the testi-
mony of Dr. Furman, as that which is, on every account,
eminently entitled, on this subject, to caiTy with it authority.
14
The views in which the Committee of the Convention
presented the important matter referred to them hy the
Convention, might be more exteasively spread before you ;
but enough, I persuade myself, has been, even in this cur-
sory exhibition of its claims, adduced, to justify me without
detaining you from it longer, in proceeding to that, in which
tlie interest of the subject will be seen to be concentrated,
viz : the inquir}^ in what manner the religious instruction of
our slaves should be conducted, in order that we may feel
that our Christian duty with respect to them is fulfilled, and
the happiness and comfort at once of themselves, and of
the community, secured.
The report of the Committee, exliibited this part of the
subject in considerable variety and extent. I cannot but
earnestly commend the greater part of what they have said,
to the serious attention of all.
" In recommending the means to be employed for effecting
the proposed end, and which, under existing circumstances,
may be considered the best calculated to do so, your Com-
mittee would first consider the persons most proper to be
enoaoed in the work. These are :
" 1. The Clergy with their assistants in Sunday Schools.
*'2. Lay Catechists usefully employed in the primitive ages
of the Church, and now rendered absolutely necessary in
our Church by the small number of Clergy.
"3. The proprietors of slaves, or their agents or over-
seers, with the assistance of their families.
" 1. To the Clergy particularly does it pertain to watch
for souls — to warn every man of the danger of living without
Christ in the world, to proclaim to all within the reach of
his instruction, the glad tidings of salvation through a cruci-
fied and risen Redeemer, to guide and direct immortal souls
in the path of duty, to spend and be spent in the service of
their Lord. To the poor especially, they are sent, and the
slave has peculiar claims on their labours and their prayers.
The master may search the Scriptures for himself, and
unaided by man, may find out the way of salvation. The
15
slave, by t"he circumstances of his condition, and his igno"
ranee, must depend upon the instruction of others. The
responsibility of a Minister of Christ, in relation to our slave
population, is deep and solemn, and if properly discharged,
arduous in the extreme. In our low Country Parishes, it is
impossible for one individual to perform all that his heart,
and his judgment may direct, as necessary for the spiritual
well being of the souls committed to his charge. But be-
cause he cannot do all that he would, shall he lie idle on his
oars and do nothing ? God forhid ! he can do much, very
much for this portion of his flock.
" The first method which we would suggest to him, is the
establishment of Sunday Schools, in which, aided by the
pious of his flock, he may inculcate the plain and simple
truths and precepts of the Gospel. If the owners be duly
impressed with the importance of the religious instruction of
their slaves, he will find no difficulty in collecting a large
number. The School should be assembled before the morn-
ing service, or after it, and opened, and concluded with a
form of prayer taken from the prayer book, or such form a?
may be prepared, or approved by the Bishop. For the
children of the School, we would recommend the use of
' Catechism No. 2,' of the Protestant Episcopal Sunday
School Union, (the Church Catechism, broken into short
questions and answers) and also such Catechism as ma}^ be
prepared, or be caused, as herein after proposed, to be pre-
pared, by the Bishop : the ' Scripture Cards,' or por-
tions of Scripture, illustrated b}'- large Engravings, that
both the eye and the ear may be engaged : ' Watts'
Divine and Moral Songs, with his summary of the Ten
Commandments, and our Saviour's Golden rule,' and
' Short Prayers for morning and evening, adapted to the use
of children,' (published by the Protestant Episcopal Sunday
School Union.) The instruction of course to be altogether
oral."
"For the adults we would recommend, besides the Church
Catechism, that the teachers read a certain portion, of Scrip-
16
ture, (selected by the Minister,) and after giving a brief arid
simple explanation of each verse, ask some plain e|nestions on
what has been read, repeating them until the whole class
are able to answer them correctly. And that the teacher
may be enabled to explain properly such portions of Scrip-
ture, the Minister should meet them on some day in the
week, and furnish them by a lecture or otherwise, such di-
rections as may be necessary to aid them in their work.
We woukl also recommend tliat the Minister, once a month,
at the opening of the School in a brief address, suited to the
capacities of the scholars, dwell on 'some of the plain, but
necessary doctrines of the Gospel. After the regular ser-
vices of the white and cokjured congregation united, perhaps
it may be well to assemble the slaves by themselves, and
after sino-ino- a hymn, giving it out line by line, address them
in a brief exhortation, concluding with prayer. A class
should be formed of the candidates for Baptism, and the
Lord's Supper to be instructed by the Minister himself. With
respect to the Baptism of infants that nuist be left to the
discretion of the Minister concerned. By visiting them in
sickness and distress, he will manifest his interest in their
welfare, and be enabled, under God, to influence them for
good. Above all, if he would be blessed in his laboursihe
siiould be much in prayer for them. So far, our remarks
will apply equally to the Clergy of the city and the country.
To the country Clergyman, another field of usefulness is
opened, which has been, and must continue to be blessed, if
properly and prayerfully occupied. Let him set apart cer-
tain days in each week, for visiting, with the consent of the
proprietors, the plantations in his neighbourhood, assembling
the slaves for worship and instruction, and if time permits,
Catechising the younger among them. He should not take
charge of a larger number of plantations than he can con-
veniently visit once a fortnight. We are aware, that m re-
commending this plan, we are making out a work of no
small magnitude. But we do so in the supposition that the
XUlergy arewillmgta labour in their high and holy calling,
l7
ahd that they are ready to spend, and he spent in the work
of winning souls to Christ. We believe that with ordinary
health and talents, they may carry our proposed plans into
effect."
"2. But let the Clergy exert themselves to the utmost of
their strength and ability, yet, if they be unaided, but little
will be effected, compared with what must remain undone.
The greatest number of plantations which a Clergyman
having charge of a Congregation could conveniently attend,
are seven or eight. Considering each plantation to average
fifty slaves capable of receiving instruction, he would be
enabled to instruct not more than three hundred and fifty,
or four hundred. How small a proportion do these form to
the actual number hi many of our Country Parishes. In
one of them,* the statistics of which are before us, there
are upwards of six thousand slaves, between the ages of 10
and 100 years. On some plantations which one of your
Committee visited, he has found slaves of 70 or 80 years
of age, who had never had proclaimed to them the glad
tidings of salvation — who had never heard the preached
word.
" To remedy this deficiency of instruction, we would re-
commend, did the wants of our Church permit it, the em-
ployment of Clergyman of our Church, as Missionaries,
particularly to this class of our community ; as is the case
on the plantations of the Messrs. Clarkson, on the Wateree^
where one of our Clergy is, we trust, as usefully as he is
honorably employed. But years must elapse, we fear, be-
fore this desirable end can be accomplished. We cannot,
however, but indulge the hope, that the time is not far dis-
tant, when the circumstances of the Church will permit it,
and when the Lord will put it into the hearts of many of our
younger Clergy, to devote themselves to this interesting
work. Until that period shall arrive, we would recommend
" St. Luke's Parish.
^' as
to the j^lanters of our Church, the employment of Lay Gate-
chists. These Catechists might be chosen from among the
candidates for orders, or where these could not be obtamed,
from among some pious, but needy members of our Church.
In the West-Indies, the labours of the Catechists have been
blessed, and we doubt not, that under proper regulations,
they would prove important auxiliaries to the Clergy in this
work. The Catechists should visit the plantations which
they might be engaged to attend, at ap[)ointed days and
fixed hours. They should not take charge of a larger num-
ber of plantations, than would allow them to visit each, at
least once a week.* We would recommend the same course
of instruction to be pursued by them, under the direction of
t le Minister of the Parish, as recommended for the Sunday
School teachers. Should Catechists be employed in the
i umediate vicinity of the Minister of the Parish, so as to free
him from the duty of taking charge of any number of plan-
tations, he should visit each of those under their care at
least once in three montlis. The Catechist should report to
the Minister of the Parish, and if the Parish be vacant, to
the Bishop." I will but add, he should in ever}^ instance be
approved and licensed by the ecclesiastical authority.
" 3. We have spoken of the duty and plans to be adopted
by the Clergy and Lay Catechists — a still more important
link in the chain of the rehgious instruction of our slaves, is
to be considered, — the plan to be pursued by the proprietors
themselves, and their families — should they refuse their co-
operation and aid, the labours of the Clergy and Catechists
will be comparatively of little avail ; at least, much less
good will be effected than if they united in the work."
" The experience of ages proves, that he who labours for
the spiritual improvement of his household, is not left ' with-
out witness' — never labours altogether in vain. If in some
instances, he fail, he has still, 'that which the world can
' In the West-Indies, they are required to visit each plantation three times a week.
19
neither give, nor take away,' the consciousness of having
done his duty. In considering the plan of instruction which
your Committee may suggest, let each master of slaves ask
himself before God, is not this my duty ? And then let him
pursue it, convinced, that however great his discouragements
may be at first, by the blessing of God, great good must ul-
timately result. In the course to be recommended, he must,
to carry it into full effect, be aided by his family ; or should
he be so situated, as to be compelled to reside at a distance
from his slaves, by care in the choice of his agents and
overseers, and by particular directions to them, his own ac-
tive engagemeatin the work may be supplied."
The pious advice of the Committee, which in this part of
their report was given, that the slaves of every plantation
should be assembled twice every day for family worship, is
not here inserted, because it has seemed to propose more
than would be generally practicable, or than proprietors
could be induced to approve. It cannot be doubted, that so
far as it may be practicable, and proprietors may see it to be
good for them to adopt it, the institution of such daily wor-
ship would have a beneficial influence — and greatly contri-
bute to the promotion of sound and happy rehgion among
the slaves. Where the numbers are small, and the lands
over which they are dispersed for labour, are not too exten-
sive, it is presumable that Christian masters will cheerfully,
and fondly, adopt the practice of such a daily assembling of
their slaves — but as a general rule, it is scarcely to be ex-
pected, that it will receive the attention, which it is wished
that the suggestions of the Committee should command.
This final part of the report, closes Mdth the following :
" In conclusion, your Committee remark that they offer
this plan, merely as embodying suggestions, believing that
pious masters, Catechists, and the Ministers having charge
of the coloured people, on reflection, and after experience,
will be best qualified to decide whether to adopt them, or
to mark out a plan for themselves. They commend their
20
report to tlie blessing of God, without which, all our efforts
will be in vain."
I have thus put before you, brethren, the sense of the Co?i-
vention of our Churches, on the subject of the religious in-
struction of our slaves — the Convention having by the dis-
posal they made of the report of their Committee, made its
contents to be the counsel which they thought good for all
of our communion.
Permit me to add to what the Committee so justly said
of the claims with which this subject so peculiarly addresses
itself to the Protestant Episcopalians of South-Carolina, that
for us, on another ground, the obligation exists, of deferring
no longer to give our utmost attention to the religious instruc-
tion of the slave population, subject to our care and authori-
ty. In some form or other, religion will make its way
among them. We cannot prevent by am^ vigilance which
we can use, their being taught that which we should not
desire, or think it good that they should learn, nor can wc
prevent the prevalence among them of the perversion and
delusion, that will make of them ready subjects of the worst
influences of fmaticism, unless we pre-occupy and guard
their minds, by means of such religious instruction as we
believe to be, on all accounts, and in all respects, " good and
profitable" for them. I w^ould not here be mistaken. Of
such Methodist Ministers, . as 1 have known to be em-
ployed among the plantations of the members of our Church,
I have no reason to speak, but with respect, as faithful and
judicious men, whose services promise only that which is
good. Still, I cannot but express my decided conviction,
that it is better for us, so far as it may be possibly practica-
ble, to confide this business to none, but those who will con-
duct it, according to what we know to be the sober, scriptural^
practical, and at once simple and deeply impressive system
of our own Church's doctrine and worship. From the train-
ing of these people, as subjects of religious instruction, ac-
cording to its formularies, s;reat advantage has been seen to
21
come. Unwearied patience, in this humble labour of love,
would, I have good reason to believe, be blessed v^-ith re-
sults, certainl}' happ}^ for its subjects, and greatly beneficial
to the communit3%
Having, brethren, as I havd said, conveyed to you the
views of the Convention as embodied in the report of their
Committee, approved and adopted by them, I must bring
this communication to a close ; resisting the inclination which
the interest of the subject, in general, induces, to enlarge
on some points connected with it, not unfit to engage the
Pastoral counsel, with which, I have, specially, been asked
to address you. The subject of our slaves, is one which
circumstances have made of so much dehcacy ; it is in
consequence of an ill-informed, unwise, and even a reckless
philanthropy, affecting it, in other parts of our union, sur-
rounded with so much sensibility' of alarm and offence, and
where, the moral interest of it is concerned, is, under the
supposition of even the best dispositions entertained among
us to promote it, encumbered, confessedly, with so much
difficulty, that the Ministers of religion cannot approach it,
with too great caution and circumspection. They may, by
their conduct, in relation to it, do much evil, \A-here they
contemplate only to do good. Yet they cannot Ije induced
by any consideration, to forego the desire, natural and prop-
er to their office, to carry among this class of their fellow-
men, the glad tidmgs of the salvation, with which alike for
the rich and poor, the high and low, they are charged.
Nor can they less desire, as members of a community, to
whose fortunes whether for good or evil, this inheritance
has, in the course of Providence, been given inseparably to
belong, to contribute what they can, to the promotion of
what it may have in it, for the common good, and the quali-
fying and reducing of the evil, which the possession would
seem most naturally to involve. As one of their number, I
am ready to declare my full conviction, that neither the good
of the community, so far as it may consist with tl^e per-
"22 .
peluation, which I cannot see to be avoidable, of this pecu-
liarity of our civil and social condition, can be secured, nor
the evil which is obviously inseparable from it, be mitigated,
without care extended on Christian principles, to the moral
interest and character of these people. In this, indeed, I
am ready to confess, that I see, in relation to them, the sum
at once of our duty and our interest. There are schemes
respecting them, now, and for some years past, on foot,
among the pious, and on every account respectable, of our
fellow citizens, iu which I own m}' self unable to see it to be
the duty or wisdom of the Christian to bear the part, which
is so loudly urged on him, as, in a pecuUar manner his.
Both the duty and the wisdom of the Christian seem to me,
in a manner greatly paramount, to consist, in giving them in
the condition in which the}'- are, the knowledge of God, ac-
cording to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and cheerfully com-
mitting the event of this course, i)rudenthj, intelligently, ob»
servrngly and comcientiousUj pursued, to the disposal of an
allwise and benignant Providence. In other schemes re-
ferred to, with the exception of tlieir operation in the case
of native Africans, recently captured from those abandoned
a'lventurers, who, in spite of the concurrence of Christian
nations for its suppression, still pursue their profligate, bar-
barous, detestable slave coast traffic, I can see no other than
a very questionable humanity, if not a policy which would
make humanity a sacrifice to its claims. Whether it be a
sound or a morbid sensibility, that gives rise to projects
which would discharge our slaves from those circumstances
of gradual amelioration, which characterize their condition
as the servants of Christian people, I cannot but prefer to all
such projects, a firm acquiescence in the necessity, to which,
as a community, we are subjected, accompanied with a
practical and active anxiety to know, and to the utmost, ful-
fil, what is v.-ith respect to it, the duty of the Christian, as
the Scriptures teach it. At least, until we can feel the call
to be imperative on us, to discharge them, unfitted for the
23
privileges and advantages of freedom, into that ^vTetclled
freedom, where the crime and want, and universal degrada-
tion and misery which make the condition of the natural
man, would bitterly reproach our philanthropy, and make
only compunction its reward, let us be content to make of
them, to the utmost that we can, disciples of that Saviour,
■whose religion, has precepts as well for bond as free ; learn-
ing at his mouth, to be humble, contented, quiet, peaceable,
faithful, upright and pure, that they too, may be heirs, accor-
ding to the promise, of eternal life. The trouble and unhappi-
ness of slave-proprietorship, are undoubtedly not magnified^
in the complaint of them, which it is, so common to hear.
There is but one way of comfortably modifying the pain.
and vexation of this lot of life. Experience has amply shewn
it to be a comparatively easy lot to him, who, with a thought-
ful, prudent, pious, yet vigilant and firm humanity, has ad-
ministered the necessary government and control of his
plantations. With respect to any discomfort that may una-
voidably pertain to our peculiar circumstances of temporal
inheritance, or an}'^ questions respecting them, that may-
arise or be suggested, to perplex and trouble us, we may
find, I beheve, in this, a satisfactory mode of obviating
either. In short, let us do what else we will, we cannot
fulfil the claims which are upon us, in the peculiar situa-
tion, which has by inheritance been assigned us, unless we
faithfully endeavour to discharge, so far as it may be prac-
ticable, with respect to those of our felow beings, in whose
behalf, it has been made my duty to address you, that
which is our conscious Christian dutij.
It may consist with the design and expectation of tlie
Convention, m requiring of me a communication of this na-
ture, that [ should not omit fi-om it, the specific recommen-
dation of such expedients, as might seem to myself, officially,
to be practicable and proper. I have none tocommend buf
such as the Committee pointed out, in the parts of theii* re-
port which I have given. It has long been my earnest
^4
desire that the Clergy of our several Parishes 6ou\d extend
their pastoral care to the slaves of the members of their con-
gregations. It has at the same time been obvious, that un-
less they had otherwise very little duty attaching to their
situations, it would be in their power to do very little in this
way. In a few instances, peculiar and uncommon vigour
and energy of body and spirit, might make the combination
practicable, to a considerable extent, of both kinds of duty.
Generally, however, it could not be expected. In all cases
in which it might be done, it was suggested, that proprietors
should, if possible, be induced to unite in a subscription to
defray the expense of the additional labour to which their
Ministers might be subjected, in visiting, in some stated and
systematic manner, as many plantations as time and cir-
cumstances would permit. For several years past, howe-
ver, the wish has been entertained, and often in the course
of those years, expressed, that Ministers of our. Church,
might be employed, who in aid of, and in concurrence
with the Rectors of the Parishes, might be charged
with this species of dut}'', under such regulations, as
might, to such Rectors seem suitable and necessary,
and to proprietors, of their congregations — who should
combine to provide for the support of such Ministers,
as Chaplains of their estates. It cannot too much be re-
gretted that the number of our Clergy, inadequate to
services ordinarily requiring them, could admit of none to
spare for this extraordinary requisition. The hope is not,
however, rehnquished, that some will be found willing and
qualified to be so employed, and that where they may be,
proprietors will be found ready to provide the means of
their support and comfort in the discharge of this humble
and charitable, yet most important service.
Where Clergymen cannot be had, and until they can be,
the desire has been expressed, and is still entertained, that
the Minister of the Parish, might be authorized by his pa-
rishioners to select a Catechist, to whom he might commit
25
the instruction ol" their slaves, under his direction and su-
pervision, on his being hcensed by the ecclesiastical
authorit3% In all cases, whether as to Clergymen employ-
ed, or Lay Catechists, it is deemed indispensably necessary
that the most rigid and scrupulous conformity be observed
to the order and discipline, which proprietors may deem
best for their plantations. With these, no interference
whatever should be allowed. Nor should the proprietor be
required, or expected to let the services of a Minister or
Catechist be continued on his plantation, longer than while
he should be satisfied with their character and effect.
To the Clergy, I can have but Httle to say, in addition to
what has been repeatedly expressed to them individually
and collectively, as my sense of theii* duty, touching tliis
highly interesting matter. They will recollect that for
many years, it has been urged that they should consider the
slaves of their parishioners as included in their pastoral
charge — and having a claim, to as great an extent as cir-
cumstances might make reasonable, on their attention.-
They will indulge me in the repetition on this occasion, of
my solicitude on the subject. As far as possible, I would
entreat them to take the case of these people to heart — and
and labour for their spiritual happiness to the utmost tliat
their strength and opportunity will permit. They are of the
household of those to whom they minister, and of course
subject to their pastoral care — except so far as they may
have become, by difference of persuasion, subject to the
same care on the part of others. The Clergy may not, in
man}^ instances, have time or strength to spare to them ; but
the}'- may exert an influence in their behalf, which may be
of great importance. They may find those to whose atten-
tion they may safely and satisfactorily be committed — and
may exercise a wdiolesome and encouraging supermtendence
of the conduct of their religious instruction. They may at
1 east cause themselves to be recognised as their spiritual
pastors, having a care for their souls, and willinir, and desir-
4
26
ous to promote their good. They may in a manner per-
fectly <X)nsistent with their province, influence, without
ofTence, the minds of proprietors, in behalf of the claims of
humanity in this important particular — and even where ne-
cessity miglit require, by their counsel and persuasion, oc-
casion such modifications of sentiment in reference to it, as
would induce civil measures to be modified in conformity
with the demands of evanoelical benevolence, towards these
people, as its objec-ts. I need not, however, point oiit to my
brethren of the Ministry, the particulars in which they
might exercise in this respect, the office of watchful, and
and considerate spiritual pastors. They will see them
readil}'^ enough, for themselves, and while they lament in
how few particulars they can execute such an office as thfy
would, in all that they can, the}^ will not fail to manifest ior
these people the concern which becomes them, as the a^rfMits
of liis grace and compassion, who came to preach the Gos-
pel to the poor, and make all the people of the earth rejoice in his
salvation.
1 have now to solicit your indulgent reception of what I
liave written, and subscribe myself.
Your friend and brother in the Lord,
NATHANIEL BOWEN.
p. S. — The Catechism, which by the resolution of the
Convention it is made the business of the Bishop to " pre-
pare, or cause to be ])rcpared," is- n(jt ready for publication.
The earliest opportunity of which my numerous engage-
ments would admit, has been taken, to execute the wish of
the Convention, as to the view^ they have thought it fit mid
obligatory for them to adopt, in relation to the religiouf- in-
struction of our slaves. The table of Scripture lesson?- re-
quired, is appended to this communication. The Catechi-m
will make a separate pubhcatiou — and a larger inj};re^^.-»icn
of it, than was necessary of this, be issued, as soon as cir-
cumstances will permit.
SELECTIONS FROM SCRIPTURE,
FOR THE
INSTRUCTION OF THE COLOURED PERSONS,
IN CONNEXION
WITH THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
IN THE
DIOCESE OF SOUTH-CAROLINA,
N. B.— It is not meant to define hmo much of each portion should be used for
«ach lesson ; nor i?i what order the lessons should succeed each other : but merely to
■elect such portions of Scripture as may be ueeful, either in part, or as a whole.
GENESIS 1 Chap.
2 "
3 "
4 to V. 16 (in-
clusive.*)
6 Chap.
7 "
8 "
9 to V. 17th.
11 Chap, to V. 9.
12 " to V. 9.
13 "
15 "to V. 18.
17 "
18 from V. 17 to
end.
19 Chap, from v.
1 to 3, and from
V. 12 to 29
21 Chap. tov. 20.
22 "to V. 19.
24 "
27 "
The other references throughout the table, a»-e also meant to
GENESIS 28 Chap.
29 " tov. 14.
32 " to V.22.
33 "
37 "
39 to V. 6, and
from V. 20 to
end.
40 "
41 "
42 "
43 "
44 "
45 "
46 to V. 7, and
from V. 28
to end.
EXODUS 1 Chap, from v.
6 to 14 and
V. 22.
2 Chap. V. I to
10, and 23d
to end.
be inclminei.
EXODUS 3 Chap.
I KINGS
8 Cliap,
4
' tov.23
9
u
8
17
«.
9
18
c
10
19
(
11
II KINGS
2
(
12
4
(
14
5
(
16
24
(
17
' to V. 7.
25
((
19
EZRA
1
(
20
' tov. 23
NEHEM.
2
(
32
' ,
13 V. 15 to 22.
33
' tov. 17
JOB
1 Chap.
NUMBERS] 3 Chap, to v. 3,
2 «
and 17 to end.
5
14 Chap.
7
1—1
9
21 V. 4 to V. 9.
14
DEUTER. 4 Chap, to V. 40.
42
6 "
PSALMS
— Selections froni
8 "
these to be made
9 *'
at the discretion
10 V. 12 to end.
of the Teacher.
18 Chap. V. 9 to
PROV.
1 Chap.
V. 20.
2 «
30 "
3 "
34 "
4 "
JOSHUA 3 Chap.
6 V. 6 to 11, and
6 " ,
16 to 19.
7 "
11 Chap.
23 "
12 and many de-
24 «
tached pas-
JUDGES 2 Chap.
sages,ofwhich
I SA^roEL 3 "
the selection
4 to V. 18.
must be left to
6 Chap.
individual
7 from V. 1 to 6.
judgment.
12 Chap.
ISAIAH
1 Chap. V. 1 to
16 to V. 13.
6, and 16 to
17 Chap.
V. 20.
IISAMU'Llo " tov.l5.
11 Chap.
18 "
35 "
I KINGS 5 «
6
!
i
40
I
29
ISAIAH 42 Chap, from V.
1 to V. 12.
43 Chap. V. 1
to 13.
44 «
52 " fromv.
7 and
53 "
54 ''
55 "
58 "
60 to V. 14.
61 Chap, to V.3.
63 "
ISAIAH 65 Chap.
LAMENTATIONS 3 Chap,
to V. 41.
EZEKIEL 18 Chap.
33 Chap. from. v.
1 to 20.
37 Chajn v. 1
to 1
DANIEL 3 Chap.
5 "
6 "
JONAH— The whole.
MALACHI 3 Chap.
4 "
m
From the Gospels and Acts, it is of little use to select, for almost even' verse may be
suitable at one time or another : but the parables in general, and the narratives of nur
Saviour's sufferings, death and resurrection, (particular!}- as given bj- St. John) may
be deemed important — as also the following passages :
MATT.
5 Chap.
ROMANS
7 Chap.
6 "
8 V. 1 to 18, and
7 "
31st to end.
25 from V. 31 to
12 Chap.
end.
13 "
LUKE
13 Chap.
I CORLN.
I V. 18 to end.
15 «
11 Chap. V. 20
JOHN
3 "
to end.
ACTS
, 2 Chap.
13 Chap.
3 "
15 "
5 "
II CORIN.
3 "
8 "
4 "
9 «
GALAT,
5 V. 14 to end.
10 "
EPHES.
5 Chap.
16v.-23to34.
6 V. 1 to 20.
17 Chap. V. 16
PHILIPP.
2 Chap. V. 1 to
to end.
16.
24 "
3 V. 3 to end.
25 "
4 Chap. V. 4 to
27 "
13.
28 "
COLOS.
3 Chap.
ROMANS
) 1 V. 18 to end.
I THESS.
4 V. 13 to end.
2 Chap. V. 1 to
5 Chap. V. 1 to
12, and V. 16.
25.
6 Chap.
IK.
4f
30
•
TITUS 2 Chap.
HEB. 1 " and
2 to V. 4.
4 Chap, from V.
9 to end.
10 Chap, from V.
24 to end.
11 Chap.
12 "
13 V. 1 to 8.
JAMES 1 Chap.
2 from V. 8 to
end.
3 Chap. 2d to
end.
4 "
5 V. 7 to end.
I PETER 1 Chap. v. 13
to end.
3 Chap. V. 1 to
18.
n PETER 3 Chap.v. 8 to
14
I JOHN 1 "
2 V. 1 to 11.
3 Chap.
4 V. 7 to end.
REVEL. 7 Chap. v. 9 to
end.
20 " V. 11 to
end.
21 V. lto8.
22 Chap.
•
Passages relating especially to Servants.
EPHES. 6 V. 5 to 8.
COL. 3 Chap. v. 22
to 25.
I TIM. 6 Chap. vs. 1
and 2,
TITUS 2 Chap. 9 and
10
MATT. 18 Chap. v. 23
to end.
24 V. 45 to end.
25 Chap. V. 14
to 30
LUKE 12 V. 42 to 48.
I COR.. 7 Chap. v. 20
to 22 I PETER 2 v. 18 to end.
>
