1. James G. Birney, Mr. Birney’s Letter to the Churches (N.p., [1834?]). (24 p.)


Letter condemning slavery and criticizing congregants for not actively seeking its abolition. “If then slavery be characterized by violence, oppression, injustice—by tendencies to the ruin of the souls of both master and slave—why should you hesitate to say it out to cease at once? You reply, The Bible does not decisively condemn slavery.” The author then proceeds to discuss references to slavery in the Bible and concludes that the Bible does not sanction slavery, even though it may not absolutely prohibit it.