Nehemiah Adams

From Dixiepedia: The PC-Free Encyclopedia

Few who agitated against Southern slavery in the Nineteenth Century had ever seen it with their own eyes. Boston Abolitionist Nehemiah Adams was one of the few exceptions. His three-month sojourn among the slaveholders in South Carolina in 1854 resulted in the writing of his book, A Southside View of Slavery, in which he, though remaining anti-slavery in principle, concluded that, far from being his oppressor, the ante-bellum South was the only true benefactor the Negro ever had. He also warned his Northern brethren that a continued assault upon the South's "peculiar institution" would lead to a destruction of the Union and the ultimate ruin of the Black population in America. Needless to say, Adams' book was vigorously attacked by the Abolitionists of that day, and is completely ignored today by modern American historians. Below is a paper written with the aid of Adams' most famous book: "A Southside View of Slavery". Slavery in America Slavery in America was not as terrible as depicted. Since we were not living during the time of slavery, there were many misunderstandings. We must rely on firsthand accounts of people who observed slavery. Nehemiah Adams, a respected clergyman in a Northern City was forced to head southward due to a physical illness that needed a change in climate. Mr. Adams was whole heartedly decided as to his stance on slavery, he felt it was a terrible evil, a sin that could not be long tolerated, but with his trip southward, a whole new picture of slavery immerged. In “A Southside View of Slavery” Mr. Adams proves slavery in America was not cruel and heartless. First, the slaves Mr. Adams saw were well fed, dressed nicely and allowed many more privileges than he expected. To confound the myth of cruel treatment and slavery was this particular encounter with a slave. “But was that a freeman who just passed us?” Mr. Adams asked a companion. “No, he is Mr. W.’s servant.” The man was tall and healthy looking and whistled happily as he headed down the road. “Where are your real slaves?” Mr. Adams inquired. “I’d say these are a pretty fair sample.” His friend replied. Mr. Adams found that these slaves were better off than the many recently arrived European immigrants to Northern cities. Here in the South, there was someone who was required by law, that of man and God’s, to care for and protect those under their authority. As was continually pointed out to Mr. Adams during his time at the South, if slaves were unhappy, then why weren’t there more slave rebellions? But the Southern slaves were actually treated with kindness and compassion. They were even taught of the saving grace of God by their God-fearing masters and mistresses. Secondly, Nehemiah Adams was amazed to see the freedom of black slaves joining white plantation owners for worship in the same church building. He knew such a thing would never take place in one of his churches and so was curious to see the faith of the African slave in action. During the service, attention was given to the preacher by all among the congregation, and Mr. Adams was pleased to observe the special Sunday schools set up for slaves of all ages. Later, at a black led worship service, he again marveled at the freedom given to the slaves, and how they chose not to abuse it. The black preacher eloquently spoke of God’s love bestowed upon all mankind, from the master or mistress to the lowest field hand, and how by God’s grace and mercy, each of them could be freed from their bondage of sin. In fact, at one point in time, Mr. Adams asked a slave, who was working all alone in the woods, if he wished to be free. The strong man considered the question and then answered with, “Sir, I only want to be free from my sin.” Finally, the relationship of masters and slaves was faithful. In observing slaves, Mr. Adams saw many of them contented in the current days of plenty, all their needs were met by master or mistress, and there were no worries for the future. The loyalty of slaves was evidenced by particular cases Mr. Adams was told about. Such as the slave who had been sold to another master, that of his own choosing, and finding it to be less to his liking, came to his original master and begged to be taken back into his service. Mr. Adams saw that in most situations the masters truly cared for their slaves, and tried their utmost to protect, teach and train those placed under their care. Slave holders who were suspected of cruelty to their slaves were usually ostracized in the Southern states. It was simply unacceptable to treat slaves inhumanly. Contrasting Northern descriptions of slavery in America, masters could be seen working alongside their slaves, sweating, hauling and sharing their lives together. A true picture of slavery was one of compassion, care and religious instruction, not of cruelty and heartlessness. Slaves were well fed and cared for, allowed religious freedom and for the most part, enjoyed faithful relationships with their masters.” All things work together for good”, perhaps God allowed the African people to come to America to be cared for and told about the love and grace of Christ Jesus, a message they very likely never would have received in their homeland. As Joseph said to his brothers, “What you intended for evil, God turned to good,” possibly slavery turned out to be a blessing in disguise, a tool to reach out, telling otherwise unreachable people about Jesus. Perhaps slavery in America was one of many such cases where God turned evil into good. ~An original paper written for a school assignment