1861 SLAVERY & ABOLITIONISM. Rare Theological Defense of Political Action for the Abolition of Slavery.

A very scarce early theological defense not just against the practice of slavery, but of the active engagement of professing Christians in the task of abolition. 

On Sabbath, December 9th, 1860, New York Presbyterian and noted anti-abolitionist Rev. Henry J. Van Dyke [1822-1891] preached, and subsequently published, one of the most widely distributed anti-abolitionist discourses in the north.

In the treatise, Van Dyke argues that “abolitionism is the chief cause of the strife that agitates and the danger that threatens our country," and is therefore sub-Christian. He further argues that abolitionism itself, even it does not cause division, has no foundation in Scripture and “. . . that the gospel does not forbid slavery . . ." and presciently warns that agitation over slavery will lead to the dissolution of the Union and the danger of war:

“If we were sure of a peaceful solution, at whatever pecuniary or social sacrifice, we would not feel so deeply nor speak earnestly. But who knows that it will be peaceful? Where is the surgeon who can sever one member from this body politic without the shedding of blood?” 

That was December 9th. News of the discourse spread quickly, and by December 23, 1860, another New York Presbyterian [Reformed], J. R. W. Sloane, preached and published a rejoinder, a rejoinder so well received he was invited by the famed Rev. George B. Cheever to come deliver it at the Church of the Puritans as well. It is hot as lava with the tenderness of the evangel of Jesus to the "lowest and least." A superb and historically important production both in general terms on the subjection of slavery and abolition, and more specifically on the issue inside the Presbyterian communion. 

Scarce. No examples on the market at the time of cataloguing. An example of Van Dyke's sermon just sold at auction for $350 and has been offered perhaps a dozen times in the last 50 years or so. Not a single example appears in the records of the present work. 

[Slavery & Abolition]. Sloane, Rev. J. R. W. Review of Rev. Henry J. Van Dyke's Discourse on "The Character and Influence of Abolitionism," A Sermon Preached in the Third Reformed Presbyterian Church, Twenty-Third Street, New York, on Sabbath Evening, December 23, 1860. Also, by Special Request, in the Church of the Puritans (Rev. Dr. Cheever's), on Sabbath Evening, January 6, 1861. New York. William Erving, No. 5 Beekman Street. 1861. 40pp. [Sabin 82173]

Bound in an assembled sammelband at some point, now removed with associated flotsam on spine and a bit tender. Textually very crisp, clean, and complete.