1882 SLAVERY & PRESBYTERIANS. History of the Associated Reformed Synod of the South.

Rather rare early extensive history of the origins and development of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South [later, Associate Reformed Presbyterians]. Self-published, Lathan spends an extensive amount of time recounting ARSS interaction with the subject of slavery. As a strong wave of abolitionist sentiment spread through the seminaries of the North, it seems the Southern confessionally Reformed Presbyterians sought to create a seminary with a more open position on the issue of slavery. 

Lathan attempts to make the case that the ARSS was not pro-slavery, which is less clear than he would like it to be. It is true, as Lathan notes, that the ARSS opposed legislation that would prohibit the education of enslaved persons. They knew it would preclude religious education and therefore be against their missional commitments. However, again and again, they failed to speak up regarding the institution of chattel slavery more generally and were, at times overtly and at times by default, a significant part of an enabling pro-slavery culture. 

Slaves, slavery, plantations, work among enslaved persons, colonization, etc., are mentioned nearly 100 times in the text. An important record of the interaction between one strand of Christianity and the issue of slavery.

Lathan, Robert. History of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, to Which is Prefixed a History of the Associate Presbyterian and Reformed Presbyterian Churches. Harrisburg, Pa. Published for the Author. 1882. 418pp.

A good to good - copy, bound in cloth that is chipped and with ex library markings. A bit shaken. Generally bright and clean.