Lynchburg Virginian

From the Christian Sentinel.

JOHN HERSEY AND HIS BOOKS.

DEAR BROTHER DRAKE:

While busy rumor, tinged with the complexion of the times, was actively engaged in circulating vile reports respecting me, I felt no uneasiness of mind, because it is only truth which can wound or stain. In reference, however, to a circumstance which occurred recently in Richmond, I wish to say a few words. The books of mine which the Committee of Vigilance brought into notice and committed to the flames, had been laid aside, nor did I attempt to circulate them publicly, after the excitement which now agitates our country was called into existence. These books were published more than two years ago, and have been openly circulated in this and other slaveholding states since that time, and have been highly approved of by the most intelligent and respectable slaveholders who have examined them.

Although I am neither ashamed nor afraid to meet any legal or rational tribunal on earth, to account for the doctrine and sentiments expressed in this book; yet in view of that divine precept (by which I hope ever to be governed) "Abstain from all appearance of evil," I had declined circulating them under existing circumstances; and although some of them were packed up with other religious books to be forwarded to me, it was not done by my request or wish.

This book, it appears, has been denounced as an incendiary publication: if so, then am I guilty of a violation of the law of heaven, and a gross outrage upon society. The most pointed remarks which can be found in it in reference to the subject of slavery, are taken from the pen of Thomas Jefferson, and the speeches of several members of the Legislature, delivered publicly in the Capitol at Richmond, in 1832, and published in the newspapers of that city. If those extracts have been considered inflammatory or offensive, the guilt cannot fall on my head—I am not the offender.

My own sentiments expressed and inculcated in this publication in reference to servants, are, that they are bound to obey their master's commands implicitly and willingly, or they cannot please God, or be received into heaven. I fear, however, that my principles do not accord with the fashionable views and movements of the present times. I have always believed, and enforced the sentiment, publicly and privately, that without prompt and honorable obedience to the laws and rules of the land—to parents and also to masters, (unless those who govern should command those under their authority to violate the plain laws of God,) neither virtue, nor security nor happiness, can long be enjoyed by any community. In the publication under consideration, it is true I have examined the relation which exists between the master and servant, and have adverted to the master's duty, in a plain, but a respectful, affectionate and rational manner. I also recommended the master, and all who are concerned in this matter, to retrench their expenses, and cut off their unnecessary extravagances, and cast the redeemed amount into the funds of the Colonization Society.

There is no sentiment expressed in the book which even recommends general emancipation, because I do not believe the slaves are at present qualified to appreciate a state of liberty, particularly if they are to remain in this country; their freedom would not ameliorate their condition, unless they were placed in a country to themselves.

And has it been recorded upon the page of our country's history, that such a book has been condemned and burned by public authority, in the metropolis of one of the principal states of this free, christian land! Surely those who authorized this act will reflect deliberately upon it under other circumstances, and render justice to its author.

Rumor, with its thousand inventive tongues, has identified me with the abolitionists at the north, and stamped the mark of abolitionist on my character. All I have to say is this: I have never had any intercourse with these abolitionists, either directly or indirectly. I spent several weeks during the past year in New York, nor did I become personally acquainted with one member of the anti-slavery society. By request, I called to see a lady who appeared to be a zealous friend of that society. I advised her to cultivate a better spirit, and pursue a different course; nor have I seen her since, nor do I even recollect her name. In Philadelphia I called on an individual two or three times, (on business,) who, I afterwards learned was an abolitionist. This is all the personal acquaintance I have, and all the intercourse I have had with them in any way, except that I made some remarks respecting them in a letter published in the Christian Advocate and Journal, dated July 18th, 1834. It is true, I approve and advocate the plan of the Colonization Society, believing it to be the best and only rational method which can be devised to benefit permanently the condition of the slave. If this sentiment constitutes me an abolitionist, I am contented to bear the appellation, particularly as it associates me, in reference to this subject, with some of the most distinguished patriots, statesmen and philanthropists of this State.

May Heaven in mercy bless, and save our Church and State from any and every evil.

Respectfully yours,

JOHN HERSEY.

P. S. If there is nothing improper in the above communication, and you can do so conveniently, I will esteem it a great favor if you will insert it in the next number of your paper. As the political papers in Richmond published the account of the burning of the books, which has exerted a wide influence against me and the cause of religion, will you be kind enough to request them to re-publish this letter.

J. H.

Madison County, Oct. 6th, 1835.