The Just Limitation of Slavery in the Laws of God
Compared with the Unbounded Claims of the African Traders and British American Slaveholders

Originally published in 1776, this tract is a rigorous riposte to the argument that slavery is sanctioned by God.

Granville Sharp (Author)

9781108060158, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 June 2013

182 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.1 cm, 0.24 kg

The author and campaigner Granville Sharp (1735–1813) was born in Durham to a religious family. In 1765, a chance encounter with a slave, Jonathan Strong, sparked the serious interest in abolitionism that in due course saw him become a founding member of the London committee of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Due in part to his efforts and writings, the anti-slavery movement in Britain gained public attention and became a more focused and organised campaign. This tract, originally published in 1776, is one of several anti-slavery works that Sharp produced in that year. A rigorous defence of liberty and of 'the honour of holy Scriptures', it is a riposte to the idea that slavery is sanctioned by God, citing the biblical doctrines of 'Thou shalt not oppress a stranger' and 'Love thy neighbour as thyself'. Also included are several appendices of material relating to the abolitionist cause.

The just limitation of slavery
Appendix 1. An essay on slavery
Appendix 2. Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Maryland, to his friend in London
Appendix 3. A letter from Granville Sharp, to Jacob Bryant, Esq, concerning the descent of the negroes
Appendix 4. Mr Bryant's answer to the foregoing letter
Appendix 5. The regulations lately adopted by the Spaniards, at the Havanna, and some other places, for the gradual enfranchisement of slaves, are to the following effect
Appendix 6. Extract of a letter from the author to a gentleman at Philadelphia
Appendix 7. Extract from Mr Morgan's book, intituled, 'A Plan for the Abolition of Slavery, in the West Indies'
Appendix 8. A copy of what 'is said to be the substance of Lord Mansfield's speech in the case of Somerset and Knowles'
Appendix 9. Remarks on the judgment of the court of King's Bench, in the case of Stewart and Somerset, by Granville Sharp
Appendix 10. Case, prerogative court, May 11th, 1773, Cay and Crichton
Appendix 11. High court of Admiralty, before Sir Geo. Hay, Knt. L.L.D. June, 29, 1776
Appendix 12. From the General Evening Post, No. 6033. June 13th, 1772
Index of texts referred to in the foregoing work
Index.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH]