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Sketches of Slave Life; Or, Illustrations of the 'Peculiar Institution': By Peter Randolph, An Emancipated Slave
Although much has been written about the peculiar institution of slavery, questions still remain about this manifestly cruel system. How could such brutality be tolerated by a modern, civilized society? Perhaps even more importantly, how could the victims cope with the numerous physical and spiritual challenges? Out of print for over 100 years, From Slave Cabin to Pulpit shows the power of faith, of how one man, Peter Randolph, born into miserable poverty and ignorance, after an almost miraculous release from slavery, attained a position of respect and authority in white society. Reminiscent of Frederick Douglass' own narrative, this work provides a carefully written, detailed, and fair portrayal of life in slavery, and the life after it for those fortunate enough to have survived. Randolph traces his growth from illiterate laborer to church minister, all the while unselfishly pointing out that his progress was made largely possible by the care and understanding of people uncontaminated by the sins of the age. He also praises the men and women who helped destroy slavery, but notes that racism still had to be eliminated. Despite his savage mistreatment, he does not seek revenge, nor does he see former slave-holders as beyond redemption.
Excerpt:
In giving the following "Sketches of Slave Life" to the public, the writer hopes that, whatever may be their literary defects, they will help to increase the sympathy now so widely felt for the poor crushed and perishing slaves in this land - a land most untruly styled "the homo of the free and the brave." He has known what it is to be a slave; and now that he has been set free, it is the ruling desire of his heart to do something, however feeble it may be, towards effecting the emancipation of the millions of his afflicted brethren, who are still held in the galling chains of bondage at the South. Remembering that he has never had any education, except such as he has been able to pick up for himself, the readers of this little work (especially in view of its object) will kindly overlook such errors of style as may be found in it.
Excerpt:
In giving the following "Sketches of Slave Life" to the public, the writer hopes that, whatever may be their literary defects, they will help to increase the sympathy now so widely felt for the poor crushed and perishing slaves in this land - a land most untruly styled "the homo of the free and the brave." He has known what it is to be a slave; and now that he has been set free, it is the ruling desire of his heart to do something, however feeble it may be, towards effecting the emancipation of the millions of his afflicted brethren, who are still held in the galling chains of bondage at the South. Remembering that he has never had any education, except such as he has been able to pick up for himself, the readers of this little work (especially in view of its object) will kindly overlook such errors of style as may be found in it.
82 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1855
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