Dear Reverend

Dear Reverend Moses Stewart,

I have recently become aware of your sentiments on the issue that is the abomination of slavery.  Many clergy defend the sinful institution of slavery, which I unequivocally condemn however I find your support of the fugitive slave act to be even more morally dubious.  From the pulpit you proclaimed that, “we may pity the fugitive, yet the Mosaic Law does not authorize the rejection of the claims of the slaveholders to their stolen or strayed property.”  Such an assertion is without biblical grounds – the Lord unambiguously commands his followers to protect slaves whom have escaped from their masters.  Deuteronomy 23:15-16 states that, “thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee: He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.”  Hence, you and your brethren are in direct defiance of the Lord almighty when you support the fugitive slave act, whether through sermon, pen, or action. 

While, I wholly believe that scripture soundly denounces the existence of slavery that is a discussion fit for a later time.  Presently, I call on you to realign your message with that of the Lord’s.  I expect you and your congregation to abstain from assisting slave hunters whom venture into your providence endeavoring to return freemen into bondage.  Moreover, I suggest you help shelter and assist slaves whom, by the grace of God, have reached their freedom in your city – it is our calling as children of the almighty to aid those who are suffering, and needy. 

Sincerely Yours,

Reverend Samuel May, Jun