Thoughts on the Religious Instruction of the Negroes of this Country

"Thoughts on the Religious Instruction of the Negroes of this Country," by William S. Plumer, explores the 19th-century debate surrounding religious education for enslaved African Americans, emphasizing the need for their Christianization for both spiritual and social reasons. The book presents historical context and stories of missionary efforts, particularly by Moravians and Methodists, showcasing the positive impacts of religious teaching on enslaved people's lives. The author argues that Christian instruction not only benefits their souls but also promotes order and faithfulness within the enslaved population, calling on Christian owners to morally and ethically educate those they enslave through structured and caring religious guidance.