The History of American Slavery and Methodism, from 1780 to 1849; and History of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection of America; In two parts, with an appendix.
“The denomination was the largest in the country, but the anti-slavery agitation, has resulted in its dismemberment…”
First edition and very rare to commerce. Matlack’s History of American Slavery and Methodism is crucial for its copious knowledge, especially to understanding the secession of the Wesleyan Connection in the context of the larger struggle between Methodists in the North and the South.
A Baltimore native and staunch friend of Frederick Douglass, Lucius C. Matlack was born a Quaker. He converted to Methodism, became an Methodist Episcopal minister, and evolved into a passionate abolitionist. He was licensed to preach at age twenty-one, in 1847, but he lost his license “on account of his anti-slavery sentiments; in 1840 was admitted into the New England Conference; in 1842 withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church and joined in the organization of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection.” (McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia).
During the Civil War, Matlack served as a chaplain in the 8th Illinois Cavalry, later becoming a field officer in the 17th Illinois Cavalry. Subsequently, Matlack was involved in pastoral work in New Orleans, Elkton, Maryland, Wilmington, and Middletown, Delaware and New Orleans. He died in Cambridge, Maryland, June 24, 1883. Matlack is also remembered for penning the introduction for the Narrative Of The Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, a significant contribution to the antislavery movement.
Description: The History of American Slavery and Methodism, from 1780 to 1849; and History of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection of America; In two parts, with an appendix.
New York: [No place], 1849. 12mo. 368 pages + 16 (Appendix). Publisher’s cloth embossed cloth stamped in gilt. Slight rubbing to spine gilt and scattered foxing, primarily confined to the beginning portion of the text; a very good copy.
[3733620]Sabin 46865. Work Dumond, p80. LCP, Afro-Americana 6552. Blockson Catalogue 9511: “Paged continuously. Second part has title: The history of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection of America. With an appendix, showing the results subsequent to secession in the M. E. church.”
Price: $450.00