Let Slavery Die: The Life of Henry Highland Garnet and His 1865 Discourse Before the House of Representatives

“Henry Highland Garnett ranks among the greatest pastors and theologians to ever grace these shores. His powerful gospel witness remains just as relevant today as it was in the mid-19th century. As our nation continues to reckon with the ongoing legacy of slavery, this critical volume is sure to provide much needed wisdom for the journey ahead.”

“For our Christian African American forefathers and foremothers, fighting against slavery was an ethical duty that flowed from what they believed the Scriptures taught about the nature of God, the good news of Jesus, and the coming of a new creation. I am elated that Log College Press has reintroduced us to Henry Highland Garnet—a Presbyterian pastor, statesman, and abolitionist—who reminds us that black Presbyterians were among the most fierce, brilliant, and eloquent opponents of slavery and proponents of American shalom.”

“Henry Highland Garnet was a faithful Presbyterian minister of the Gospel of Jesus who proved at times more radical than even some of his fellow African Americans could support. Yet he persevered in his calling as pastor and abolitionist. As a fellow African American Presbyterian pastor in a predominantly White denomination, I am blessed to see his ministry once again brought to light. Thank you, Log College Press, for highlighting the ministry of this great man of God who, even though dead, yet speaketh.”

“Let Slavery Die is an eye-opening account of the life and ministry of Henry Highland Garnet and the vital role he played in the civil rights movement of the time: abolitionism. The highlight of the work is Rev. Garnet’s Memorial Discourse before the House chambers in 1865. He was the first African American to address the Congress. I would love to see presbyteries include a knowledge of such men as Garnet in the required reading for ordination in the Presbyterian Church in America. Other names such as John Gloucester, Samuel Cornish, J.W.C. Pennington, Francis Grimke, are part of our Presbyterian history and should be held in honor along with the names of Thornwell, Palmer, and Dabney.”

“An insightful examination into the life of Henry Highland Garnet, 19th century Presbyterian African American preacher. An abolitionist and social justice warrior of his time, Garnet’s is the story one of man’s ‘radical’ quest for freedom and liberty for all. A must read for those with an interest in the history of Presbyterians in the abolitionist movement.”

“Reading about the life of Henry Highland Garnet is inspiring, humbling, encouraging, and convicting. In this short piece we get to read the ‘Discourse’ which the Rev. Garnet delivered to both houses of Congress after the passing of the 13th Amendment. How many of us know that the Congress thought this moment deserved a worship service of praise, and invited for the first time in our history a black man to deliver the sermon? This quote from Henry Garnet helps me to continue in the cause of biblical justice: ‘It is often asked when and where will the demands of the reformers of this and coming ages end? It is a fair question, and I will answer. When all unjust and heavy burdens shall be removed from every man in the land.’”