“the painful discipline” slaves were subject to “is necessary for their instruction as a race.” Only “a wise & merciful Providence” knew “how long their subjugation might be necessary.” But, Lee pointed out, “The doctrines & miracles of our Saviour have required nearly two thousand years to convert but a small part of the human race,” which offered a hint as to God’s timetable for emancipation. “We must leave the progress as well as the result in his hands, . . . who Chooses to work by slow influences; & with whom two thousand years are but a single day.” God was clearly in no more of a hurry
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