"The Southern slave would obey God in respect to marriage, and also to the reading and studying of His word. But this, as we have seen, is forbidden him"

Gerrit Smith, a 19th-century abolitionist and social reformer, was deeply bought the motion to end slavery in the United States. This quote shows his critique of the institution of slavery, highlighting its moral and ethical contradictions, particularly in relation to Christian values.

Smith starts by referencing "The Southern servant" and their intention to "obey God in regard to marriage, and likewise to the reading and studying of His word". This statement highlights the essential human rights and spiritual aspirations of enslaved individuals, highlighting their desire to live according to Christian concepts. Marital relationship, as a spiritual organization, and the ability to engage with religious texts are represented as innate rights that should be available to all people, despite their social status.

Nevertheless, Smith follows this by pointing out that "this, as we have seen, is forbidden him". In this context, "this" refers to the fulfillment of these spiritual and moral desires, which are methodically denied by the organization of slavery. The prohibition versus servants weding lawfully or being able to read and study the Bible highlights the dehumanizing elements of slavery. Slaveholders often intentionally kept enslaved people illiterate as a means of maintaining control, fearing that education and spiritual knowledge may influence rebellion or demands for liberty.

By highlighting these prohibitions, Smith criticizes the hypocrisy of a society that proclaims Christian values while all at once rejecting fundamental human rights to a significant part of its population. His argument exposes the broader injustice and moral stopping working fundamental in the institution of slavery. Smith's words are a call to recognize the humankind and spiritual aspirations of enslaved people, advocating for their right to reside in accordance with their beliefs and for the abolition of slavery as a method to attain real Christian and moral positioning.