Summary Of Slavery By Leonard Black

This passage is written and depicted by Leonard Black, a slave born in Annarudel county about 60 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. In the early start of his story Black lets the reader know due to learning limitations forced upon slaves he had little education. And by writing this it would help with further continuation of his scholarly studies from the funds gained by its sale. This story was published in the year of 1847. Black questions throughout his narrative how one could be a Christian and not see the true evils of slavery. He struggled with understanding being able to think of a another human being as inferior and compared to livestock, chattel! Black was bonded in slavery for over 20 years and his first owner was a carpenter, Mr. Bradford …show more content…
Whilst out collecting fire wood Leonard Black used his new master’s Old Mr. Bradford, lodge to warm. Upon being discovered his master said to him “if you want to be warmed, I 'll warm you." He took the tongs, heated them in the fire, and branded my legs.” (Black 9) He was continuously exposed to hatred and throughout the narrative Black questioned how a slave owner could devote their faith to Christ, but still partake in the grim realities of slavery. “Christians! I beseech you, do not become backsliders; especially slave-holding Christians! for the terrible effects of backsliding, slave-holding Christianity are awfully developed in my history!” (Black 9) Surprising Black found it in his heart to not feel any ill will towards his previous slave owners. The death of old Mr. Bradford “delivered me from his hands. I rejoiced. God only knows whether he went to perdition. With all my heart I have forgiven him.” (Black …show more content…
Black relied solely on his relationship with God and his faith to overcome being enslaved. He used his Christian commit to flew slavery and promised if he was able to gain freedom he would never waver from the love of the Lord. He escaped and settled in Boston but it was not with out a up hill battle of deciding who he could trust, if he was running in the correct direction and facing the pain of hunger. All the while Black clung to Christ who he said lead him to safety. Once Black got himself established in town, he later would marry and start a family. He worked odd end jobs to support his wife and kids but nothing was very stable, that seems to be a steady factor for runaway slaves there was not a guarantee of income. An unfortunate accident, of a horse falling onto Mr. Black and breaking his leg placed him out of work. While pondering the families financial predicament he experienced a reveling moment from God “I remembered the vow I had made to God. My eyes gushed out with tears. I could say then as did David of old--" I found trouble and sorrow, then called I upon the name of the Lord." I found the Lord my refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. I said it was better to have a broken leg in a land of freedom, than to have sound limbs under the curse of slavery.” (Black 46) Now given his renewed faith Black beings to ask the reader a series of questions. “it