1772–1773

It was standard practice among Friends when confronting difficult and controversial decisions to wait for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to seek consensus within the affected meeting, and to consult other Friends' meetings. On behalf of the North Carolina Yearly Meeting, the Standing Committee of North Carolina Friends sent the London meeting a yearly epistle. In their 1772 epistle, North Carolina Friends sought guidance on the moral and legal dilemma they faced in the matter of slaveholding. The extract of the Standing Committee said “Friends as are desirous to set them (Negroes) at...

It was standard practice among Friends when confronting difficult and controversial decisions to wait for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to seek consensus within the affected meeting, and to consult other Friends' meetings. On behalf of the North Carolina Yearly Meeting, the Standing Committee of North Carolina Friends sent the London meeting a yearly epistle. In their 1772 epistle, North Carolina Friends sought guidance on the moral and legal dilemma they faced in the matter of slaveholding. The extract of the Standing Committee said “Friends as are desirous to set them (Negroes) at liberty, from Principals of Justice & Christianity are under a great difficulty on that account so that we should be very glad of your Friendly advice and assistance on that account: also if any steps appear to you that might be taken with Prudence and safety.”