Smith of Demerara
"Smith of Demerara" is a compelling biographical account of the life and ministry of John Smith, a dedicated missionary whose work in the British colony of Demerara became a pivotal flashpoint in the movement to end slavery. Sent by the London Missionary Society to provide spiritual guidance to the enslaved populations on the sugar plantations of South America, Smith's commitment to education and religious instruction eventually placed him at the center of the massive 1823 slave uprising.
The narrative explores the tensions of colonial life, detailing how Smith's presence and teachings were viewed with deep suspicion by the local plantocracy. Following the rebellion, Smith was unjustly accused of inciting the revolt and sentenced to death, earning him the title of the "Demerara Martyr." His subsequent death in a colonial prison served as a powerful catalyst for the abolitionist cause in Great Britain, transforming a local conflict into a national scandal that accelerated the end of the colonial slave system.
This work provides a detailed look at the intersection of faith, social justice, and imperial history. It offers valuable insights into the character of a man who stood firm in his convictions amidst a landscape of systemic oppression, making it an essential read for those interested in missionary history and the struggle for human rights.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Customer Reviews
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
