The Argument Between Helper and Fitzhugh

During the 1800s there were mixed opinions on the institution of slavery, some pushing for abolition whereas others were defending it greatly. One of the ways in which this was argued was by usage of various literature as support and evidence. Helper and Fitzhugh implement this argument when pushing for abolition. 

Helper uses the Bible in one of the sections as evidence to push his abolitionist agenda. He argues that the Bible is the original complete anti-slavery text-book and that the Deity would have never approved of slavery. In analyzing the Bible, Helper comes to the conclusion that even the worst system of servitude in the Bible did not hold a candle to slaveryin the Southern state of the Confederacy. He even goes as far to call this an invention by Satan himself and not only that, but one of the most monstrous. He specifically pulls quotes from the Bible itself, establishing his ethos, as well providing evidence to back his claims. The Bible was the bestselling book at the time and was practiced by the majority of the South as their guide of life. Helper knew that and used it against them, claiming that they are not following the will of God and instead sinning so greatly that they had to be following Satan. He even goes as far to challenge pro-slavery advocates, who he knows tries to use the Bible to justify slavery, to write an expose in response correcting any errors he may have made. He suggests that if this is done it will be both comedic and one-sided. 

Fitzhugh also uses literature to back up his abolitionist argument. He argues that Southern literature influenced by the institution of slavery is destructive the prosperity of the material. Fitzhugh acknowledges the counter-argument that there is intellect and great literature within Southern society, providing examples as evidence. However, he counters it with facts in that all of the periodicals published there were 722 in the slaveholding states and 1893 in the free states, based on an 1850 census. 

Both authors employ literature to support their arguments that abolitionism and free states are not only following the will of God more directly, but are also proving to be more successful and profitable. They push back on the institution of slavery by appealing to the passions of Southern people (religion) as well as providing logistical facts that can not be refuted. They acknowledge the sentiment and arguments of pro-slavery advocates, but immediately employ how their arguments counter those ideas.