Seabury, Samuel

(June 9, 1801-Oct. 10, 1872). Priest, educator, and editor. The grandson and namesake of the first bishop of the Episcopal Church, he was born in New London, Connecticut. Although he was unable to obtain a formal college education, he pursued classical and theological studies privately. He was ordained deacon on Apr. 12, 1826, and priest on July 7, 1828. He served in the Diocese of New York for his entire ministry. Seabury was rector of the Church of the Annunciation, New York, from 1838 to 1868. He also served at the General Theological Seminary, New York, as professor of evidences, 1835-1838, and as professor of biblical learning, 1862-1872. Seabury edited The Churchman from Sept. 1, 1833, until Feb. 1849. During his tenure as editor, he championed high church theology and welcomed the influence of the Oxford Movement on American church life. Seabury was the author of a number of books, the most notable being American Slavery . . . Justified by the Law of Nature. This defense of slavery in the South was published in 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War. It caused serious scandal both inside and outside the Episcopal Church. Seabury died in New York City.