what did southern slave holders in the early seventeenth century argue as a positive reason for the institution of slavery?

The slave holders had numerous justifications for continuing the practice of slavery in the United States.

Explanation:

1. Economic Reasons: They believed the South's economy was intertwined with slavery, especially the large cotton and maize plantations. A sudden abolishing of slavery would result in destroyed crops and a complete disintegration of the South's largely agricultural economy.

2. Social Reasons: The South believed that ending slavery would result in anarchy and chaos similar to the one seen in the French revolution. With millions of slaves without any home, money or job, things would get catastrophic.

3. Historical Reasons: They believed that slavery was an integral part of history. The Romans, Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Indian and the British had slaves and it was a natural social order.

4. Religious: They pointed out to the Bible and Torah to show how prophets held slaves and it was natural.