. . .The responsibility, nevertheless, is the same as if our churches alone had taught the doctrines which brought freedom to the slave.

This, however, is only the first step in the work they did for the negro. No sooner was he made free than they insisted that he should be invested with all the dignities and rights of citizenship. They urged this upon the Government when nothing but the direst necessity could justify it in putting the ballot into the hands of a million ignorant voters. The change in the negro’s condition was so radical—so above his capacity and education—that the highest moral obligation rested upon those who brought it about, to see that he was fitted for its duties. This was so clear to the Southern people that they have said, with as much force as logic: “We were ready to take care of the negro as a slave, in our way; but the North took him out of our hands by violence, and now let it take care of him in its way.” And. . . Read More