our race, can we do otherwise than hold up our heads and press on with vigor. Sixty years ago the savans of Europe and America were debating the question—"Whether the Negro is a man?" and now there is no moral interest in the world which commands so much attention and regard as that of the black man; agitating even disinterested but generous Europe, from Britain to the domains of the Czar; and shaking, from centre to circumference, the fabric of American nationality. And with all the prerogatives and advantages of our own nationality and Protestantism—the latter of which is not possessed either by our French "West Indian brethren or by Hayti—shall we not strive to take the lead, ere long, of the entire black race, and by our pure example, by the manifestation of thrift and high endeavor, cheer them on their way, and give them full demonstration of the real though latent capacity we possess? Let us accept with gratefulness the indications of God's gracious favor to us, and tread with firmness the open pathway of science, letters, religion, and civilization!
And now I close as I began, holding up before you, in conjunction, the ideas of "God and our country" It is a matter of the primest import that we keep ever fresh and lively in our minds this grand relation: "God and our country." Not God alone, regardless of human relations, for that is nothing but fanaticism: as if there cordd be a healthy piety indifferent to the family or the nation! Nor yet, on the other hand,—"Our country"—mindless of God
