Then, when we rid ourselves of prejudice, or
racial feeling, and look facts in the face, we must acknowledge
that, notwithstanding the cruelty and moral wrong of slavery, the
ten million Negroes inhabiting this country, who themselves or
whose ancestors went through the school of American slavery, are
in a stronger and more hopeful condition, materially,
intellectually, morally, and religiously, than is true of an
equal number of black people in any other portion of the globe.
This is so to such an extend that Negroes in this country, who
themselves or whose forefathers went through the school of
slavery, are constantly returning to Africa as missionaries to
enlighten those who remained in the fatherland. This I say, not
to justify slavery--on the other hand, I condemn it as an
institution, as we all know that in America it was established
for selfish and financial reasons, and not from a missionary
motive--but to call attention to a fact, and to show how
Providence so often uses men and institutions to accomplish a
purpose. When persons ask me in these days how, in the midst of
what sometimes seem hopelessly discouraging conditions, I can
have such faith in the future of my race in this country, I
remind them of the wilderness through which and out of which, a
good Providence has already led us.
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