Page:An essay on the origin and relative status of the white and colored races of mankind.djvu/40

 have a literal fulfilment of the ominous predictions of those eminent statesmen, above quoted. But some Theologians say that if the Black man is not a lineal descendant from Adam, he is, consequently, left without a Savior; because, they say, that it was through the fall of Adam, that created the necessity of a Savior. In answer to that, I would say, that if he belongs to the human family—as I believe he and all others do, who have the faculties of speech and of reason—however limited in degree; and, was in existence, prior to the advent of the Savior, as he undoubtedly was; and as the Savior died for the salvation of all mankind; He must have died for his salvation also, as a part of mankind; and, therefore, I can see no danger of his being left outside of the pale of redemption, on account of his separate creation. But if he should not be embraced in it, God, who created him, will, in his infinite wisdom, justly provide for his ultimate destiny, whatever it may be, and is accountable to Himself, alone, for whatever disposition may be made of him. The relative status of the inferiority of the black man is no fault of his, nor the fault of his Creator, whose indisputable sovereign pleasure it was to fix it at whatever standard he chose, as he did that of Man below the Angels. But nevertheless, barring his political and social equality, the superior Race ought to extend to him, in a magnanimous christian spirit, equal protection of the law, while he remains here, and a full opportunity to improve his mental faculties according to his capacity; so as to qualify him to intelligently seek his own salvation, and to carry the tidings of the gospel to the land of his forefathers; and there to spread them, so as to civilize and evangelize benighted Africa. For, in my opinion he was permitted to be brought in contact with the white race, here, in the capacity of a slave, and by association with a