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answer to the question, Is the Negro cursed? depends altogether upon the answer given to the question, Is Ham cursed? If the Noachic cursings were really directed against Ham, then must his negro descendants prepare to take their full share. We acknowledge the validity of Noah's malediction. His reputed intemperance affects not its force. God's oracles are of his own choosing, and in no way can they affect the message which they may deliver. A tongue only is needed; whether it be in the head of a stupid ass, a lucre-loving Balaam or a drunken Noah, it is equally the Lord's mouth-piece. But the Scripture says of Noah: "And he 23