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38 the untold, but to confine ourselves strictly to what is given us. Noah played the part of the drunkard. Ham makes known his condition to his brothers Shem and Japheth. Shem and Japheth, with the most commendable modesty, cover their father's shame, and Canaan is cursed. Thus briefly may the whole affair be told. The parts played by Noah, Shem, and Japheth, are doubtless given in full. A shade rests over the part enacted by Ham and his son Canaan. But as far as the action of these two are given, toward which does the account point as the guilty party? What is this account, howsoever indefinite? We have already been told Ham revealed his father's condition and Canaan was cursed. We admit the blackness of the shade as here met, yet peering into it as far as may be, like blind Samson, there is one pillar we may lay hold upon. The part took by Ham is uncertain, the part took, by Canaan is uncertain, but the Spirit of inspiration, with whom there was no uncertainty, pronounced the curse on Canaan! and Ham went free. More conclusive evidence may be demanded by curiosity, but not by faith.

CANAAN cursed, the negro is free, the recipient of the common blessing pronounced—not by Noah under doubtful circumstances, but by God Himself.