A TREATISE

on the

INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER,

and Civil

and Political Condition of the

COLORED PEOPLE OF THE U. STATES;

and the

Prejudice Exercised towards Them:

With a Sermon

on the Duty of the Church to Them

 

by Rev H. Easton

A Colored Man

 

PREFACE.

IT IS WITH diffidence that I offer this treatise to the public; but an earnest desire to contribute my mite, for the benefit of my afflicted brethren, is my only apology. The subject is one of peculiar difficulty; especially as it is one in which I am deeply interested.

To speak or write on a subject relating to one’s self, is peculiarly embarrassing; and especially so, under a deep sense of injury.

As an apology for the frequent errors that may occur in the following pages, I would remark: It cannot be reasonably expected, that a literary display could adorn the production of one from whom popular sentiment has withheld almost every advantage, even of a common education.

If this work should chance to fall into the hands of any whose minds are so sordid, and whose hearts are so inflexible, as to load it, with its author, with censure on that account merely, I would only say to them, that I shall not be disposed to envy them in the enjoyment of their sentiments, while I endeavor to content myself in the enjoyment of a consciousness of having done what I could to effect the establishment of righteousness and peace in the earth.

Hartford, Ct., March, 1837

 

 

INTRODUCTION.

I CONCLUDE that, by this time, one great truth is acknowledged by all Christendom, viz.-God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth. Or, in other words, I conclude it is a settled point with the wisest of the age, that no constitutional difference exists in the children of men, which can be said to be established by hereditary laws. If the proposition be granted, it will follow, that whatever differences exist, are casual or accidental. The variety of color, in the human species, is the result of the same laws which variegate the whole creation. The same species of flowers is variegated with innumerable colors; and yet the species is the same, possessing the same general qualities, undergoing no intrinsic change, from these accidental causes. So it is with the human species. These varieties are indispensable, for the distinction of different objects, throughout the whole range of creation.

The hair is subject to the same laws of variety with the skin, though it may be considered in a somewhat different light. Were I asked why my hair is curled, my answer would be, because God gave nature the gift of producing variety, and that gift, like uncontrolled power every where, was desirous to act like itself; and thus being influenced by some cause unknown to man, she turned out her work in the form of my hair; and on being influenced by some other cause, she turned out hair of different texture, and gave it to another man. This would be the best answer I could give; for it is impossible for man to comprehend nature or her works. She has been supplied with an ability by her author to do wonders, insomuch that some have been foolish enough to think her to be God. All must confess she possesses a mysterious power to produce variety. We need only visit the potato and corn patch, (not a costly school,) and we shall be perfectly satisfied; for there, in the same hill, on one stalk, sprung from one potato, you may find several of different colors; and upon the same corn-stalk you may find two ears, one white or yellow, and the other deep red; and some-times you may find an astonishing variety of colors displayed on one ear among the kernels; and what makes the observation more de-lightful, they are never found quarrelling about their color, though some have shades of extreme beauty. If you go to the field of grass, you will find that all grass is the same grass in variety; go to the herds and flocks, and among the feathered tribe, or view nature where you will, she tells us all that we can know, why it is that one man’s head bears woolly, and another flaxen hair.

But when we come to talk about intellectual differences, we are brought into a new field of investigation. I call it a new or another field, because I cannot believe that nature has any thing to do in variegating intellect, any more than it has power over the soul. Mind can act on matter, but matter cannot act upon mind; hence it fills an entirely different sphere; therefore, we must look for a cause of difference of intellect elsewhere, for it cannot be found in nature. In looking for a cause, we have no right to go above nor below the sphere which the mind occupies; we cannot rationally conceive the cause to originate with God, nor in matter. Nature never goes out of her own limits to produce her works; all of which are perfect so far as she is concerned, and most assuredly God’s works are perfect; hence, whatever imperfections there are in the mind, must have originated within its own sphere. But the question is, what is the cause and the manner it affects? Originally there was no difference of intellect, either constitutional or casual. Man was perfect, and therefore to him there was no exception. After he fell, we immediately find a difference of mind. In Abel we find characteristics of a noble soul, a prolific mind; his understanding appears to have been but very little, if any, impaired by the fall. But in Cain we find quite the reverse. His mind appears to have been narrow-his understanding dark-having wrapped himself up in a covetous mantle as contemptible as his conduct was wicked.

Now I see no reason why the causes of difference do not exist in the fall-in the act of transgression; for certain it is that the mind has since been subject to the influence of every species of evil, which must be a secondary cause to the existing effect. Or the subject may be viewed in the following light, viz.: evil and good exist in the world, and as the mind is influenced by the one or the other, so is the different effect produced thereby.

There is no truth more palpable than this, that the mind is capable of high cultivation; and that the degree of culture depends entirely on the means or agents employed to that end. In a country, therefore, where public sentiment is formed in favor of improving the mind, whatever the object may be, whether to promote good or evil, the mind is influenced thereby. The practical exercise of the mind is es-essential also to improvement and growth, and is directed likewise by public sentiment.

Public sentiment is founded on the real or imaginary interests of parties, whose individual interests are identified one with another. Public sentiment itself is directed in the exercise of its influence, by incidental circumstances, either local or foreign. In this current the mind is borne along, and at the instance of every change of event, is called to a new exercise of thought, conclusions, purposes, &c.; whereas, had it not been for the change, there would have been no action produced in the mind: for it is manifest, that the sphere which mankind are destined to fill, is surrounded with a great variety of acting laws, which, were it not for such causes, would make their minds entirely passive; but, under the influence of those causes, they are made to act not from constraint, but in accordance with an innate desire to avail themselves of collateral aid to their operations. It is manifest, therefore, that the more varying or complex the state of a people is incidentally rendered, the more power there is extant to call up renewed energies of the mind, the direct tendency of which is to confirm and strengthen it. Hence I deem it a fair conclusion, that whatever differences there are in the power of the intellect of nations, they are owing to the difference existing in the casual laws by which they are influenced. By consulting the history of nations, it may be seen that their genius perfectly accords with their habits of life, and the general maxims of their country; and that these habits and maxims possess a sameness of character with the incidental circum-stances in which they originated.

As the intellect of a particular class will be in part the subject of this treatise, I wish in this place to follow the investigation of national difference of intellect, with its cause, by comparing the history of Europe and Africa.

Ham was the son of Noah, and founder of the African race, and progenitor to Assur, who probably founded the first government after the flood. It is evident from the best authority extant, that the arts and sciences flourished among this branch of the great family of man, long before its benefits were known to any other. History is explicit with regard to their hospitality also. At an early period of the existence of the government of Egypt, and while Chederlaomer, king of the Elamites, had already commenced the practice of robbery and bloodshed, Abraham was obliged by a famine to leave Canaan, where God had commanded him to settle, and to go into Egypt. ‘This journey,’ says a historian, ‘gives occasion for Moses to mention some particulars with regard to the Egyptians; and every stroke discovers the character of an improved and powerful nation. The Egyptian monarch, and the grandeur of his court, are described in the most glowing colors;-and Ham, who let the colony into Egypt, has become the founder of a mighty empire. We are not, however, to imagine, that all the laws which took place in Egypt, and which have been so justly admired for their wisdom, were the work of this early age. Diodorus Siculus, a Greek writer, mentions many successive princes, who labored for their establishment and perfection. But in the time of Jacob, first principles of civil government seem to have been tolerably under-stood among the Egyptians. The country was divided into several districts or separate departments; councils, composed of experienced and select persons, were established for the management of public affairs; granaries for preserving corn were erected; and, in fine, the Egyptians in this age enjoyed a commerce far from inconsiderable. These facts, though of an ancient date, deserve our particular attention. It is from the Egyptians, that many of the arts, both of elegance and ability, have been handed down in an uninterrupted chain, to modern nations of Europe. The Egyptians communicated their arts to the Greeks; the Greeks taught the Romans many improvements, both in the arts of peace and war; and to the Romans, the present inhabitants of Europe are indebted for their civility and refinement.’

This noble people were not content with the enjoyment of luxury and ease, to the exclusion of their neighbors. At an early period they are found carrying the blessings of civilization into Greece; and, al-though repulsed in their first attempt by the rude barbarity of the Greeks, yet their philanthropy soon inspired them to resume the enterprise, which resulted in the settlement of two colonies, one in Argos, and the other in Attica. The founders of these colonies succeeded in their endeavors to unite the wandering Greeks, which laid a foundation for the instructions they afterwards gave them. Sesostris, a prince of wonderful ability, is supposed to mount the throne of Egypt about 2341 years before Christ. Egypt in his time, it is said, was in all probability the most powerful kingdom upon earth, and according to the best calculation, is supposed to contain twenty-seven millions of inhabitants. From the reign of Sesostris to that of Boccharis, a term of near 800 years, but little is known of the princes who reigned, but it is believed from collateral evidence, that the country in that time continued in a very flourishing condition, and for aught that is known, enjoyed uninterrupted peace. Wars and commotions, (says an eminent writer,) are the greatest themes of the historian, while the gentle and happy reign of a wise prince passes unobserved and unrecorded. During this period of quietude at home, Egypt continued to pour forth her colonies into distant nations. Athens, that seat of learning and politeness, that school for all who aspired after wisdom, owes its foundation to Cecrops, who landed in Greece, with an Egyptian colony, before Christ 1585. The institutions which he established among the Athenians gave rise to the spread of the morals, arts and sciences in Greece, which have since shed their luster upon Rome, Europe, and America.

From the reign of Boccharis to the dissolution of their government, the Egyptians are celebrated for the wisdom of their laws and political institutions, which were dictated by the true spirit of civil wisdom. It appears that this race of people, during their greatest prosperity, made but very little proficiency in the art of war. We hear of but little of their conquests of armies, which is an evidence of their being an unwarlike people.

On taking a slight view of the history of Europe, we find a striking contrast. Javan, the third from Noah, and son of Japhet, is the stock from whom all the people known by the name of Greeks are de-scended. Javan established himself in the islands on the Western coast of Asia Minor. It is supposed, and it may not be impossible, that a few wanderers would escape over into Europe. Who would believe, says a writer, that the Greeks, who in latter ages became the patterns of politeness and every elegant art, were descended from a savage race of men, traversing the woods and wilds, inhabiting the rocks and caverns, a wretched prey to wild beasts and to one another. I would here remark that it is a little singular that modern philosophers, the descendants of this race of savages, should claim for their race a superiority of intellect over those who, at that very time, were enjoying all the real benefits of civilized life.

The remnant of this race which found their way to Europe from Asia Minor, are brought into notice but very little until after Rome had conquered the world. On the decline of that empire, from the death of Theodosius the great, A. D. 395 to A. D. 571, all Europe exhibited a picture of most melancholy Gothic barbarity. Literature,  science, taste, were words scarce in use from this period to the sixteenth century. Persons of the highest rank could not read or write. Many of the clergy did not understand the learning which they were obliged daily to write; some of them could scarce read it.

The Goths and Vandals, and other fierce tribes, who were scattered over the vast countries of the North of Europe and Northwest of Asia, were drawn from their homes by a thirst for blood and plunder. Great bodies of armed men, with their wives and children, issued forth like regular colonies in quest of new settlements. New adventurers followed them. The lands which they deserted were occupied by more remote tribes of barbarians. These in their turn, pushed into more fertile countries, and like a torrent continually increasing, rolled on, and swept every thing before them.

Wherever the barbarians marched, their route was marked with blood. They ravaged or destroyed all around them. They made no distinction between what was sacred and what was profane. They respected no age, or sex, or rank. If man was called upon, (says an eminent historian,) to fix upon the period in the history of the world, during which the condition of the human race was most calamitous and afflicted, he would, without hesitation, name that which elapsed from A. D. 395 to 511. Cotemporary [sic] authors, who beheld that scene of destruction, labor and are at a loss for expressions to de-scribe the horror of it. The scourge of God, the destroyer of nations, are the dreadful epithets by which they distinguish the most noted of the barbarous leaders.

Towards the close of the sixth century, the Saxons or Germans were masters of the Southern and more fertile provinces of Britain: the Franks, another tribe of Germans; the Goths of Spain; the Goths and Lombards of ltaly, and the adjacent provinces.

During the period above mentioned, European slavery was introduced. Having, as yet, the art of navigation but very imperfectly, it seemed to be the whole bent of their mind to enslave each other.

A form of government, distinguished by the name of the Feudal system, was one under which the leaders of these barbarians became intolerable. They reduced the great body of them to actual servitude. They were slaves fixed to the soil, and with it transferred from one proprietor to another, by sale, or by conveyance. The kindred and dependants of an aggressor, as well as of a defender, were involved in a quarrel, without even the liberty of remaining neutral, whenever their superiors saw fit.

The king or general to whom they belonged, would lead them on to conquest, parcel out the land of the vanquished among his chief officers, binding those on whom they were bestowed, to follow his standard with a number of men, and to bear arms in his defence. The chief officers imitated the example of their sovereign, and in distributing portions of their lands among their dependents, annexed the same conditions to the grant.

For the smallest pretext they would make war with one another, and lead their slaves on to conquest; and take the land and goods of their foes as the reward of their enterprise. This system existed in the highlands in Scotland, as late as the year 1156.

It is not a little remarkable, that in the nineteenth century a remnant of this same barbarous people should boast of their national superiority of intellect, and of wisdom and religion; who, in the seventeenth century, crossed the Atlantic and practised the same crime their barbarous ancestry had done in the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries: bringing with them the same boasted spirit of enterprise; and not unlike their fathers, staining their route with blood, as they have rolled along, as a cloud of locusts, towards the West. The late unholy war with the Indians, and the wicked crusade against the peace of Mexico, are striking illustrations of the nobleness of this race of people, and the powers of their mind. I will here take a brief review of the events following each race from their beginning.

Before Christ 2188, Misraim, the son of Ham, founded the kingdom of Egypt, which lasted 1633 years.

2059, Ninus, the son of Belus, another branch of Ham’s family, founds the kingdom of Assyria, which lasted 1000 years, and out of its ruins Babylon, Ninevah, and the kingdom of the Medes.

1822, Memnon, the Egyptian, invents the letters.

1571, Moses born in Egypt, and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, who educated him in all the learning of the Egyptians.

1556, Cecrops brings a colony from Egypt into Attica, and begins the kingdom of Athens, in Greece.

1485, The first ship that appeared in Greece was brought from Egypt by Danaus, who arrived at Rhodes, and brought with him his fifty daughters.

869, The city of Carthage, in Africa, founded by queen Dido.

604, By order of Necho, king of Egypt, some Phenicians, sailed from the Red Sea round Africa, and returned by the Mediterranean.

600, Thales, of Miletus, travels to Egypt, to acquire the knowledge of geometry, astronomy, and philosophy; returns to Greece and calculates eclipses, gives general notions of the universe, &c.

285, Dionysius, of Alexandria, began his astronomical era, on Monday, June 26, being the first who found the exact solar year to consist of 365 days, 5 hours, and 49 minutes.

284, Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, employs seventy-two interpreters to translate the Old Testament into the Greek language, which was called the Septuagint.

237, Hamilcar, the Carthagenian, causes his son Hannibal, at nine

years of age, to swear eternal enmity to the Romans.

218, Hannibal passes the Alps, at the age of 28 years, and defeats the Romans in several battles.

47, The Alexandrian library, consisting of 400,000 valuable books

burned by accident.

30, Alexandria is taken by Octavius, upon which Mark Antony and Cleopatra, put themselves to death, and Egypt is reduced to a Roman province.

640, A. D., Alexandria is taken by the Saracens, or followers of

Mahomet, and the grand library burned by order of Omar, their caliph or prince.

991, The figures in arithmetic are brought into Europe by the Saracens from Arabia. [Poor negroes, I wonder where they got learning.

 

These are the race of people who are charged with an inferiority of intellect.

Africa could once boast of several states of eminence, among which are Egypt, Ethiopia, and Carthage; the latter supported an extensive commerce, which was extended to every part of the then known world. Her fleets even visited the British shores, and was every where prosperous. until she was visited with the scourge of war, which opened the way-for those nations whose life depended on plunder. The Romans have the honor. by the assistance of the Mauritanians, of subduing Carthage; after which the North of Africa was overrun by the Vandals, who, in their march destroyed all arts and sciences; and, to add to the calamity of this quarter of the world, the Saracens made a sudden conquest of all the coasts of Egypt and Barbary. in the seventh century. And these were succeeded by the Turks, both being of the Mahomedan Teligion, whose professors carried desolation wherever they went: and thus the ruin of that once flourishing-part of the world was completed. Since that period, Africa has been robbed of her riches and honor, and sons and daughters, to glut the rapacity of the great minds of European bigots.

The following is a short chronological view of the events following the rise of the Europeans.

1. D. 49, London is founded by the Romans.

51, Caractacus, the British king is carried in chains to Rome. 59, Nero persecutes the Druids in Britain.

61, The British queen defeats the Romans, but is conquered soon after by Suetonius, governor of Britain..

63, Christianity introduced into Britain.

85, Julius Agricola, governor of South Britain, to protect the civilized Britons from the incursions of the Caledonians, builds a line of forts between the rivers Forth and Clyde; defeats the Caledonians; and first sails round Britain, which he discovers to be an island.

222, About this time the barbarians begin their eruptions and the Goths have annual tribute not to molest the Roman government.

274, The art of manufacturing silk first introduced into Britain from India; the manufacturing of it introduced into Europe by some monks, 551.

404, The kingdom of Caledonia, or Scotland, revives under Fergus.

406, The Vandals, Alans, and Suevi spread in France and Spain, by a concession of Honorius, emperor of the West.

410, Rome taken and plundered by Alaric, king of visi-Goths. 412, The Vandals begin their kingdom in Spain.

446, The Romans having left the Britons to themselves, are greatly harassed by the Scots and Picts, they make their complaints to Rome again, which they entitle, the groans of the Britons.

449, The Saxons join the Britons against the Scots and Picts.

455, Saxons having repulsed the Scots and Picts begin to establish themselves in Kent under Hengist.

476, Several new states arise in Italy and other parts, consisting of Goths, Vandals, Huns, and other barbarians, under whom literature is extinguished, and the works of the learned are destroyed.

496, Clovis, king of France, baptized, and Christianity begins in that kingdom.

508, Prince Arthur begins his reign over the Britons.

609, Here begins the power of the Pope by the concession of Phocas, emperor of the east.

685, The Britons, after a struggle of near 150 years, are totally expelled by the Saxons, and drove into Wales and Cornwall.

712, The Saracens conquer Spain.

726, The controversy about images occasions many insurrections. 800, Charlemagne, king of France, begins the empire of Germany,

and endeavors to restore learning.

838, The Scots and Picts have a hard fight. The former prevail. 867, The Danes begin their ravages in England.

896, Alfred the Great fought 56 battles with the invading Danes, after which he divides his kingdom into counties, hundreds, tythings; erect courts: and founds the University of Oxford.

936, The Saracen empire is divided into seven kingdoms, by usurpation.

1015, Children forbidden by law to be sold by their parents, in England.

1017, Canute, king of Denmark, gets possession of England.

1040, The Danes after much hard fighting are driven out of Scot-land.

1041, The Saxon line restored under Edward.

1043, The Turks who had hitherto fought for other nations, have become formidable, and take possession of Persia.

1059, Malcolm III, king of Scotland, kills Macbeth, and marries the princess Margaret.

1065, The Turks take Jerusalem.

1066, The conquest of England by William; who 1070, introduced the feudal law.

1075, Henry IV, emperor of Germany, and the Pope, have a quarrel. Henry, in penance walks barefoot in January.

1096, The first crusade to the Holy Land is begun, under several Christian princes, to drive the infidels from Jerusalem.

1118, The order of knight templars instituted.

1172, Henry II, king of England, takes possession of lreland. 1182, Pope Alexander III, compels the kings of France and En-

gland, to hold the stirrups of his saddle when he mounted his horse. 1192, Richard, king of England, defeats Saladin’s army, consisting

of 300,000 combatants.

1200, Chimnies not known in England.

1227, The Tartars emerge from the Northern part of Asia, and in imitation of former conquerers, carry death and desolation wherever they march. They overrun all the Saracen empire.

1233, The inquisition began in 1204, is now in the hands of the Dominicans.

1258, The Tartars take Bagdad, which finishes the empire of the Saracens.

1263, Acho, king of Norway, invades Scotland with 160 sail, and lands 20,000 men at the mouth of the Clyde, who were cut to pieces by Alexander III.

1273, The empire of the present Austrian family begins in Ger-many.

1282, Lewellyn, prince of Wales, defeated and killed by Edward I, who unites that principality to England.

1314, Battle between Edward II, and Robert Bruce, which establishes the latter on the throne of Scotland.

1340, Gunpowder and guns first invented by Swartz. 1346, Bombs and four pieces of cannon were made, by which Edward III gained the battle of Cressy.

1346, The battle of Durham, in which David, king of Scots, is taken prisoner.

1356, The battle of Poictiers, in which king John of France and his son are taken prisoners by Edward, the black prince.

1362, John Wickliffe calls in question the doctrines of the church of Rome, whose followers are called Lollards.

1388, The battle of Otterbum between Hotspur and the Earl of Douglas.

1415, Battle gained over the French by Henry V of England. 1428, The siege of Orleans.

1453, Constantinople taken by the Turks.

1483, Civil war ended between the house of York and Lancaster, after a siege of 30 years, and the loss of 100,000 men.

1489, Maps and sea charts first brought to England. 1492, America first discovered by Columbus.

1494, Algebra first known in Europe. 1497, South America first discovered. 1499, North America by Cabot.

1517, Martin Luther begins the reformation. 1616, The first permanent settlement in Virginia. 1621, New England planted by the Puritans.

1635, Province of Maryland planted by Lord Baltimore.

1640, The massacre in Ireland, when 40,000 English protestants are killed.

1649, Charles I beheaded.

1664, The New Netherlands in North America, taken from the Swedes and Dutch by the English.

1667, The peace of Breda, which confirms to the English the New Netherlands, now known by names of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

 

The object I have in introducing this account of events, attendant on the rise and progress of the African and European nations, is, that the traits of their national character may at a glance be discovered; by which the reader may the better judge of the superiority of the decendants of Japhet over those of Ham. In the first place, the Euro-pean branch of Japhet’s family have but very little claims to the rank of civilized nations. From the fourth up to the sixteenth century, they were in the deepest state of heathenish barbarity. A continual scene of bloodshed and robbery was attendant on the increase of their numbers. Their spread over different countries caused almost an entire extinction of all civil and religious governments, and of the liberal arts and sciences. And ever since that period, all Europe and America have been little else than one great universal battle field.

It is true, there is a great advance in the arts and sciences from where they once were; but whether they are any where near its standard, as they once existed in Africa, is a matter of strong doubt. We should without doubt, had not the Europeans destroyed every vestige of history, which fell in their barbarous march, been favored with an extensive and minute history of the now unknown parts of Africa. Certain it is, however, that whatever they may have contributed of knowledge to the world, it is owing to these casual circumstances we have mentioned, rather than any thing peculiar to them as a people.

Any one who has the least conception of true greatness, on com-paring the two races by means of what history we have, must decide in favor of the descendants of Ham. The Egyptians alone have done more to cultivate such improvements as comports to the happiness of mankind, than all the descendants of Japhet put together. Their enterprise in establishing colonies and governments among their barbarous neighbors, and supplying their wants from their granaries, instead of taking the advantage of their ignorance, and robbing them of what little they had, does not look much like an inferiority of intellect, nor a want of disposition to make a proper use of it. They, at no age, cultivated the art of war to any great extent. Neither are they found making an aggressive war with any nation. But while other nations were continually robbing and destroying each other, they were cultivating internal improvement; and virtually became a storehouse of every thing conducive to the happiness of mankind, with which she supplied their wants. Even as late as Carthage was in her glory, that race of people exhibited their original character. For that famed city never acquired its greatness, but by the cultivation of commerce. And though she obtained command of both sides of the Medi-terranean, became mistress of the sea, made the islands of Corsica and Sardinia tributary to her, yet it is evident she acquired this advantage by her wealth, rather than by her arms.

Europe and America presents quite a different spectacle. There is not a foot of God’s earth which is now occupied by them, but has been obtained, in effect, by the dint of war, and the destruction of the vanquished, since the founding of London, A. D. 49. Their whole career presents a motley mixture of barbarism and civilization, of fraud and philanthropy, of patriotism and avarice, of religion and bloodshed. And notwithstanding many great and good men have lived and died bright luminaries of the world-and notwithstanding there are many now living who are the seed of the church, yet it must be admitted that almost every nation in Europe, and especially Americans, retain, in principle, if not in manners, all the characteristics of their barbarous and avaricious ancestors. And instead of their advanced state in science being attributable to a superior developement of intellectual faculties, there is nothing more capable of proof, than that it is solely owing to the nature of the circumstances into which they were drawn by their innate thirst for blood and plunder.

Had the inhabitants of Egypt, Ethiopia, Carthage, and other kingdoms in Africa, been possessed with the same disposition, the probability is, that the world now would be in a heathenish darkness, for the want of that information which their better disposition has been capable of producing. And had they had the means at that early age of understanding human nature, as they now would have, were their kingdoms in their glory, they would probably not have suffered their liberality to be taken advantage of by a barbarous crew around them. It is not for the want of mind, therefore, that Africa is in her present state; for were the dispositions of her different nations like the ancient barbarians of Europe, they would soon make a plenty of business for Europeans, with all their advantages, to defend themselves against their depredations. But it is not the genius of the race. Nothing but liberal, generous principles, can call the energies of an African mind into action. And when these principles are overruled by a foreign cause, they are left without any thing to inspire them to action, other than the cravings of their animal wants.

Africa never will raise herself, neither will she be raised by others, by warlike implements, or ardent spirits; nor yet by a hypocritical religious crusade, saying one thing and meaning another. But when she rises, other nations will have learned to deal justly with her from principle. When that time shall arrive, the lapse of a few generations will show the world that her sons will again take the lead in the field of virtuous enterprise, filling the front ranks of the church, when she marches into the millennial era.

 

Public domain.

 

AN ADDRESS:

Delivered before the

COLOURED POPULATION,

of Providence, Rhode Island, on Thanksgiving Day,

Nov. 27, 1828

 

by Rev. Hosea Easton

It was not expected at the time, by the Author of this work, that he should be solicited for a copy for publication; but by the ardent request of a Committee chosen for that purpose, by the Coloured Population of Providence, he was influenced to yield to their solicitation. Under such circumstances, and the short space of time he had to prepare it for the Press, he hopes, should the wise and learned find anything in it, strenuously represented, they will make all due allowances; as the Author has experienced the heart-rending deprivations of Liberty, as described in the following pages-both in his private, as well as public course of life.

MEN AND BRETHEREN -This is a day set apart by our Rulers as a day of rejoicing for the many blessings enjoyed, while greater prospects of plenty and happiness are continually heaving in view. We, as a nation, have great reason to rejoice, that by the great wheel of Providence, prosperity has graced our train while marching up the hill of popularity & honour. Let the expanding mind reflect for a moment, the rapid growth of this Nation, from the time a little handful held their council upon Plymouth Beach, until the present time. And if their hearts are not under the influence of a sordid disposition, they will to day tune them in anthems of praise and thanksgiving to God, for thus rearing us from nothing, to a great and mighty nation.

I repeat again, that prosperity has graced our train. Prosperity has opened the door of the forest for the reception of our forefathers; granting them an opportunity to display their superior knowledge in the use of fire arms above that of the natives: by which means the latter were drove out before them, being slain by thousands, thus, leaving them in peaceable possession of the soil. Again, Prosperity did attend their endeavours to introduce agriculture, the mechanic arts, and scientific knowledge. Prosperity did also aid their labours while propagating religious principles through our Republic, insomuch, that there is not a city, town, or hardly a neighborhood, but in which you will find a temple of worship, said to be erected to the worship of God. In a word, whatever course we have taken, the wheel of providence has led us into a field of prosperity. The memorable fourth of July, brings into our view, that important era of our country, when her liberties were threatened by England’s pride. But methinks, I hear, a brave Washington, standing on his dignified eminence, exclaiming! Liberty! Liberty! Liberty! Or death. His valiant confederates rejoin’d the theme, and ere long, every heart burned with the fire of Liberty. The Ensign of Liberty was hoisted, and manfully defended. A Constitution was wisely framed, declaring all men to be free and equal. Who can say that our constitution is not founded on the principles of liberty and equality! We are indebted, then to divine providence for thus prospering our march as a nation. Many other blessings that we en-joy, might be brought into notice. But time will not permit us even to contemplate one out of ten thousand of the blessings we enjoy daily. How animating then is the celubrious sound of Liberty. The voice of Liberty calls the energies of the human soul to emerge out of nature’s darkness, and to explore divine spiritual principles; from thence to angelic. How admirable it is, that the higher the soul arises by being expanded by intelligent perception, the more it breathes forth praise and thanksgiving to God, still beholding momentarily new delights in the vast field of Liberty, which God has given it for an inheritance, it bursts forth in the inspired language of the Psalmist. “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises to thy name, 0, most high. For thou Lord hast made me glad through thy work. I will triumph in the work of thy hands.” Again-If we follow the same train of reflection in natural intelligence, we shall find that liberty has proportionably the same effect and proffers the same reward. In this, our country, how soon do we see the infant grow to a stature which qualifies him to fill the highest seat of honour among our rulers? And thus be able to rejoice to see the expanded wings of Liberty, brooding over her votaries, sheltering them from slavery and oppression. But while I have endeavored to inspire your hearts with thankfulness to God, there has reflections forced themselves into my mind which has caused me to tremble for the fate of this country. 0, America! Listen to your subjects. Allied to you by birth and blood. Shut out from all slavery which you have rivetted on their necks. Look at Virginia! Look at Washington! See droves of your subjects coupled together by pairs, while others are administering the laws of Liberty. And to fill out the file, we see those, who have received the dignified appellation of “Negro Drivers,” inflicting merciless stripes upon their fellow subjects; drawing forth that sacred blood which God has forbidden to be shed; forcing their march, some from wives, some from parents, some from children, others from all that is near and dear to them. And for what? To gratify the avarice of proud America. 0, Liberty, where art thou! Is this all? No! We will pass on. Leaving behind thought the barbarous cruelty imposed upon the natives, & as to the hellish practice of importing a foreign nation to a country of liberty, to be sold in slavery; it were better to be buried in oblivion and remembered no more forever. There are about 500,000 of the above named degraded sufferers, who are said to be free, which assertion I deny. It is true, we live under a milder State Administration at present. It is also true, that we are in some respects exalted to heaven, in point of Liberty, above that of our fellow subjects, who are under the immediate scourge of avarice. Their awful situation, doubtless, many of you have experienced, who compose this respectable auditory-while others of you have been eye witnesses to the bloody scenes of cruelty and murder. Bretheren, what was the sensation of your minds, when you beheld many of the female sex, pregnant with their young, tied to a tree or stake, and whipt by their masters, until nature gave way, and both mother and infant yielded up the ghost, while bearing the hellish scourge of these candidates for hell? What were they, when you saw your bretheren shot or beat with clubs? When you saw their master vent his rage, by murdering them by degrees, either, by roasting them alive, dissecting them limb by limb, or starving them to death for not complying with their unjust requirements? What were they, when you beheld the youth massacred for the smallest misdemeanor, and their affection ate parents not daring to make the least resistance for fear of falling victims to the same fate? What were they, when you saw the disciples of Christ, denied the privilege of meeting in groves and by-lots, to worship their God as guided by his spirit? What were they, I would ask, when you saw these things and many more, in the very heart of our country-A country of Liberty-Near the very seat of Government? Did not the spirit of Liberty cry within you, for vengeance to fall upon this country, which has so falsified the principles of Liberty, and trampled justice under foot. Now as we compose a part of the number who are said to be free, of course it becomes our duty to consider how far our liberty extends. The first enquiry is, Are we eligible to an office? No.-Are we considered subjects of the government? No.-Are we initiated into free schools for mental improvement? No.-Are we patronised as salary men in any public business whatever? No.-Are we taken into social compact with Society at large? No.-Are we patronised in any branch of business which is sufficiently lucrative to raise us to any material state of honour and respectability among men, and this, qualify us to demand respect from the higher order of society? No.-But to the contrary. Everything is withheld from us that is calculated to promote the aggrandizement and popularity of that part of the community who are said to be the descendants of Africa. I am sensible the white population will deny the fact above stated. But to confirm the fact, let us notice our ordinary course since the Ameri-can Independence.

We will notice, first, our march in religious improvement. God has raised up some able ambassadors of truth among our population; and though they are held in contempt among the whites, yet God has caused his light to shine through them, to the great shame of our oppressors; and has decided the question, respecting the natural intelligence of the sable race, which has so long employed the pen of learned interrogators. But where are their privileges? Where even they can embody a little handful of coloured people together, there they can display their respective talents, as long as the means of subsistence is left them, but when that is exhausted, they are compelled to appeal to day labour for support. Or should they obey the heavenly command to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” they would often be treated with contempt by those that ought to be their patrons. Should one enter a town or city, with his credentials, and offer them to the minister of the church, it is more than probable, that the best appointments the minister would make for him, to discharge his duty, would be at a private house on a week day. Should he stop over the Sabbath, he would be introduced into the most remote part of the house of God, that is too demeaning to have the beasts for its occupants. How does he fare on his journey from place to place? I am bold to say that he cannot purchase a seat in the public stage, only by sufferance. I have known men of that profession, to be detained in towns and cities, not far distant from this place, ten days, before they could prosecute their journey; and then be under the necessity of getting some white man as an intercessor to the driver or owners for a passage on the outside of the carriage, by paying full price for fare. I know of an occurrence which took place in a stage passing from New Bedford to Fall River. It appears that two coloured men paid their passage upon the above named rout, they being the only passengers, occupied the back seat. When they arrived at West-port village, there was a white sailor of low grade, and a young girl that worked in the Factory, that made application for a passage to Fall River. They were immediately gallanted to the stage, the door was thrown open, and orders given by the driver, for the colored men to take the forward seats, which were complied with; when the two genteels got into the carriage and took the highest seat. One of these coloured gentlemen, was a minister of the gospel, of no mean standing; and what must have been his feelings, God only knows.

We will now notice our means of acquiring literary information. It is true, that in our northern States, the laws have made provisions for us without distinction. But though we claim our right lawfully, yet, like all our other rights, we are denied enjoyment of them. We send our children to primary schools among white children; and if there is any demeaning place of contempt, to be found in any part of the School Room, there is the place for our children to get their information; while the little flax-headed boys and girls, are learnt by their parents to place a reproach upon them, by calling them Negroes, and the place where they are destined to sit, negro seats. Thus, our poor youth are discouraged, disheartened, and grow up in ignorance; fitted only to be an object of ridicule and contempt through life, by the higher order of Society. Some, doubtless, will be ready to say, that our liberty is above this. In answer to whom I will acknowledge that there is an exception in States and Cities. In New York and Connecticut, the coloured population are brought more into public notice, as well as in the cities of New York and Boston; also, in many other places, public support for schools is set apart for the coloured population. In those schools, we have youths well qualified for the common business of life; but when they have obtained their education, they know enough only to feel sensible of their misery. Their minds being expanded, their perception brightened, their zeal ardent for promotion; they look around for business, they find that custom cuts them off from all advantages. They apply to merchants to patronise them as Clerks, they are rejected. They apply to attornies at law to receive them into their office, they are rejected. They apply to the mariner, they are rejected, except, to go before the mast, cook, or steward. They apply to Mechanics of different occupations, here, too, they are rejected. And for what? Because it is customary. Leaving law, justice, and equity altogether out if the question. And should it become customary to cut off a black man’s head, (as it is already at the south.} then of course we must lose our head, if custom says it is right. We see then the situation of our youth, turned out of doors without the least encouragement whatever. Now let us notice the consequence. Those bright minds enlarged by education, being under the necessity of taking up some low calling, which is not calculated to satisfy the extention of them, they become like the starving man, who, for the want of whole-some food, partakes of that which is poisonous and destructive. So it is with our youth, for the want of those encouragements set up before them, that is calculated to draw their attention to the pursuits of honour, respectability, virtue and industry, their expanded minds re-lapse into sordid dissipation, and fall victim to all the vices and folly incident to discouraged minds; and thus, the more education they have, under such circumstances, the more artful they are in following the haunt of dissipated principles. 0, shocking! Is America to answer for all this? When then does justice sleep? It is true, that many of our population survive the struggle, so far as to arise to a degree of respectability. But with what respect are they treated? Let the man of business travel through the northern states. And I am ready to prove to you, that he will not pass ten miles, without meeting with insults almost sufficient to enrage a saint. If he hires his passage in the stage, he must be posted up with the driver to suffer the severity of the weather. When the passengers stop to dine, he must take his fare in the cook room, with the cook. And for a sitting parlour, he must take the barroom; to have his feelings injured by tavern haunters and drunkards. If you look for his lodging chamber, you will find it in the garret, or back clutter chamber. These are fine places for men of business. Under these, and other disadvantages, we see the man is not calculated to do business, for the want of society. Society is the very mother who supplies men of business with useful knowledge; for the want of which, the poor man lays out his money at 75 per cent, disadvantage; and to discourage and depress his mind still further, the question is asked by the whites: Why is it that Negroes cannot do business like other people? Again-Should any one become religious, and feel desirous to follow the precepts of his Lord and Master, by having his name enrolled in the Church Militant, he is there treated more like a beast than in any other course of life. How say you? I answer-The coloured “brother,” however able to provide for him-self, must have a place provided for him. And where is it? In some remote part of the Meeting-House, or in a box built above the gallery. When the Church is called to partake of the sacred elements, the black communicants must come down, stand or sit in some remote part of the lower floor, until the white bretheren have eat what they want of the Lord’s body, and drank what they want of his blood; then cries the minister, “Come coloured bretheren, now come and partake of the broken body of Christ. It is free for all without any distinction.” And it is a chance if he does not, while thus officiating, offer an insult to their feelings, by saluting them as Africans or Ethiopians. While in fact they are Americans, and perhaps distantly related to some of the white members, by reason of the brutal conduct of their fathers. Now these are facts. There is not a church in the circle of my knowledge but what, must bear the character above asserted. And can rational beings, believe that God is a fool, that he is well pleased with such idolatry? We will follow this subject a little further, and see if we cannot find other things that gives character to a Christian nation. It is an obvious fact, that the white population are alarmed at the rapid growth of the coloured people; insomuch, that there is not a soul, that has any forecast, but that is troubled; and I would to God, that they might be confounded in their own craft, until, brought to experience true repentance, and are willing to deal justly with their neighbors.

The Colonizing Craft is a diabolical pursuit, which a great part of our Christian community are engaged in. Now bretheren, I need not enlarge on this point. You that have been observing, have already seen the trap under the bait; and although some of our population, have been foolish enough to sell their birthright for a mess of pottage, yet I doubt, whether the Colonization Society will entrap many more. It is too barefaced, and contrary to all reason, to suppose, that there is any good design in this project. If they are willing to restore four-fold for what they have been taken by false accusation, they can do it to better advantage in the bosom of our country, than at several thousand miles off. How would you do, bretheren, if your object was really to benefit the poor? Would you send them into a neighboring forest, and there deal out that food which they were famishing for? Now we stand different from beggars. Our ancestors were stolen property, and property which belonged to God. This is well known by our religious community; and they find that the owner is about to detect them. Now if they can slip away these stolen goods, by smuggling all those out of the country, which God would be likely to make an instrument of, in bringing them to justice, and keeping the rest in ignorance; by such means, things would go on well with them, and they would appease their consciences by telling what great things they are doing for the coloured population and God’s cause. But we understand better how it is. The deception is not so well practised, but that we can discover the mark of the beast. They will steal the sons of Africa, bring them to America, keep them and their posterity in bondage for centuries, letting them have what education they can pick up of them-selves; then transport them back to Africa; by which means America gets all her drudgery done at little expense, and endeavor to flatter [the] Deity, by making him a sacrifice of good works of this kind. But to the awful disappointment of all such blasphemers, they will meet the justice of God, which will be to them a devouring sword.

 

TO CONCLUDE.

BRETHEREN-My heart is filled with sorrow for this nation. I am far from being envious, and I would caution you against any revengeful or malignant passions; but stand still and see the salvation of God. Stand still did I say? Yes, so far as it respects the providence of God; we are to stand still, look, wonder, and adore. But as it respects the great labour and ardent zeal which involves upon us at the present day; there is no time to stand still. The time has come, when our necessities calls aloud for our exertions, to prepare ourselves for the great events which are about heaving in view. Bretheren, the dreary night of darkness, which our fathers passed through, is about to disperse. And notwithstanding we are a divided people, tossed to and fro, and hunted like the partridge upon the mountain, yet the glorious rays of rational intelligence and literary acquirements, are beginning to backen the chaos darkness, which has so long pervaded the minds of our population. Yes, bretheren, let a theme of praise and thanksgiving to God, thrill through every heart, in silent accents; for the sun-beams of Liberty are casting forth their glorious rays through the eastern atmosphere; and we may rationally entertain the hope, that God, in his wise Providence, will cause this glorious sun to arise to its meridian, and burst those fetters with which we are bound, and un-lock the prison doors of prejudice; granting us Liberty to enjoy the blessings of life like other men. But we must not suppose that we shall obtain those blessings without our co-operation with divine order; for, inasmuch as mankind are created intelligent beings, and recipient forms. it follows, that every principle, whether natural or spiritual, is obtained by the rational principle which is always found with man; that turning itself toward divine order, they join hands as companions, co-operate with each other, and thus, they become the parents which begets understanding to recipient man. What I wish to be understood by divine order, are those principles or attributes of light, which, in the order of providence flow to man. Now all persons that have arrived to the years of discretion, have already a degree of understanding, which enables them to perceive the duty that is set before them. Then as it respects our community, it is plain to see, by the foregoing statements, respecting our oppresst community, what is necessary. It is evident that we ought to turn our attention to moral improvement. A principle of jealousy one towards another, has become almost hereditary; which prevents any combined operation among us. The first thing necessary, is, to cultivate the principles of concord and unanimity among ourselves, that we may become aids to each other; for the prosecution of which, we ought to introduce operations that is accordant with the object in pursuit. In all cases of improvement, there must be an object set up with way-marks, that are calculated to attract the mind from a low state to higher attainments. If then, we can combine our ability, and bend it this course, it will open a field of labour for the reception of our youth, who are coming upon the stage of action, and give them an opportunity of displaying their intellectual talents; which will give a character to our community, and take away our reproach. When our operations become united, that the voice of our community, may be heard as the voice of one man; then shall we be able to control the principles of indolence and im-morality of every species, and inculcate those of industry and virtue, with all qualifications necessary to enable us to control the effects of our own labour, and make it subservient to the benefit of our own community. We may look abroad and see sufficient to induce us to become active in our own interest. You, that are the fathers of our community, ought to use your feeble efforts to the establishment of the temple of Liberty; and when your sun shall hide itself beyond the western region, it shall leave a principle enstampt upon rising generations, which will embellish our bright prospects, and entail honours to your name while time shall last. Mothers, you have something to do with this important undertaking. Your virtuous council to your daughters, will qualify them to become useful in their circles. By which means, the haunt of the dancehall will be broken. Bretheren, the time has come, when you, that are in the meridian of life, ought to raise the voice of Liberty and equality: truth and justice: virtue and industry, both by example and precept. I would also encourage the female part of our community, in the language of the people of Israel to Boaz, “The Lord make the woman that is come into thy house, like Rachel and Leah; which two, did build the house of lsrael; and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem. And let thy house, be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman.” So let it be concerning you. The Lord make you to our community, like Rachel and Leah; which two, did build the house of Israel; and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem. And let thy house, be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman. But my dear youth what shall I say to you? Can I make use of any language that will detach your minds from delusive pleasures, and cause you to look to the great object of your interest. Remember, my young friends, that your fathers were deprived the opportunity you now enjoy; and while I am addressing you, methinks I hear a voice from the graves of our fathers! And what is the language? It calls on you to forsake those foolish practices, which are so common amongst us; and apply your hearts to wisdom.

It is no time, my young friends, to spend your time in the dancehall. It is no time to exercise your ability in gambling. But you must lay aside all unnecessary diversion, and alter your courses; Come out of this degrading course of life; Distinguish yourselves as pious, industrious, and intelligent men and women. This will demand respect from those who exalt themselves above you. I must now leave this subject with you, hoping that this day’s labour will not be in vain; for I assure you my heart mourns daily, while beholding the clouds of evil thickening over this Republic. The awful consequences are plain to be seen, by the aid of both ancient and modern history. Let him that readeth understand. But, 0, for a Gideon, with his three hundred men, chosen of God, to go up against the towering walls of evil, and cause them to fall, forever fall, to rise no more.

 

Public domain.