The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-09-19
The Religion of the Slaves,

An intelligent description Of the religious
habits of the slaves is given by Mr. Mckim,
Of the Port Royal Relief Society In some
respects it affords practical illustration of
the simple faith required OF the followers of
Christ.
The success of a judiclous system of free
labor at the South is Insured by the large de-
velopment on the part of the blacks of the re-
liglous sentiment. As persons deprived of one
sense acquire greater susceptibility in hose
that remain, so it would seem that these peo-
pie, degraded in body, stunted III intellect,
Scared and twisted out of shape in heir
muscular and mental forms of existence, have
acquired strength in their spiritual lite. Re-
ligion is universal among them. 10 De sure,
in most cases it is mere sentiment or habit,
and not sufficient to preserve them against
temptation but in many cases it is living
and active operative principle. Their con-
victions are strong and their experiences
vivid. They speak Of seeing God and
hearing God with simplicity Of faith
which sounds fanatica but which to the
philosophical mind is quite consistent with
reason. Their spiritual perceptions are like
sight or sound and thus it is that they are
supported in their trials God is a present
refuge to them in every time Of trouble.
Francis, said [, to an old, grey haired
man, who was coming over his spelling book,
why do you take the trouble to learn to
read You say it is hard work and very
discouraging; why do you try p
Because, massa, want to be satisfied !;
| want to read lie Word OF God
But can't you know the Word of God
without reading it in a book Z?
Yes, massa, | do know it. | know it
here, striking himself on the breast but
want to read it for myself
had asked the question of an elderly
woman, on the Sunday previous, at Sunday
school. She was one OF those spiritual-fated
ones whom you will sometimes find among
the most iliterate Her countenauce told
story OF suffering and triumph.
lamar said |, why at your age do you
take so much trouble to learn to read ?
Because want to read de book ofde Lord ;
But can't you know the word OF the Lord
without reading it ??
Yes massa, | can lear it but | want TO
read it.
How can you hear it
l hear de voice here laying her hand on
her breast have hearn it, massa.
When, lamar, did you hear it r
Turning upon me her deep and full eyes,
she said, One morning, sa one morning
| went out to de woods before daylight to
pray Ma heart was full OF sorrow and
when | was praying de Lord spoke tie me-.
And what did he say, lamar :?
he said, lamar all youse sins is for
given you're my chile.
Well, said |, waiting for her to 20 on.
Den was filed with Tub and Joy nv
heart was full Of Tub eberybody.'
Not for your old master, too, lamar?
Yes, sir for my master and oberybody.
Now who will say that this cid woman
had not heard the voice OF God And whose
religious faith will bear stronger test than
hers
Religion has afforded these people their
only resources they have no amusement
diversions, no social visiting. Their child
rem have no plays--no games whatever
The praise house prayer house, as The
hut in which they hold their meetings is call.