The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-05-02

to read will refer to the history of
the Israelites, rs written in the Bible,
you will find that the progress you
have made since you have been re-
lieved from bondage is much greater
than theirs, And you will learn some
instructive lessons in tracing that
history, which will admonish you not
to attempt to make too rapid pro-
gress, lest, in so doing, you fall by
the way-side.
According 10 the account given us
in the Scriptures, the Jews were in
bondage 430 years; and when the
Almighty had determined that they
should be relieved, He sent plaques
upon the King of the Egyptians,
that he might be induced to allow
them to depart i'll peace for the Land
Of Promise. He turned the water
courses into blood, and afflicted the
Egyptians with locusts, lice and
frogs; and when Pharaoh still refused
to comply with the promise made to
Moses, the first born of the Egyp-
tlans were smitten in single night.
Then it was that the cry went up,
''Let these people CO." With all
their worldly possessions, the Israel
ties set forth upon their pilgrimage
to the land of Canaan. Pharaoh,
recovering from tho stunning effects
of the affliction that had been sent
upon him, determined to pursue.
and found them upon the shores of
the Red Sea-; but just as they ap-
peared to he in his meshes, the
waters parted; the Israelites passed
over dry shod; and when Pharaoh
and his host followed, God, in his
wrath, caused the waves to come
together again, and the mighty army
vanished from the face of the Garth.
Yet the Israelties did not reach the
land of Canaan for a long time. Suf-
fering and privation was their lot for
many years.
Now, my theory of the object of
the detention is this: That this pco-
pie, having been in bondage 43O
years, were disqualified by theR want
of self-reliance, of knowledge, of in
telligence and training, to occupy at
once the country that had been set
apart for them by Divine Providence.
They travelled in the wilderness for
forty years, and when they finally
entered the land of Canaan, Moses
had fallen; Aaron had been gathered
to the land of his fathers, and there
WAS none but Joshua and Caleb of
all that vast host of males who were
numbered at Sinai, above the age of
twenty years.
The distance from Egypt to Ca
tance that may now be travelled, by
railroad, in twenty hours; but for
forty years they marched and counter
marched, passing through period
of preliminary training, until another
generation came upon the stage, and
entered the land of promise. 1t is
conclusive to my mind that the former
generation was permitted to pass
away because they could not be trust
ed with the possession, and it was re-
served to the more enlightened and
experienced generation which fol-
lowed, to enjoy the Inheritance.
Now, my friends, comparing your
own condition with that of the Is
raelites, the progress you have made
in two short years ought to excite
your surprise, and to stimulate you
to fresh exertions, that you may more
fully merit the signal favor with which
you have been blessed since the hour
your freedom commenced.
High and important duties are be-
fore you to perform. Freedom Sc
cures to you the fruits Of your labor,
it is true; but there is something
moro to be done. You have got to
look out for your households, and to
educate your families, and not until
another generation grows up-I am
talking frankly with you-will you
find thatamounto ofintelligenceamon
your race which will entitle you to
take the front rank in civilized life.
presume there is not one in five
hundred among the colored people
of the South, who enjoy the ad-
vantages of education. Those who
have done SO, have improved their
opportunities, and profited largely
from the increased intelligence and
influence which has been derived.
Your first great care, therefore, in
looking to the future, is to educate
your children; not merely to teach
them to read, write and cypher, and
the elements of knowledge, but to
impart to them lessons in morals, po-
likeness and self-government, and to
lnstil principles into their hearts
which, in ten, fifteen or twenty
years hence, will make them an orna-
ment to you, and blessing to society.
l,n