“All Men are Born Free and Equal.” (Honolulu 1864)

Source: The Friend. Honolulu: August 4, 1864. 

The American people have moved slowly in coining up to the truth of this sentiment announced in the Declaration of Independence. They are however being educated to receive this truth in its practical application to the African race. They have made vast strides in the practical recognition of this truth during the last three years. There is no one aspect of affairs in the United States more cheering and encouraging than the union of all religious sects and denominations upon the abolition of slavery and the complete enfranchisement of the negro. This is what now seems to be fully demanded—place the negro upon the same equal terms with the white man in the army and before the courts; " let him cast a ballot as well as shoot a bullet;" let him enjoy his social, civil and political privileges the same as a white man. When this is done, we believe we shall begin to see the beginning of the end of this cruel war. 

The old school assembly of the Presbyterian Church lately made this declaration: 

"We believe the time has at length come, in the providence of God, when it is His will that every vestige of human slavery among us should be effaced, and that every Christian man should address himself with industry and earnestness to his appropriate part in the performance of this great duty." 

Bishop Mcllvaine, of Ohio, lately uttered the following sentiments in the city of New York: 

"Let the enfranchisement of our colored brethren be 'a complete enfranchisement.' Let it not stop in the removal of the shackles till 'all' are taken away. If the colored man is fit to be a soldier in the full pay and uniform of our citizen armies, standing at least upon an equality of danger and trial with the white man in defense of our Government and its blessings,' he is fit to be a citizen under our Government, in full liberty and privilege. We must boldly face and honestly accept that result.' With me it requires no effort. God is leading us to it. All consistency requires it. Our past history is full of inconsistency in that direction. We have never come up to the logical requirements of our Declaration of Independence. God be praised that he is making our path straight." 

When old school Presbyterians and Conservative Episcopalians utter such doctrines, depend upon it public sentiment in the United States has taken a long step forward in the right direction. The utterance of such doctrines is of more importance than a victory on the Potomac or in Georgia. It shows that a moral victory has been achieved. The people of other lands and countries may discard the freedom and equality of the human race, hut we bless God that there is one country where the true Scripture doctrine is asserted upon this subject, viz.: that God "hath made of one blood all nations of men." Acts 17:26. This is the doctrine announced by Paul on Mars' Hill, at Athens. This sentiment may be denied, but it cannot be refuted; it may be ignored, but its influence will still be felt; it may be overlooked, but it will assert its power. This idea has been hatched, and as some one has aptly remarked, it cannot be put back into the shell!