Page:The negro's origin.djvu/26

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24
IS THE NEGRO CURSED?

awoke from his wine." Sleep invariably produces soberness, and the probability is that Noah was sober. The curses of Noah are valid—upon whom fell they, Ham or Canaan?

This question cannot be settled by consulting Jewish Talmuds, nor Targums, nor any of the sayings of the Rabbis. Nor can it be settled by consulting Christian doctors, ancient or modern, especially the latter, for in this case it has been seen, that even the most pious are susceptible of Race feeling, holding with kith and kin, be they right or wrong. Where may this matter be settled — where, definitely and impartially answer the interrogatory, Was Ham cursed ? Only in the record written by Moses. If it cannot there be settled, it must forever remain unsettled, for all other records are to be laid aside. The whole account, and the only account given is the following, found in Gen. ix. 18-27

18 ¶ And the sons of Noah that went forth from the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.

19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.

20 And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard;

21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken, and he was uncovered within his tent.