MIND AND MATTER
negroes. It seems to me that where it apparently exists it is in reality only a mixture of fantasy and superstition, and indulged in because it gratifies the negro craving for the emotional."
"I am sorry to hear you say that," said Leyden. "My own experience inclines me to a more optimistic view; I think that if you had ever had the opportunity of contrasting the results of the negro worship of a malign deity like Vaudoux with that of God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, you would appreciate what the latter worship does for the negro. Yet the former fills what you claim appeals to the negro in the latter, the indulgence of superstition, fantasy, and the emotions."
"Then you believe that the Christian religion has a practical uplifting influence upon the race?"
"Mr. Moultrie," said Leyden earnestly, "I have lived for the most of my active life among savage and primitive people and I can honestly say that I have never known the Christian religion to fail to uplift and enlighten any human being who wished to accept it. Enforced Christianity has, of course, like all compulsory religions, been followed by some terrible results. In the negro we find a ready acceptance of the doctrines of Christianity, and it is my belief that this, combined with the education which he is now offered in many parts of the world, will in time result in his salvation … but it will take many years."
"And in the meantime?" asked Manning.
"In the meantime he must be held as well as led by a strong and steady hand. My word." Leyden wheeled suddenly to Manning and there was a note of fierce impatience in his voice. "I hope you will pardon me for
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