Alfred H. Stone Collection
Volume: 61

28. Austin Phelps, “The Christian Civilization of the Freedman,” Congregationist (November 18, 1885). (4 p., unnumbered)

Appeal for missions to improve the morals and religiosity of freedmen in the South. “One [fact] is that the present religious condition of the freedmen, if not speedily improved, threatens a relapse towards barbarism.” The writer also denounces “the type of Christianity which prevails among the ‘poor whites’” who live in proximity to the freedmen. He is concerned that the freedmen will naturally imitate the irreligious practices of European Americans.