egard it. (222). He points out, The fact that the church of our country does not esteem the Fugitive Slave Law as a declaration of war against religious liberty, implies that that church regards religion simply as a form of worship, and empty ceremony, and not a vital principle, requiring active benevolence, justice, love and good will towards man. (223). Douglass not only feels that the church is unconcerned by slavery, but he feels that the church even supports the enslavement of black men. If people show no mercy and do not conduct themselves in a compassionate manner, their worship is pointless and has no meaning. He goes far enough to say that the ministers turn religion into, a cold and flinty-hearted thing. (224). In Langstons speech, he also brings up the topic of religion. Unlike Douglass, Langston does not refer to religion in a negative tone. However, he mentions the supernatural force, God, several times to support his ideas. Langston refers to God when he says, Being identified with that man by color, by race, by manhood, by sympathies, such as God had implanted in us all (233). Douglass and Langston refer to God and include religion in their speeches because they know that our country is based on Christian beliefs. Therefore, the people would be more affected and interested in their speeches. Douglass and Langston use law and religion as important factors in their speeches. However, the topic of common humanity seems to be of greater importance. Slavery was an inhumane and destructive system, which caused peoples lives to fall apart. The slaves were cruelly torn from their family, friends, and way of life. Douglass touches upon this subject by saying, Cast one glanceupon that young mother, whose shoulders are bare to the scorching sun, her briny tears falling on the brow of the babe in her arms. See, too, that girl of thirteen, weeping, yes! Weeping, as she thinks of the mother from whom she has been torn! (...
