Frederick Douglass And John Brown

Throughout the 19th century, there were various many prominent figures who fought for the rights and freedoms of black Americans. While many were guided by a variety of different factors, such as self-loyalty, power, love, and most mysteriously, faith. Frederick Douglas and John Brown both displayed an undying faith that inspired them to continue to make a difference and forever impact black history in America. Both of these powerful figures had an unwavering faith that provided them with the strength to speak out and fight these issues. One aspect I find to be incredibly fascinating and mysterious is how both of these influential men not only maintained their religious faith but also allowed their faith in God to flourish during their trials.

Douglass was born into slavery in 1818 in Maryland, and in 1838 he escaped to the North and gained freedom. In 1848, Douglass wrote a letter to Thomas Auld, his former owner, expressing his disappointment in him, and his absolute refusal to be silent during this fight against slavery. Throughout his letter, Douglass mentions God and religion numerous times. When Douglass is describing his life as a slave he says; “Trying, however, as they were, and gloomy as was the prospect, thanks be to the Most High, who is ever the God of the oppressed, at the moment which was to determine my whole earthly career, His grace was sufficient” (Douglass 1848). Douglass displays in this quote how he trusted in God during this time, and how even with the hardship, he remained faithful. Shockingly, a little after, Douglass tells Alud, “I shall make use of you as a means of exposing the character of the American church and clergy—and as a means of bringing this guilty nation, with yourself, to repentance”(Douglass 1848), which displays his unforgivable perspective towards Alud. In the bible, there is a quote from Matthew, which says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15). This is mysterious because Douglass slightly contradicts himself. Throughout his

Brown was born in Torrington, Connecticut, on May 9th, 1800, and he later died on December 2nd, 1859. He is most well known for his violent attempts to end slavery, like the instance of “Bleeding Kansas” in 1856. John Brown was said to have based his role in the abolition of slavery on his religious beliefs and values, as his faith greatly influenced him. When Brown was away from his family, he would frequently write letters to his wife-at-the-time, Mary Ann Day, and 20 children, explaining to them where he was, what he was doing, and most unbelievably, how he was remaining joyful and evermore faithful in the Lord. Brown wrote a letter to his family when he first discovered he was to be hung, and in his letter he wrote; “ I am, besides, quite cheerful, having (as I trust) "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding," to "rule in my heart," and the testimony (in some degree) of a good conscience that I have not lived altogether in vain. I can trust God with both the time and the manner of my death, believing, as I now do, that for me at this time to seal my testimony for God and humanity with my blood will do vastly more toward advancing the cause I have earnestly endeavored to promote, than all I have done in my life before.” (Brown 1859). Brown knew he was to be hung after he allowed his faith to guide his actions, yet, he still remained faithful and even encouraged others to trust in the lord