It does not surprise me that Mr. Jefferson made both of these predictions. As to the first, there was at that time in Virginia and other Southern States a strong party that favored the emancipation of the slaves. As to the second prediction, he had studied French philosophy more than he had studied Christianity. If this country were pagan Rome, or infidel France, the first prediction would have failed—they would not have been set free by the will of men. Had they been set free, the second prediction would have been fulfilled, for in a pagan or infidel country, the two races could not be equally free “and live in the same government.” They would not have been set free had this not been a Christian country; as it is a Christian country, the two races, equally free before the law, can live in the same government and the problem of their citizenship can be solved. But this problem cannot be solved by legislation alone. Time has proved the truth of the weighty words delivered at your anniversary in 1875, by that venerable and great man who was taken to heaven last winter. At that time the Rev. Dr. Leonard Bacon wrote these words: “I come to this conclusion, legislation on the part of the national government is no longer to be invoked in aid of fundamental reconstruction. Attempts by Congress to employ force for the abolition of prejudices and antipathies in social intercourse do not help the cause in which the American Missionary Association is at work. I used the word force, because law enforced is force, and law not enforced is not law. The more completely our cause can be henceforth disentangled from all connection with political parties and agitators, the better for its progress. Doubtless there will be more legislation by the several States, especially in behalf of the great interest of public schools for all, before the consummation that we hope for shall have been attained; but the legislation, must be the effect and not the cause of that fundamental reconstruction which we desire to work for. It will exhibit and record, more than it can inspire or control, the progress of reformed opinions and better sentiments among the people.” When the law gives equal opportunity and guarantees equal rights to all (and this it must do to be worthy of respect), it has done all it can do. Foundation work means character-building, and this goes on in individuals. Law has its educative force; but to lift up a race whether white, yellow, black, or red, there must be character-building in individual men and women, and to do this work right we must have the church and the school-house. And these two must work together and not against each other. This sort of foundation work you are trying to do and others are trying to do. It has not failed; it cannot fail; it has life in itself.