That Art should aim to embody and express the spirit and best thought
of its own age seems self-evident. If it fails to do this, whatever
else it may accomplish, it falls short of its highest object. It cannot
dwell always among classic forms, nor clothe its conceptions in the
imagery of an old and worn-out world. It must move on, if it is to keep
pace with that “increasing purpose which through the ages runs,” and
its ideals must be wrought out of the strife of a living humanity.
It has been well said by a recent writer: “The record of the human
family to the advent of CHRIST, was the preparation of the photographic
plate for its image. All subsequent history is the bringing out of
the divine ideal of true manhood.” Slowly, but surely, through the
centuries, is this purpose being accomplished. Human slavery has been
the material type or expression of spiritual bondage. On the lowest or
physical plane, it has symbolized the captivity and degradation of our
higher nature; with the breaking in of new light, and the inspiration
of a deeper life, it is inevitably doomed. That man, to attain the full
development of the faculties implanted in him, must be in spiritual and
physical freedom, is a principle which lies at the foundation of all
government; and the enfranchisement of a race to-day thus becomes the
assertion and promise of a true and coming Emancipation for all men.