Norton's first master,William Ford "would gather all his slaves about him, and read and expound the scriptures" on Sundays. What Does this suggest about how he veiwed his slaves? What was his motivation?
Ford viewed his slaves as his responsibility, he genuinely cared for the physical, emotional, and moral health.
We usually spent our Sabbaths at the opening, on which days our master would gather all his slaves about him, and read and expound the Scriptures. He sought to inculcate in our minds feelings of kindness towards each other, of dependence upon God—setting forth the rewards promised unto those who lead an upright and prayerful life. Seated in the doorway of his house, surrounded by his man-servants and his maid-servants, who looked earnestly into the good man's face, he spoke of the loving kindness of the Creator, and of the life that is to come. Often did the voice of prayer ascend from his lips to heaven, the only sound that broke the solitude of the place.
Twelve Years a Slave
