Welcome to the ransomed; or, Duties of the colored inhabitants of the District of Columbia

"Welcome to the Ransomed; or, Duties of the Colored Inhabitants of the District…" by Daniel A. Payne is a religious discourse written in the early 1860s, set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation. This work serves as a guidance pamphlet, specifically aimed at the newly freed African American population in Washington, D.C. The central theme revolves around the responsibilities and moral duties of the formerly enslaved individuals as they navigate their newfound freedom. The book is structured as a sermon that emphasizes the importance of prayer, industriousness, and moral integrity for the colored inhabitants of the District. Payne implores his audience to live according to divine principles, urging them to embrace their freedom with a commitment to virtue, education, and community building. He addresses practical aspects of life, including the value of hard work, financial prudence, and the moral raising of children. Through heartfelt encouragement, Payne highlights the spiritual and ethical obligations of the community, emphasizing that true freedom extends beyond physical emancipation to the liberation from sin and moral degradation. He presents a vision of unity, hope, and diligence, urging his listeners to contribute positively to society and uplift their families and communities. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Daniel Alexander Payne was an American bishop, educator, college administrator and author. A major shaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), Payne stressed education and preparation of ministers and introduced more order in the church, becoming its sixth bishop and serving for more than four decades (1852–1893) as well as becoming one of the founders of Wilberforce University in Ohio in 1856. In 1863, the AME Church bought the college and chose Payne to lead it; he became the first African-American president of a college in the United States and served in that position until 1877.