Reference no: EM133222367

Question:  One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. (11) These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. (12) All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. (13) To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war; while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. (14) Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. (15) Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. (16) Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. (17) Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other.

The primary function of sentence 17 ("Both read the same Bible...") is to contrast the religious beliefs that guide the North and the South to war decry the role that religion had in perpetuating the institution of slavery emphasize the religious beliefs that both the North and the South have in common illuminate the role of religion in inspiring the reason and justification for war