s of slaves do not more
generally enforce cleanliness among them. This is the more to be
regretted, as cleanliness conduces not only to the health and comfort
of the body, but also to the purity of the mind. I am aware that it
would in most cases be difficult to enforce cleanliness among them, as
they seem to be constitutionally a filthy race. This may originate
partly, however, from, the peculiar circumstances under which they
live, their ignorance, degradation, &c.

But there are yet duties obligatory on slaveholders, to which I have
not directly alluded, which bear heavily on my mind. Oh! that I could
in appropriate language, impress their importance on the minds of my
Southern friends. Oh! that in view of their responsibility to the
Supreme Ruler of the universe, they would calmly, patiently, soberly,
seriously and prayerfully reflect on the following remarks. Aid a worm
of the dust, O God, to plead the cause of humanity. "Paul may plant,
and Apollos may water," but thou, O God, "must give the increase."
Thou knowest that in vain I admonish my Southern brethren, unless thy
Spirit attends the warnings and admonitions herein given. May thy
Spirit attend this little volume in its Southern tour. Give the
hearing ear, and the understanding heart. May they hear, and give ear;
and not only hear and give ear, but may they "work, while it is called
day, for the night cometh, when no man can work."

I allude to the mental and moral culture of the African population in
the Southern States. I feel intensely on this subject; and could I
arouse the Southern States to reflection and action, I should then
feel as if the great work of my life was accomplished. I could then
repose in peace and quiet on my dying pillow; assured, that ere long,
my beloved country would, be redeemed from the curse of slavery.

In whatever aspect we may view slavery, the ignorance of slaves
presents itself to us, as the darkest spot in the picture. It is
humiliating--a national reproach--an omission of duty, for which
Almighty God will hold us accountable, that so little effort has been
made to enlighten the minds, and elevate the characters of the African
population in our midst. Here lies our great delinquency. "O shame!
where is thy blush?" In the name of all that is sacred, how long is
this state of things to continue? When, Oh! when will we arouse to a
sense of our vast responsibilities to God, and our obligations to the
African race? Several mil