est presage of its success.

"At its origin the Society found itself in a very extraordinary
situation. It had scarcely been formed when it was assailed by opponents
of the most contrary character, from the North and South. Men who held,
upon these subjects, the most opposite views, who agreed in no one
thing that related to our colored population, united in denouncing us.
This state of things, in some measure, still continues. But the Board
of Managers have long ceased to look upon it with alarm. They soon
perceived that a wisdom far higher than their own, was, in a way most
contrary to their expectations, gradually preparing the public mind for
a fair consideration and favorable reception of their measures. They
were compelled to see and to acknowledge that it was best it should be
so. Had the design of the Society been approved and supported in the
outset by either of these opposing parties, it must have encountered the
settled and irreconcileable opposition of the other; but as it is, the
Society, instead of being espoused by the North in opposition to the
South, or by the South in opposition to the North, has been silently
filling its ranks with converts from both. Its cause has been gradually
bringing over the moderate, the reasonable, the humane, the patriotic,
from all parties and from every portion of the Union to give their aid
and countenance to the support of a scheme which they once opposed only
because they misunderstood it. I have adverted to this extraordinary
opposition that the friends of the Society may not be dismayed by it;
and I take this occasion to address a few words to each of these classes
of opponents.

["I would premise what I have to say to them by stating two very plain
propositions. The first is, that the subject of slavery, in some way or
other, will come into the thoughts, feelings, and plans of men situated
as we are. It is vain to say--let it alone. There may have been a time
when the excitement now felt on this subject might have been stifled.
When it was determined by our fathers to secure to themselves and their
posterity the rights of freemen and the blessings of independence, then
should they have been warned of the exciting consequences that would
result from the acquisition and enjoyment of such rights. Then should it
have been shewn how they would lead to conceptions and discussions
dangerous to the rights of property and the public peace. Then should
they have been called to