g but what, if practised,
must contribute to the common advantage of the parties [master and
servant.] The chief source of danger from the negro race consists in
keeping them ignorant of the principles of Christianity. My experience
in this matter has been sufficient to satisfy me that there is no
yeomanry in the world, who would make a better return for the labour of
moral instruction, so far as the great leading principles of
Christianity are concerned."

Another says, "Sermons to coloured people ought to be studied and well
prepared. The preacher must by all prudent means enlist public favour.
The negroes must be treated with kindness and respect. In giving
catechetical instruction, their ignorance and blunders must not be
allowed to expose them before their fellows, but must be covered. Their
feelings must not be wounded."

Another says, "We must guard against the danger of so presenting the
subject of religion to the minds of the negroes as to make the operation
of their senses and imagination a substitute for the exercise of the
right affections of the heart. Such a method of instruction should be
adopted as would make a lawful and judicious use of the senses and
imagination; and therefore sermons addressed to them should abound with
illustrations taken from common life; a course justified by the parables
of our Saviour."

Another says, "Undoubtedly Christians ought to engage in this great work
without delay. Nothing can be gained by postponement. The moral
wretchedness of our coloured neighbours demands immediate relief; and
every principle of humanity and religion urges us to afford it.
Preaching intended for this class of persons should be on important
subjects, as simple as possible, familiar, attractive and solemn."

Another says, "I think that our white population is prepared for this
work; and I know that many of the negroes are perishing for lack of
knowledge. All our churches are doing a little for these too long
neglected immortals; but the efforts used bear no just proportion to
their numbers and necessities."

Another says, "Our Convention appointed a committee to prepare, or
collect and publish a series of tracts for the benefit of the slaves,
which may be read to them, or by such of them as can read. I trust the
scenes, which are enacting in some parts of the north, will convince all
our citizens that our first duty is to instruct them in the principles
of religion, and not seek to inspire them