im who goes to this simple and ignorant people as a
Christian teacher. He should know nothing among them but the plain
facts, and practical precepts, and the devotional sentiments of the
Bible; and these he should set forth in the most simple, intelligible,
and animated language, abounding in illustrations drawn from objects
familiar to his auditors. But let him avoid negroism and vulgarity of
all sorts--they would detract from his respectability, and be offensive
to the understanding, and native taste of the negroes themselves, who
are ignorant indeed, and to a degree stupid--but they are not fools.

"2d. To study maturely, and to digest in a lucid order, a systematic
course of instruction--not the technical system of the schools--but a
system of plain, practical truth, adapted to the peculiar state of the
people to be instructed--illustrating, inculcating, repeating
fundamental truths, and scriptural maxims, till they are well
understood: aiming first to lay the foundation of a rational faith and
an intelligent conviction--before the feelings and fancies of a blind
enthusiasm are stirred up. It is peculiarly dangerous, to set fire to
the combustible heap of crude and fanatical fancies that occupy the
brain of an ignorant person, such as are most of the uninstructed
negroes. It is no hard thing to guide a well instructed mind, in which
reason and conscience have their due influence--but what can be done
with a full blown enthusiast, or a furious fanatic, who is maddened by
the chimeras of a diseased fancy? They will disdain sober instruction
and set up for themselves. They will be your rivals, and have the
advantage of you too, when once the flame of blind enthusiasm is
kindled in the congregation.

"3d. To avoid cramming an unprepared mind with too much at once. A few
ideas at one time should be clearly expressed and deeply impressed. Do
not hurry matters; but let the weak stomach digest one bit, before
another is administered; relieve the wearied attention, and quicken pure
devotional feeling, by sweet hymns and simple fervent prayers, and short
affectionate exhortations.

"4th. To combine various modes of instruction; now a short sermon,
methodically exhibiting a single point of truth or duty; now a suitable
passage of scripture with a pithy commentary; now a catechetical
exercise, either on the last sermon or by lecturing at the time,
propounding a point clearly, and then examining the auditor to see if he
remem