vice and assistance. Be
assured you will find this practice contributes much more to your
peace and interest, than the settling of your differences at law.

Be careful to observe your marriage covenants, remembering that
those who violate them, will fall under the displeasure of the
Almighty. We wish also to impress your minds, the necessity of
having your marriage ceremonies legally performed, and that the
births and deaths in your respective families, be carefully
registered. In the words of an address heretofore made, we
recommend you at all times, and upon all occasions, to behave
yourselves in a civil and respectful manner, by which you may
prevent contention and remove many causes of complaint: we
beseech you to reflect, that you may, by your good conduct,
refute the objections which have been made against you as
rational and moral creatures and lessen many of the difficulties
which now occur in the emancipation of such of your brethren, as
are yet in bondage.

In all your communications with those of your brethren who remain
in slavery, we desire you unceasingly to impress them with the
necessity of contentment with their situations, submission to
their masters, and fidelity to their interests--that they be not
merely eye-servants, but carefully perform the labours assigned
them, and manage everything intrusted to their care, with as much
faithfulness as if it were their own. By this conduct they will
excite in their masters, a disposition to treat them with
humanity and gentleness, and to increase the number of their
privileges and comforts; and contribute to the peace of their own
minds.

Console them with the reflection, that unmixed happiness in a
future life, will be the portion of all good men, whatever may
have been their lot here below.[3]

TO THE FREE BLACKS AND OTHER FREE PEOPLE OF COLOUR IN THE
UNITED STATES

The American Convention for promoting the Abolition of Slavery,
and improving the Condition of the African Race, having again
assembled for the purpose of advancing your best interest, and
the welfare of your offspring; deem it expedient, once more to
address you as children of one Almighty Parent, and members of
the same extended family. The objects we have so long, and so