e emancipated.
The irresistible, though silent progress of the principles of
true philosophy, will do much for us; but, placed in a situation
well adapted to promote these principles, it surely becomes us to
improve every occasion of forwarding the great designs of our
institutions. For this purpose, we think it proper to request you
to unite with us, in the most strenuous exertions, to effect a
compliance with the laws in favour of emancipation; and, where
these laws are deficient, respectful applications to the
State-Legislatures should not be discontinued, however
unsuccessful they may prove.--Let us remember, for our
consolation and encouragement in these cases, that, although
interest and prejudice may oppose, yet the fundamental principles
of our government, as well as the progressive and rapid influence
of reason and religion, are in our favour--and let us never be
discouraged by a fear of the event, from performing any task of
duty, when clearly pointed out; for it is an undoubted
truth--that no good effort can ever be entirely lost.

While contemplating the great principles of our associations, we
cannot refrain from recommending to your attention the propriety
of using your endeavours to form, as circumstances may require,
Abolition Societies in your own, and in the neighboring States;
as, for want of the concurrence of others, the good intentions
and efforts of many an honest and zealous individual are often
defeated.

But, while we wish to draw your attention to these objects, there
is another which we cannot pass over. We are all too much
accustomed to the reproaches of the enemies of our cause, on the
subject of the ignorance and crimes of the Blacks, not to wish
that they were ill-founded. And though, to us, it is sufficiently
apparent that this ignorance, and these crimes, are owing to the
degrading state of slavery; yet, may we not, with confidence,
attempt to do away the reproach?--Let us use our endeavours to
have the children of the emancipated, and even of the enslaved
Africans, instructed in common literature--in the principles of
virtue and religion, and in those mechanic arts which will keep
them most constantly employed, and, of course, will less subject
them to idleness and debauchery; and thus prepare them for