y and
more effect, for the performance of the solemn duties which are
imposed on us.

We perceive, with sincere and deep regret, that some societies
have not yet made much progress in the establishment of schools
for the literary and moral improvement of the people of colour.
We cannot withhold the expression of our anxiety on this
subject.... We consider it a matter of high moment, involving the
most interesting and affecting consequences. Shall we, by
lukewarmness or neglect, give the enemies of our institutions the
triumph of reproaching us with indifference.... With a want of
that virtue ... that inflexible spirit of perseverance, without
which the tree we have nourished, and hoped to bring to maturity,
may erect its barren and useless branches before us, a gloomy
monument of our indolence? With what reproaches, and
difficulties, and dangers, have our societies heretofore
contended! with a courage and temperance, which could have been
maintained only in a great and good cause; we have withstood all
the rude onsets of the enemies of rational liberty, and, under
the protection of a wise Providence, we have, step by step, moved
forward, subduing by the eloquent voice of reason and humanity,
the oppressors of the weeping Africans, until we have seen the
fetters fall from thousands, and beheld those, who had been
reduced to the condition of beasts of burthen, rising from the
earth with the privileges and rights of men! Shall we now desert
them? after teaching them that they belong to the rank of man,
shall we refuse to employ our time and talents in preparing their
minds for the enjoyment of those pleasures, and the practice of
those virtues which belong to their species? We have hitherto
been their friends; if we now desert them, to whom shall they
apply for help? Their fate, as it regards human aid, rests
chiefly with us. Let us try the strength of our virtue.... Let us
decide, by a vote in our societies, whether we will continue our
parental care over them, or leave them friendless and abandoned
to their own weakness and ignorance. This vote will proclaim to
the world the sincerity of our views, and the integrity of our
hearts. If we are weary of well-doing, we shall forsake them; but
if our breasts still glow with benevolence, we shal