ommunity; and if the dissemination of our principles was more
generally attended to, co-adjuting societies would doubtless
increase, and this Convention eventually become a body so
numerous and respectable, that the National Government would not
withhold its attention.

The proper education of the African race should form a prominent
feature in all our efforts. It is with much gratification we are
enabled to state that the address from New York, mentions a
continued advancement in the literary improvement of the coloured
children, and that from Philadelphia holds out the prospect of
the establishment of a school for teaching them the higher
branches of an English education and thus enabling them to act as
teachers of their own isolated race. To break up the fallow
ground, to sow the seed, and rear the tender plants of virtue in
this degraded people, should be the wish of every heart and the
effort of every hand. Let us establish schools, instruct the
children, and show to the world that the mind of the African is
not a soil where genius sickens and every virtue dies.

When we reflect that man is a being whose own interest generally
forms the alpha and omega, beginning and end of life, a centre
around which every passion and affection of his heart revolves, a
boundary beyond which he seldom ventures, we are rather
encouraged at the progress of our cause, than deterred by the
magnitude of the work to be yet accomplished. Have not thousands
been liberated, and the condition of tens of thousands improved?
We believe there is a secret fire enkindled in the public bosom
which will never be extinguished, until liberty be given to the
captive and freedom to the oppressed. But this glorious principle
needs to be encouraged and kept alive by the increasing efforts
of its friends, to show to the world that they themselves are not
weary of well-doing. Prejudices imbibed in youth and strengthened
by age are to be broken down, and many an objection to be
overcome.

In conclusion we would remark that although much censure has been
cast upon us, we are renewedly convinced of the goodness and the
justice of our cause. Let us exhort you to a patient continuance
in your labours; and "the bread cast upon the waters, shall be
found after many days."[17]