[3] By worldly interest, I wish to be understood, the accumulation
    of wealth by any and every means, and the hoarding it up, regardless
    of the wants and sufferings of those around us.

He that sets up for himself, regardless of the peace, happiness, and comfort of his fellow creatures—­he that hath a will of his own, and will not yield to the requisitions of God’s word—­he that will take his own way, regardless of the dictates of his better informed judgment—­he that will go his own course, it matters not on whose rights he infringes—­he that will consult his own interests, and at the same time trample under foot the dearest interests of others, has no right, or title, to the name of a Christian.  If the Bible says do this, or abstain from that, the Christian has no right to demur; it matters not how repugnant it may be to the feelings and inclinations of his heart.  He must cheerfully and heartily at all times, and under all circumstances, acquiesce in the will of a superior intelligence.  He must be willing to sacrifice all; not only his earthly goods, but life itself, if God requires it at his hands.  This is the doctrine of the Bible, and well did the Saviour say, “Strait is the gate and narrow is the way, that leadeth to life; and few there are that find it.”  “Many are called, but few are chosen.”  The Christian is not at liberty to consult his own personal interests and inclinations, when they are in opposition to the will of God.  “Ye are not your own, (says the apostle), ye are bought with a price.”

It was impressed on my mind in early life, that there was much error and misconception among Christian slaveholders in general, in reference to their obligations to their slaves, and a long residence among them has but strengthened and confirmed those convictions.  I have no reference here to those who view slave property in the same light, that they do every other species of property; but to conscientious and humane men.  I allude to you, who profess to be the followers of the meek and lowly Jesus—­you, who take the Bible for the man of your council—­you, who profess to be the servants of that God who is no respector of persons—­you, who profess to be under the influence of that religion which recognizes every man as a brother beloved, for whom Christ shed his precious blood.

I beg leave to impress on your minds the solemn truth, that your slaves are human beings of like passions, feelings, and propensities as yourselves; that they have immortal souls; that their joys and their sorrows, their happiness, and their misery, are suspended on the treatment which they receive at your hands; and that not only their present happiness and misery, but in all probability, their eternal destiny may be influenced by your course of conduct toward them.  These are weighty considerations—­would to God I could impress their importance on your minds; and that you would give them that prayerful and serious attention winch they demand at your hands.