But there are yet duties obligatory on slaveholders, to which I have not directly alluded, which bear heavily on my mind.  Oh! that I could in appropriate language, impress their importance on the minds of my Southern friends.  Oh! that in view of their responsibility to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, they would calmly, patiently, soberly, seriously and prayerfully reflect on the following remarks.  Aid a worm of the dust, O God, to plead the cause of humanity.  “Paul may plant, and Apollos may water,” but thou, O God, “must give the increase.”  Thou knowest that in vain I admonish my Southern brethren, unless thy Spirit attends the warnings and admonitions herein given.  May thy Spirit attend this little volume in its Southern tour.  Give the hearing ear, and the understanding heart.  May they hear, and give ear; and not only hear and give ear, but may they “work, while it is called day, for the night cometh, when no man can work.”

I allude to the mental and moral culture of the African population in the Southern States.  I feel intensely on this subject; and could I arouse the Southern States to reflection and action, I should then feel as if the great work of my life was accomplished.  I could then repose in peace and quiet on my dying pillow; assured, that ere long, my beloved country would, be redeemed from the curse of slavery.

In whatever aspect we may view slavery, the ignorance of slaves presents itself to us, as the darkest spot in the picture.  It is humiliating—­a national reproach—­an omission of duty, for which Almighty God will hold us accountable, that so little effort has been made to enlighten the minds, and elevate the characters of the African population in our midst.  Here lies our great delinquency.  “O shame! where is thy blush?” In the name of all that is sacred, how long is this state of things to continue?  When, Oh! when will we arouse to a sense of our vast responsibilities to God, and our obligations to the African race?  Several millions of fellow beings in our midst, not one in twenty of whom can read the Holy Bible!  And yet it is our boast, that we are the most enlightened nation under the sun—­the most virtuous and intelligent people under the canopy of heaven—­a nation of Christians.  God help us; for when I reflect on these things, I cannot avoid asking myself, is there any probability, that we shall ever get our eyes open, and help ourselves?  It is the duty of every slaveholder to instruct his slaves so far as to enable them to read the Bible; and to furnish every slave with a copy of the will and word of God; to encourage them to read the same; and not only read it, but to make it the “man of their council.”  This, friendly slaveholder, is your obvious and indispensable duty, and you well know it.  If you have neglected or overlooked this duty in time past, for your own sakes, for the sakes of your slaves, defer it no longer.  There is no time to be lost; it is a matter of infinite importance, both to yourselves and your slaves.  Commence it in good earnest, and may success attend your efforts.  You are under moral obligations to enlighten the minds and elevate the characters of your slaves, as far as practicable.  You should spare no pains, and no consideration whatever, of expediency, convenience or self-interest, should deter you from the faithful discharge of your duty.