We propose to conclude this article by quoting a few sentences on topics, which we deem of great importance.
One says, "From my own experience I should say there is but one obstacle to success, and that is a belief among the slaves, that all scriptural passages which bear upon their peculiar situation, have been interpolated by white men. How far this notion prevails I cannot say, but I am sure it does to a great extent."
Another says, "I cannot conceive how any one, who acknowledges the obligations of Christian duty can decline affording Christian instruction to his slaves. That this duty of instruction may be safely performed, seems to me manifest from the very precepts of Christianity. The whole tenor of the Bible inculcates nothing but what, if practised, must contribute to the common advantage of the parties [master and servant.] The chief source of danger from the negro race consists in keeping them ignorant of the principles of Christianity. My experience in this matter has been sufficient to satisfy me that there is no yeomanry in the world, who would make a better return for the labour of moral instruction, so far as the great leading principles of Christianity are concerned."
Another says, "Sermons to coloured people ought to be studied and well prepared. The preacher must by all prudent means enlist public favour. The negroes must be treated with kindness and respect. In giving catechetical instruction, their ignorance and blunders must not be allowed to expose them before their fellows, but must be covered. Their feelings must not be wounded."
Another says, "We must guard against the danger of so presenting the subject of religion to the minds of the negroes as to make the operation of their senses and imagination a substitute for the exercise of the right affections of the heart. Such a method of instruction should be adopted as would make a lawful and judicious use of the senses and imagination; and therefore sermons addressed to them should abound with illustrations taken from common life; a course justified by the parables of our Saviour."
Another says, "Undoubtedly Christians ought to engage in this great work without delay. Nothing can be gained by postponement. The moral wretchedness of our coloured neighbours demands immediate relief; and every principle of humanity and religion urges us to afford it. Preaching intended for this class of persons should be on important subjects, as simple as possible, familiar, attractive and solemn."
Another says, "I think that our white population is prepared for this work; and I know that many of the negroes are perishing for lack of knowledge. All our churches are doing a little for these too long neglected immortals; but the efforts used bear no just proportion to their numbers and necessities."
Another says, "Our Convention appointed a committee to prepare, or collect and publish a series of tracts for the benefit of the slaves, which may be read to them, or by such of them as can read. I trust the scenes, which are enacting in some parts of the north, will convince all our citizens that our first duty is to instruct them in the principles of religion, and not seek to inspire them with lofty notions, which will only rouse up against them the worst feelings of the whites."
Two others relate at length how they overcame reluctance in their negroes to attend upon religious instruction. They gave them a part of Saturday for doing those things, which they had formerly done on the Lord's day, as going to a market, &c. They also gave them two or three hours, when preaching could be had during the week. They thus showed that they were willing to lose, (if loss it was) a portion of their time for their spiritual good. "This course soon removed all outward opposition."
Another says, "Ministers ought not only to preach a great deal more than formerly to servants, but also preach a great deal to white people about the instruction of servants, so as to convince the whole church and the servants that we are in earnest in this business and intend to persevere."