I am endeavouring to subdue the prejudices of others; but the subject now under consideration obliges me to declare that the faithful discharge of the duties of the minister in these colonies, is, in my judgment, incompatible with the active superintendence of slave property. If it were possible, I should rejoice to see every clergyman in the diocese unfettered with the possession, or even the controul, of a single slave.

No well-disposed person will deny that the minister may reasonably expect, and that he certainly ought to receive, the ready co-operation of the lay proprietors around him. The plantations, which often contain each a population not inferior to that of a moderate parish in England, should be open to him at all times. No unnecessary difficulties should impede his visiting the hut of the negro, and aiding him with ministerial advice and consolation. His endeavours to assemble the slaves in the house of God

on the sabbath should be backed by the master's authority, parentally exerted on the occasion. We are frequently told that any interference, even to the length of advice, on religious matters, is a controul which the master is unwilling to exercise over his slaves; and that it would be unpardonable severity to compel them to observe the sanctity of the sabbath, and to join in its religious services. But when the direct authority of the master coerces in every other respect the will and conduct of his dependents, it is no admissible excuse, that from feelings of humanity, the same authority is not exerted in promoting a due attention to their moral and religious duties. I would allow them the fullest liberty of conscience I would force none to adopt any opinions, or join in any outward form of worship, from which they are averse on principle. But since a vast majority of them are in the condition of children, with minds almost a perfect blank; untaught in any

religious creed, and unbiassed by any preconceived opinions or impressions, it surely is no outrage to their feelings, and no unauthorized and culpable stretch of power, to deal with them as we should not scruple to do with our own sons and daughters to admonish, entreat, and even peremptorily require them to be moral in their habits, and observant of the prescribed forms of religion.

Nor can I omit to press earnestly on your consideration the duty of assembling your slaves each morning and evening for family or plantation prayer, that with one voice and in one common spirit of holiness, the blessing of God may be invoked on both master and servant. The congregated negroes will by this daily recurring service be taught to acknowledge their dependence on, and final responsibility to, their Creator; to rely on the atoning blood of Christ their Redeemer, and to make supplication for the sanctifying influence of the holy

Spirit, so that strength may be given them to continue in the way that leadeth to life everlasting.

2

My brethren, you are Christians yourselves. Your children and all who are near to you in relationship, and dear to you in affection, have been early admitted into Christ's church by baptism, and have been subsequently taught the duties and the obligations of the Christian faith. Pray for us, nor be content with prayer alone: act zealously with us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified among your slaves, even as it is with you, and with your children, for it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that one of these little ones, now entrusted to your charge, should perish.

3

It is the will and known command of the Almighty that every one, rich or poor, high or low, free or bond, should come to Jesus Christ for salvation; and whoever keeps from his slaves and de

2

2 Thess. iii. 1.

3

Matt. xviii. 14.

4

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pendents the view of that blessed Redeemer, who came into the world that all men through him might be saved; whoever refuses the waters of life to the spiritually thirsty, and allows those who are about him and are ministering by their labour to his comforts, to perish eternally for lack of knowledge; that man obeys not, regards not his God and his Saviour. Awfully will the words sound in his ears, when he is asked at the great day of account and general retribution, Where are the souls committed to thy charge?" Thy God hath said, "Let him that is athirst come, and let him take the water of life freely;" and hast thou interposed thy fleeting power, and said 'Come not, taste not? Thy Saviour offered himself for all men, for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; and hast thou declared, if not in words, yet in thy deeds,

Hosea iv. 6.

5 John iii. 16.