free. Beyond a mere subsistence, and the impulse of religion, there is nothing to amuse us to the exercise of our faculties, or excite us to the attainment of eminence. Though, under the shield of your laws, we are partially protected, not oppressed — nevertheless, our situation will and must inevitably have the effect of crushing, not developing the capacities that God has given us. We are, besides, of the opinion, that our absence will, by the permission of Providence, accelerate the liberation of such of our brethren as are in bondage. When such of us as wish and may be able, shall have gone before to open and lead the way, a channel will be left, through which may be poured such as hereafter receive their freedom from the kindness or interest of their masters, or by public opinion and legislative enactment, or who are willing to join us who have preceded them.
"Of the many schemes that have been proposed, we must approve of that of African Colonization. If we were able and at liberty to go whithersoever we would, the greater number, willing to leave this community, would prefer Liberia on the coast of Africa. We shall carry your language, your customs, your opinions, and Christianity, to that now desolate shore, and thence they will gradually spread with our growth far into the Continent. The slave-trade, both external and internal, can be abolished only by Settlements on the coast. We foresee that difficulties and dangers await those who emigrate, such as every infant establishment must encounter and endure. But "Ethiopia shall yet lift up her hands unto God." Thousands and tens of thousands, poorer than we, annually emigrate
