11
acter of the African. More kindly feelings are going out towards him, and a greater disposition is manifested for his improvement, morally and physically. I speak now of those planters who have really given consideration to the work which you have undertaken; and thus you perceive that your work has an intimate bearing upon all the interests of the negro. The effect of this kindly feeling on the part of the master towards his servants, will be, to increase both his respect and obedience.
The period of our labours is too short to look for any general effect throughout the County, on the moral character of the negroes. Every one knows that their moral character is deplorable enough. Some even despair of its improvement. But we are sanguine that they are as capable of moral improvement as any other people. All they need is the same persevering care and attention, the same privileges of the Gospel. As a proof of this, I venture nothing when I declare, that the most faithful servants, and those who are exerting the most happy influence in this County, are those who in sober judgment, are decidedly pious men. We speak not of those who are Christians by profession only. There are many such we know, and their number is not to be wondered at, considering their opportunities of instruction. If by faithful, judicious instruction, the numher of pious servants is increased, we shall directly perceive and acknowledge the great benefit of Religion amongst them. It will be an anomaly in the moral history of man, if the Gospel will not produce a happy effect upon them. Indeed, it is too late to originate any doubts or controversies on this subject, as there is not wanting abundant evidence of the success of efforts both to civilize and evangelize the African.
I repeat again, that the period of our labours in this County, and the limited nature of them—there being but one Missionary to nearly five thousand—forbid the expectation of any general, salutary effect.
We characterize the year as one of experiment and of discovery. Of experiment, both in relation to the negroes, and the Agent. Whether on the one hand, the negroes, after so long a period of neglect, would cordially embrace and sustain by their interest and attendance, the preaching of the Gospel; and on the other, whether the Agent was qualified for the peculiar labour.
It has been a year of discovery, as to the stations to be formed, the number of plantations to be visited, the best plan of conducting the religious instruction of the negroes, and the amount of interest which is taken in the work.
