of difficult stations, with so little motive for exertion. The exhibition of talent is always modified by the circumstances in which it is placed. It consists chiefly in the ability to press through difficulties, and accomplish the object in view, by skill and energy in removing impediments as they rise. And, with this view of the subject, it is probable the history of thousands of colored people in this country, who have purchased their own freedom, would exhibit as striking evidence of uncommon talents as can be found either in our colleges and seminaries, or among the distinguished men of our day. This is a subject little understood by those who despise the colored man. Let any one visit the colored people of our Northern cities, and inquire into their history, and he will be surprised to learn how many of them have been bred in slavery; and how many of them have purchased by their own industry, not only their own liberty, but that of their families.

The Abbe Gregoire says he visited a college of colored youth at Clapham, near London, in 1802, for the purpose of examining the progress of the schools, and he found that, between them and European children, there existed no difference but that of color. The same observation,' says he, has been made at Paris, in the ancient college of

La Marche, where Coesnon, formerly professor of the University, had united a certain number of negro children. Many members of the national institute, who have also carefully examined this college, and traced the progress of the scholars in all the circumstances of life, in their particular classes and public exercises, will give testimony to the truth of my assertion.' The learned secretary of the Academy of Portugal,' says the same writer, informs us that several black men have been learned lawyers, preachers, and professors; and at Lisbon, Rio Janeiro, and other Portuguese possessions, have been signalized by their talents.' But, we need not go so far, to be convinced that the native talents of colored people are equal to our own. Any one, who will go into their schools, will see as much evidence of sprightliness, mental activity, and intelligence, as in any other schools; and where they are permitted to attend the same schools, no difference is perceptible between their capacities and those of white children. The author was acquainted with a school in the state of New York, composed of children of all classes, many of whom had been at school ever since they were of a suitable age. In this school there was one colored boy, who was at service, and only went to school during the winter months.

He was in no respect behind his classmates; and at a public examination, took the premium in one of the exercises, which was awarded by a board of Trustees. Nor are the colored people in this country wanting in men of native talent, education, and refinement of manners, notwithstanding all the impediments thrown in the way of their advancement. One of them, (who has lately gone where all invidious distinctions forever cease,) raised himself, by the native energy of his own mind, connected with a corresponding moral and religious character, so as to become, for many years, the pastor of a white congregation in New England.

Facts of similar import might be multiplied almost indefinitely. But it is needless. Indeed, it seems almost a work of supererrogation to enter into an argument to prove what must be so obvious to the mind of every man who will examine the subject at all. If any one desires further evidence of the capacity of this portion of our race for improvement, let him examine the history of Christian missions in South Africa; and, if not wholly destitute of candor, he will be satisfied.

I now proceed to consider some moral traits, which appear to be strikingly exhibited in the African character, both in their native land, and among their descendants elsewhere. In speaking

of this subject, however, I mean to be understood only in that qualified sense in which moral excellence is to be attributed to fallen man, in a state of nature; and not that there can be any thing really holy, in the sight of God, in the heart that is alienated from him. But there are certain natural excellencies of character, which are good and lovely, as far as they go. And these we find in different degrees in different individuals; and it is the relative proportion of these which constitutes what we call a good or bad natural disposition. It is in relation to native character, viewed in this light, that I wish to draw a comparison between the two portions of the human race, distinctly marked by white and biack. And, in doing so, I shall only exhibit some prominent traits on one side, leaving the reader to complete the compariAnd some of these will have more respect to the original character of the natives of the interior of Africa, than of those whose moral habits have been modified by their intercourse with the whites, as well as by their depressed condition, under the influence of the genius of slavery.

son.

(1.) Integrity and Veracity. After Vassa was kidnapped, and while he was with his first master, he says, ' I used to be sometimes employed in assisting an elderly woman slave, to cook and take

care of the poultry: and one morning, while I was feeding some chickens, I happened to toss a small pebble at one of them, which hit it in the middle and killed it. The old slave, having soon after missed the chicken, inquired after it; and on my relating the accident, (for I told the truth, because my mother would never allow me to tell a ile,) she flew into a violent passion, and threatened that I should suffer for it.' This heathen mother had succeeded in making such an impression upon the mind of her son, of the odious nature of falsehood, that he would not tell a lie to screen himself from punishment. Would that every Christian mother might meet with similar success! This trait of character, in the native Africans, is confirmed from other sources. Park speaks of an African woman who found consolation, upon the loss of her son, in the fact that he had never told a lie; which shows the estimation in which truth is held in that country. Rev. John Newton says he one day accused a black man of imposture and injustice, who, with wounded pride, replied, 'Do you take me for a white man?'

(2.) Fidelity. Wadstrom boasts much of the friendship of the blacks; and Capt. Wilson, who lived among them, speaks highly of their constancy in friendship. No one, I think, can read