32. I can well predict the alarm that many will sound, at the project of introducing letters among slaves. Some will _imagine_ that knowledge would be a dangerous instrument in their hands. It is true knowledge disarms oppression. But those who have experienced and appreciated its almost uniform tendency, will perceive that it is a pacific weapon,--an olive branch,--accompanied by moderation, justice, and moral duty. Education has been calumniated with the charge of instigating the rebellion and shocking outrages of the slaves in St. Domingo. But the fact is precisely the reverse. The catastrophe was produced chiefly by the haughtiness and imprudence of the white planters, in opposing decrees of the French government, which concerned only the rights of freemen. In this civil war, in which the _white planters_ were arrayed against the laws of the national assembly, and the _planters of colour_ in defence of them, it is not surprising that the _slaves_ should take sides with their _nearest_ relations. The consequent atrocities, most unquestionably resulted from the remembrance of the former barbarity[9] of masters. 33. As mental improvement advances, vengeance and crimes recede. That desirable happy era, when the spirit of peace and benevolence shall pervade all the nations which inhabit the earth,--when both national and personal _slavery_ shall be annihilated;--when nations and individuals shall cease to hunt and destroy each other's lives and property;--when the science and implements of human preservation and felicity, shall be substituted for those of slaughter and woe; will commence, precisely at the moment when the rays of _useful knowledge and wisdom_ shall have been extended to the _whole_ human family. By useful knowledge, I mean, not only an acquaintance with valuable arts and sciences, but also an understanding of our various moral and religious duties, in relation to our Creator, to our neighbour, and to ourselves. By wisdom, I mean that kind of sagacity which influences us to regulate our passions and conduct, in conformity to the precepts of knowledge, reason and religion. Until an approach towards such a state of things is effected, the names of _liberty_ and _security_ on this earth, will differ but little from _a will with a wisp_, either to monarchs or their vassals. At present, violence bears universal and imperial sway;--and ignorance is the magic spell which sustains its sceptre. This dark veil, which enshrouds nearly the whole human race, can be penetrated and removed with much greater certainty and facility, by the mild but invincible rays of intellectual light, than by opposing violence with violence, and evil to evil. The countryman in Æsop's Fables, was induced to throw off his cloak, by the gentle but melting rays of the _physical_ sun, after the wind had exerted its fury in vain. What a boundless empire of glory and _unalloyed_ bliss might the monarchs and rulers of the age, and all