1. Beware of the influence of _mere feeling_ on this serious subject. Your feelings may be with the slave,--so are mine, so are those of most of the Southern people. We all want men to be free; and _no more_ do we want it now, than did the inhabitants of this country before we were born: the extravagant fanaticism and noisy zeal of the Northern abolitionists have not increased the sentiment of the country in favour of freedom a single item. But what can we _do_? This is a very grave and difficult subject. One thing is certain,--the perpetual abuse of our Southern brethren, violence, disunion, and bloody murder will do us no good,--whether we are bondmen or freemen. And when we think on this subject, let us aim to be cool, unimpassioned, deliberate, and give reason and religion their just influence over us. 2. Beware of prejudice. Do not make up your mind hastily, and under the impulses of mere feeling, without any just and extensive information. Study the matter calmly, extensively, and on all sides and aspects of it. 3. Study it _religiously_. Keep it, in your mind, aloof from all the excitements and influences of party and party spirit. Let me say to you, my beloved people, study it on your knees, in earnest prayer to God. Learn your duty from God's word, praying in the Holy Ghost. 4. Aim to cultivate the entire spirit of your Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Feel as he felt. Act as he acted. Pray as he prayed. Seek the _salvation_ of sinners, as he sought it,--evidently putting more value upon _that_ for every dying son of Adam, than upon all things earthly. Oh remember, you _will be the best citizens, just when you are the best Christians_;--and I do believe in my heart, you will do most earthly good to your fellow-men, just when you do them most spiritual good,--leading them, by example, by precept, and prayer, to "seek _first_ the kingdom of God." 5. Be obedient to the laws of your land. Do not resist these _ordinances of God_. Stand by the Constitution of your country. If that die, _the most_ of your happiness and your hopes die with it!--yea, it would be a calamity to the civilized world! Christianity herself would be hindered a whole century in her march! Respect your rulers. Frown indignantly upon the low and vile abuse now heaped so liberally upon the great men of your country. Be peaceful Citizens. Be a _law-abiding people_, with all your sentiments opposed to violence, bloodshed, and confusion; and aim to allay all the excited and angry feelings that may come up around you.