It is not a light task to deal with such material as this. Moral character must be developed at the outset and carefully nurtured all along. The rubbish of incorrect speech must be cleared away, and a correct and copious vocabulary formed. The commonest facts of general information must be imparted. Of course, in our higher institutions there is less of such work to be done; but a still more responsible and difficult task takes its place——that of preparing college and normal students to perform this same arduous primary work as teachers and leaders of their own people. Never was such a mass of ignorance thrown so suddenly upon the educational resources of a civilized people. But there is a brighter side. 2. _The unprecedented facilities now available for the prosecution of our work._ Never was a civilized people so well prepared as our nation now is to meet this great emergency. The progress made in the science of education was never so great as it has been in recent years. The adaptation of methods of teaching to the varying necessities of pupils was never so well understood as now. Text-books and school apparatus, juvenile literature and helps for Biblical study were never so excellent as at present. The value of industrial training, even as an element in the most liberal culture, is receiving unwonted emphasis. In short, the accumulated wisdom of the latest and best century stands ready to serve us, if we only summon its aid. Much of it is in service already; but far more is needed than our present financial resources can command. 3. _The necessity of a high order of talent in the teachers and managers of our work._ To understand thoroughly the needs of such pupils as crowd our schools, and to apply successfully the most approved educational methods, requires something more than an ordinary teacher. An eminent advocate of popular education has stated it as his belief that the most interesting and valuable improvements yet to be made in pedagogical science will be made in connection with the education of the colored people. But tyros and bunglers in teaching will never give us much that is interesting or valuable. The very best teaching ability must continually be employed in our schools and colleges, and be properly remunerated.