The proper education of the African race should form a prominent feature in all our efforts. It is with much gratification we are enabled to state that the address from New York, mentions a continued advancement in the literary improvement of the coloured children, and that from Philadelphia holds out the prospect of the establishment of a school for teaching them the higher branches of an English education and thus enabling them to act as teachers of their own isolated race. To break up the fallow ground, to sow the seed, and rear the tender plants of virtue in this degraded people, should be the wish of every heart and the effort of every hand. Let us establish schools, instruct the children, and show to the world that the mind of the African is not a soil where genius sickens and every virtue dies. When we reflect that man is a being whose own interest generally forms the alpha and omega, beginning and end of life, a centre around which every passion and affection of his heart revolves, a boundary beyond which he seldom ventures, we are rather encouraged at the progress of our cause, than deterred by the magnitude of the work to be yet accomplished. Have not thousands been liberated, and the condition of tens of thousands improved? We believe there is a secret fire enkindled in the public bosom which will never be extinguished, until liberty be given to the captive and freedom to the oppressed. But this glorious principle needs to be encouraged and kept alive by the increasing efforts of its friends, to show to the world that they themselves are not weary of well-doing. Prejudices imbibed in youth and strengthened by age are to be broken down, and many an objection to be overcome. In conclusion we would remark that although much censure has been cast upon us, we are renewedly convinced of the goodness and the justice of our cause. Let us exhort you to a patient continuance in your labours; and "the bread cast upon the waters, shall be found after many days."[17] FOOTNOTES: [1] Minutes of the Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates from the Abolition Societies, 1794, pp. 18-21. [2] Minutes of the Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates from the Abolition Societies, 1795, pp. 26-31. [3] Minutes of the Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates from the Abolition Societies, 1796, pp. 23-25. [4] Minutes of the Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates from the Abolition Societies, 1796, p. 28. [5] Minutes of the Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates from the Abolition Societies, 1797, pp. 22-25. [6] Minutes of the Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates from the Abolition Societies, 1798, pp. 15-20. [7] Minutes of the Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates from the Abolition Societies, 1800, pp. 20-23.