Notice, I said in the concluding clause of Article 3--I call God, I call Angels, I call men to witness, that the destruction of the Americans is at hand, and will be speedily consumated unless they repent. Now I wonder if the world think that I would take the name of God in this way in vain? What do they think I take God to be? Do they suppose that I would trifle with that God who will not have his holy name taken in vain?--He will show you and the world, in due time, whether this book is for his glory, or written by me through envy to the whites, as some have represented. [29] See the Declaration of Independence of the United States. [30] The Lord has not taught the Americans that we will not some day or other throw off their chains and hand-cuffs, from our hands and feet, and their devilish lashes (which some of them shall have enough of yet) from off our backs. AN ADDRESS TO THE SLAVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (REJECTED BY THE NATIONAL CONVENTION, 1843.) BY HENRY HIGHLAND GARNET. PREFACE. The following Address was first read at the National Convention held at Buffalo, N.Y., in 1843. Since that time it has been slightly modified, retaining, however, all of its original doctrine. The document elicited more discussion than any other paper that was ever brought before that, or any other deliberative body of colored persons, and their friends. Gentlemen who opposed the Address, based their objections on these grounds. 1. That the document was war-like, and encouraged insurrection; and 2. That if the Convention should adopt it, that those delegates who lived near the borders of the slave states, would not dare to return to their homes. The Address was rejected by a small majority; and now in compliance with the earnest request of many who heard it, and in conformity to the wishes of numerous friends who are anxious to see it, the author now gives it to the public, praying God that this little book may be borne on the four winds of heaven, until the principles it contains shall be understood and adopted by every slave in the Union. H.H.G. Troy, N.Y., April 15, 1848. ADDRESS TO THE SLAVES OF THE U.S. BRETHREN AND FELLOW CITIZENS: