eview that advice, the more we are impressed with its
importance, and the more anxious we are to urge your strict and
faithful observance of it. We shall only add thereto, at present,
one other request, and that is, that you would avoid gaming in
all its varied forms--the ruinous and miserable consequences of
this most pernicious evil, are so notorious, and so generally
acknowledged, that we cannot too forcibly endeavour to guard you
against it. It subjects you to the control of the most degrading
passions, and too generally leads to the loss of fortune,
reputation, and of every good principle.

We can with peculiar satisfaction inform you, that schools and
places of worship have been established, and that they are well
attended by people of your color, in New-York, New-Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and other places; and we are
happy to find, that many of you have evinced, by your prudent and
moral conduct, that you are not unworthy of the freedom you
enjoy.

Go on in these paths of virtue:--By persevering in them you will
justify the solicitude and labors of your friends in your behalf,
and furnish an additional argument for the emancipation of such
of your brethren as are yet in bondage in the United States and
in other parts of the world.[2]

TO THE FREE BLACKS, AND OTHER FREE PEOPLE OF COLOUR, IN
THE UNITED STATES

The American Convention for promoting the Abolition of Slavery
and improving the Condition of the African Race, believe it
proper to address you, on subjects highly interesting to your
well being.

You can have no doubt but that our views are disinterested, and
we therefore think ourselves entitled to your attention, whilst
we speak of matters in which you are greatly concerned.

As you are free men, we wish you to place a proper estimate on
your privileges, and to act in a manner becoming your character;
that, by your worthy conduct, you may destroy the prejudices
which some persons entertain against you, and relieve your
friends from the censures which they incur in consequence of your
errors; we beseech you, reflect seriously and endeavor to remove
these reproaches; and it is our earnest and affectionate advice,
that you remember your great and good Creator, who has plac