Page:Twelfth annual report of the Association for the Religious Instruction of the Negroes, in Liberty County, Georgia.djvu/20

20 it can, and restores nothing but what it sees to be absolutely necessary for gratifying its own insatiable desires. So feels and so reasons the master who heartily acknowledges his obligation and sincerely seeks to fulfil them.

To these several causes now mentioned, we attribute much of the improvement in the physical condition of the Negroes in our district, which has been in progress for years past. These causes I trust, will continue to operate efficiently and the results will continue to be more cheering. Yet I deem it a question of serious concern, which we should individually address to ourselves, whether we do sincerely feel the duty of improving the physical condition of our people, and whether we keep such improvement in view and make it one prominent object of pursuit?

The duly we acknowledge. But we require such a conviction of it as will prompt to its discharge. And let it be understood that while we are called to a discharge of the duty, we must re member that God will judge us according to the ability which we possess. The talent of earthly substance is meted out in different proportions. It cannot be expected of a master who possesses but few servants and whose means are limited, that he will make as large provision for his servants, as the master who possesses many, and whose means are ample. " For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." —Every owner must of necessity be his own judge in this matter. But let no man forget that God is judge, and that he must strive to keep a conscience void of offence before Him.

We need industry, energy, and perseverance. Where these are possessed, they will manifest themselves as truly and as pleasantly on the plantations of the poor as on those of the rich.

What a pleasing prospect would this county present to the eyes of our citizens and to the eyes of strangers and visitors, if all our plantations were improved up to our ability? for that is the measure of our duty. Who fails to be delighted with durability, neat ness and order? Who fails to rejoice in the peace, contentment, cheerfulness, and purity of the community in which Providence has cast his lot? What a happy influence should we exert upon each other? What a favourable impression would be made upon all who come to a knowledge of us, of the benefits of a faithful discharge of our duties to our servants, for the life that now is, and for that