389-90.] This favorable attitude toward the people of color, and the successful work among them, caused the opponents of this policy to speak out boldly against their enlightenment.

Some asserted that the Negroes were such stubborn creatures that there could be no such close dealing with them, and that even when converted they became saucier than pious.

Others maintained that these bondmen were so ignorant and indocile, so far gone in their wickedness, so confirmed in their habit of evil ways, that it was vain to undertake to teach them such knowledge.

Less cruel slaveholders had thought of getting out of the difficulty by the excuse that the instruction of Negroes required more time and labor than masters could well spare from their business.

Then there were others who frankly confessed that, being an ignorant and unlearned people themselves, they could not teach others.[1] [Footnote 1: For a summary of this argument see Meade, _Four Sermons of Reverend Bacon_, pp.