Look around you, my friends: what rational enjoyment is not within your reach?
Your homes are in the noblest country in the world, and all of that country which your real happiness requires, may at any time be yours.

Your industry can purchase it; and its righteous laws will secure you in its possession.
But, to what, my friends, do you owe all these blessings?
Let not the truth be concealed.

You owe them to that curse, that bitter scourge of Africa, whose partial abolishment you are this day convened to celebrate.
Slavery has been your curse, but it shall become your rejoicing.

Like the people of God in Egypt, you have been afflicted; but like them too, you have been redeemed.

You are henceforth free as the mountain winds.