That the emancipated people are perceptibly rising in the scale of civilization, morals, and religion.
From these established facts, reason cannot fail to make its inferences in favor of the two and a half millions of slaves in our republic.

We present the work to our countrymen who yet hold slaves, with the utmost confidence that its perusal will not leave in their minds a doubt, either of the duty or perfect safety of _immediate emancipation_, however it may fail to persuade their hearts--which God grant it may not! By order of the Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society.
New York, April 28th, 1838.
* * * * * EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED IN THE NARRATIVE.
1.

The words 'Clergy' and 'Missionary' are used to distinguish between the ministers of the English or Scotch church, and those of all other denominations.
2.

The terms 'church' and 'chapel' denote a corresponding distinction in the places of worship, though the English Church have what are technically called 'chapels of ease!' 3.

'Manager' and 'overseer' are terms designating in different islands the same station.