H[enry] H[ighland] Garnet to Frederick Douglass, January 1861

FROM H. H. GARNET--(EXTRACT.)

I doubt whether any one can tell how slavery will be abolished, although it is not difficult to state how it might be done away.—Nor is it a matter of great importance to the Christian and philanthropist how the foul blot and stain shall be wiped from our national escutcheon. God will surely put an end to the crime in his own righteous and just way. Our great concern should be to act up to our honest convictions and do our duty. It is probable that no stereotyped plan devised by human wisdom will be found to be perfect.—The most we can do is to keep our eyes upon the signs of the times, and co-operate with the provinces of God, as they shall be developed, and 'act in the living present.' Had it been my privilege to mingle in your council, I should have urged the importance of philanthropists and Christians on all proper occasions of bearing a faithful testimony against the sin of slavery. I should have also endeavored to show the beauty and power of a union of anti-slavery precept and example in respect to the dealings of Abolitionists with free colored people of the North, the purity and sincerity of which could be so clearly illustrated by assisting them in honest labor, trade, commerce, education, and in the principles of pure religion, and undefiled before God, the Father.