Frederick Douglass: Sir:—The above is taken from the 12th number of your valuable paper. As the condition of the colored people of the United States is the subject of general remark, I wish to make a few remarks, on what is termed "relying on God for deliverance;" and in doing so, I shall differ with the writer of the above, and the wise of the day, as to what is understood by relying on God for deliverance. We have been, and are still taught, this false system of philosophy. What I want is, the plain import of this question candidly considered. For instance, if I rely on another to perform for me. This, sir, pre-supposes non-action on my part, because I am depending on another to act for me. This destroys all motive power to act. Suppose the husbandman should say, I will not plow, I will not sow, I will not plant, but I will rely on God to deliver me bread in his own time. Would not such a character as this be considered insane? Let common sense decide the matter, and he will be found a fit subject for the Lunatic Asylum. This, sir, is precisely the spurious doctrine that has been taught us by our pretended leaders, and the sooner it is cast into oblivion, the better for us, and for those who are to come after us. What right has any man to demand deliverance of another, without performing actions agreeable to that demand? What action have the colored people performed, to demand deliverance of God? They have refused to act only at the bidding of their pretended leaders. They have been told to wait until this thing and the other obstacle were removed out of the way, and then they would be admitted on an equality with the more favored portion of the inhabitants of the United States. This they sung until they could see no prospect of success, then left for the Canadian hills, and now write back to the "black men of the U. States," and tell them for their consolation that "God will suffer them to be oppressed a little longer." So much for these blind leaders of the blind.

But, sir, the question may be asked, what are the colored people to do in their present condition? I answer, the way is plain, tho' it has been much darkened by men without reason, and this has caused many to suppose that their fate is sealed. If this be a fact, the progress is no law of humanity. The history of the past will be reverted in that of the future, but the way and manner in which the colored people have attempted to elevate themselves has no precedent. Let it be remembered, then, that there is a way by which a people may become great and powerful, that is, to establish a government of their own. Without this, they can become nothing but wanderers on the earth; but by this they can become great in power and dominion.—The colored people have refused to establish a Government for themselves, in direct violation of God's command to the first man "Adam," who was placed Governor of the world, and then they ask God to deliver them from the Government of others. This my friends can never be done, because it is contrary to the

nature of the case. We must perform actions consonant with the command of God to ensure deliverance, and not fold our arms in ease and wait for God to do what be never promised. To suppose that we will be admitted on an equality in the American Government, evinces a want of information on the subject. But suppose it were the case, it could only be of short duration, from the fact, that we would be driven back by competition in progress. If it is necessary for us to have churches, and these churches cannot exist without a Government to concentrate the interest of its members, then it follows as a natural consequence for us not to exist as a people without a Government to concentrate our individuality into one common nationality, and thus occupy a position amongst the nations of the earth. If this cannot be done in the United States, then it is our duty to go where it can be done, and this will remain to be our duty until we have performed it.

But again, the writer says, "But while no State can pass compulsory laws for your removal, which can be of any validity, should the attempt be made, you could contest those laws in the higher courts. The investigation of those cases, and the arguments made against the constitutionality of such laws, would at once and forever be put to a wakeless sleep." We cannot agree with our friend. Who compose the higher courts, but those who have the power to make such laws? Is it reasonable to suppose that a State would pass compulsory laws and repeal those laws for our good? Certainly not. Such laws already exist, and have been contested in the higher courts; and why are they not put to a "wakeless sleep?" There is one thing, sir, that the colored people of the United States have got to learn, and that is, that no people ever did, nor ever can become a nation without having a Government of their own. This is what gives power and greatness to a nation, is their governing power. This is what was given to the first man, "Adam," and must be retained by his posterity. If the colored people are ever delivered from their present condition it must be by their own effort and action in regaining their governing powers, and not by any outward miracles, as were the "Israelites." To look beyond this for deliverance is to look for an effect without a cause.

Such are my views of the interest of the colored race, and they are not without some plausibility. I have much more to say on this subject, therefore, this present may be

considered as a preface.

Yours for an Independent Government,

Johnson WoodlinWoodlin, Johnson

Philadelphia, Mar. 31st, 1852.