University of Virginia Library

THE OBJECT OF THIS PUBLICATION.

My object in placing these verses before an intelligent people is, First, to carry to their minds the purpose of the founders of Wilberforce. That purpose, as stated in the last Catalogue of the Institution, is “An aim to inspire and increase in the pupil self-respect, self-control and self-development.”

Now may I not hope that, however imperfect or faulty these lines may be, they will, in some measure,

show “self-development.” And this is the very thing most needed among the poor colored young men of our country; and hence, an emphasis of the claims of Wilberforce upon those who are interested in the welfare of the freedman. Very few of the colored students of our land, there are, who can depend upon their parents for efficient aid in going to school. Too many, alas, like the author, have NO parents, no aid. How wise then the encouragement of an educational system of “self-development.” With the motto, “Economy, Thrift, Manhood,” the humble, poor young man, finds his way out of obscurity into usefulness.

The founders of Wilberforce, knowing best the needs of the classes among which she was destined to operate, knew best how to supply them; and in this arrangement they have been happy. The poor young man, without preparatory training, coming to Wilberforce, soon learns to study out problems for himself, and hence, to think for himself. He learns that if he cannot excel, he can do something else— he can do what he can—he can try—he can dare to fail. He soon learns the difference between a successful do-nothing, and an honorable failure. If such a young man leaves Wilberforce between terms, to gather means for his support, mark you, he will return,

and not only that, he will bring up his studies with him.

The production of Not a Man, and Yet a Man, whatever it is, is owing to that spirit of “self-development” which Wilberforce inspires.

Secondly, my object in publishing is, to introduce myself to the people. Those who read will feel acquainted with me. Some may think well of me, and even invite me to talk with them about our Wilberforce. There is nothing like being kindly thought of by a people before you go among them. Certainly none will despise the effort.

And now, dear public, Not a Man, and Yet a Man, comes to your doors, let him in! As to his merits, let readers judge.

Our canvassers get only such part of the sales as will help them honestly to live. Purchase, therefore, remembering that your mite goes to the aid of a noble cause, and, if any one, after having read, feel to give of his earthly goods more largely, let him send such donations to the author at Springfield, Ohio.

Letters of comment on the merits of this work, and also of encouragement for Wilberforce, are sincerely solicited of the reader, by