FIRMLY believing the truth of that declaration made in holy writ - "that God hath made of one blood all nations that reign on the earth" - we conceive that in consequence of that common origin, man, wherever he may be found, whatever may be his colour, how much soever debased may be his condition, has a right to demand the sympathy and assistance of his fellow man; and the greater his moral degradation the stronger his claim upon his more exalted and privileged brother.

It is on this ground that we put forth the following appeal on behalf of the Aborigines of this Colony; and in doing this we would call upon the public in general and all denominations of Christians in particular, to combine their efforts to bring the poor wandering and degraded Aboriginal tribes of Australia Felix under a course of religious instruction, that they may be taught to read the Holy Scriptures which are able to make them wise unto salvation.

That they are capable of learning ample proof can be furnished and satisfactory evidence produced of the fact, should any person still be doubtful on the subject.

Believing also that - "the time, yea, the set time to favor them is come," it is both important and necessary that something efficient should be done to bring them under the influence of the gospel, which in every other land has proved "the power of God unto salvation," among the most barbarous tribe existing on the face of the globe.

The North American Indian - the black slave of the West Indies - the Negroes of Africa - the South Sea Islanders - and the aboriginal inhabitants of Greenland, have all felt the power and influence of divine truth, and have been taught to read the word of God.

As there is nothing in the physical constitution, so there is nothing in the mental capacity of the Aborigines of this land to prevent the gospel from producing the same effects on them as it unquestionably has done on tribes apparently more savage and cruel in their dispositions and character.

We firmly believe that if the same interest were to be taken for them as has been felt for other nations, and the same amount of agency and influence expended on them as on others, they will soon exhibit the beneficial effects which religious instruction and the power of the gospel have never failed to produce. - We now call upon the inhabitants of this town and colony to come forward and assist us with their money and countenance, that we may immediately bring the Melbourne and Yarra tribes under a course of religious training to enable them to read for themselves the wonderful works of God.

It must be readily admitted that so far as their religious instruction is concerned they have been a most neglected race of people; and had they been acquainted with their real position, they might with propriety have uttered the painful exclamation - "No man cared for our souls."

Let not the professing christians of this Province suppose that there is no responsibility devolving on them with regard to the aborigines by whom they are surrounded; and that they are to be left to "perish for lack of knowledge." Shall we see them swept off by hundreds without a single effort to arrest the progress of disease and destruction, which threaten their utter and ultimate extermination? If we do so, may we not fear that "their blood will be required at our hands?"

There are, doubtless, obstacles in the way; but were there none to be surmounted by Elliot - by Brainerd, and others, who labored with such signal success among the migratory Tribes of North America? Were there none in the way of the Missionaries to the Caffres and Hottentots? Did not these laborious and excellent men, who were first sent to the Islands of the South Seas, long appear to "labor in vain and spend their strength for nought?" And we believe that if the same persevering - untiring and strenuous efforts were made among the Aborigines of this colony, similar results would follow to those which have been realized in other parts of the world, where difficulties far more formidable presented themselves, than those with which (in this country) we have to contend. We are gratified to learn that many of the settlers in this colony have expressed their anxious desire that the Aborigines should be instructed, and some have intimated their willingness to contribute to any institution which may be made, to promote the education and secure the best interest of this too long neglected portion of the human family.

If, therefore, the public in general can but be aroused to contemplate this important subject, and properly to weigh the claims of the Aborigines to their sympathy and compassion; if the different Denominations of Christians would unite in one generous effort on their behalf, something effectual might be accomplished, in order to evangelize the heathen of this land.

If the Great Creator breathed into the nostrils of the Father of all mankind "the breath of life, and thus made him a living soul" - a thinking, reflecting - reasoning - responsible - immortal being; and these poor, destitute creatures, do really belong to our species, - have a common origin with us; we cannot but suppose that he has given them faculties, by the exercise of which they may be raised to a state far above that of the "beasts that perish." Supposing this to be the case, it is clearly the duty of that portion of mankind which has itself enjoyed superior advantages to exert every energy to ameliorate the condition - elevate the character, and instruct the minds of these our unfortunate brethren. And as but little, if any thing, is to be expected from the Churches of Great Britain, or from the different Missionary Societies there, we must do the best we can in this Province, and not allow the little we can do to remain undone, because we cannot do more.

God will not "despise the day of small things," nor would we; and if we can only employ one teacher for the "Yarra Tribe," which is all we contemplate for the present, we have no doubt but the experiment will prove highly satisfactory and encouraging. If we are authorised by the great commission our Divine Master has given us to "Go into the world and teach all nations," whether Jew or Gentile, "Barbarian, Scythian, bond or free," all nations are equally entitled to the Gospel, and therefore the commission of our Lord cannot be fully carried out until the Gospel is preached to the aborigines of this land; and they too are brought to feel the influence of divine truth, and instructed in the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

In making this appeal on behalf of the poor wandering tribes of this District, we earnestly and urgently call upon Ministers, Churches, and people, and Christians of every name to aid us in this our first effort to plant among them the "Tree of life, the leafs whereof shall be for the healing of the nations."

If, then, we have any sympathy for the suffering - compassion for the wretched - any bowels of mercy for the destitute - any love for the souls of our fellow men, we shall not hesitate to come forward and assist with our property, our influence, and our prayers, to rescue the perishing tribes of this extensive country from the moral darkness in which they are involved, and from "the region of the shadow of death" in which they are (now) sitting. We again call upon you Christians, fellow-countrymen, as the friends of humanity, if you wish well to the land of your adoption, to "do justice" to the original possessors of the soil you inherit; that while you have taken their country, it may be seen that you are really solicitous to convey to them the "true riches" which shall secure to them a "better country" - "a country in the skies" - "an inheritance that fadeth not away." In these efforts we believe we are fully justified from the fact "that the heathen (including those of Australia) shall be given to Christ for his inheritance, and these uttermost parts of the earth for his possession."

(Signed) JOHN HAM,

Chairman of the Aboriginal Committee.

April 28th, 1846.