Shall a Briton, shall a man “honoured with a Christian name” encourage slavery, because the semi-barbarous, unenlightened, lawless African hath done it? “To what end (it is impressively asked) do we profess a religion whose dictates we so flagrantly violate? Wherefore have we that pattern of goodness and humanity, if we refuse to follow it? How long shall we continue a practice which policy rejects, justice condemns, and piety revolts at?” [[66]]

[[Contents]]

Chapter V.

* * * the band of commerce is design’d

T’ associate all the branches of mankind.

And if a boundless plenty be the robe,

Trade is the golden girdle of the globe:

This genial intercourse, and mutual aid,

Cheers, what were else, an universal shade.

Calls nature from her ivy-mantled den,