proving its utility.

Too much cannot be offered against the unnatural custom that pervades
the greatest part of the world, of dragging the human race to slavery
and bondage, nor of exposing the ignominy of such barbarity.

Let an impartial view of man be taken, so far as it respects his
existence, and in the chain of thought, the _white_, _swarthy_ and
_black_, will be all linked together, and at once point out their
equality. God hath created mankind after his own image, and granted to
them liberty and independence; and if varieties may be found in their
structure and colour, these are only to be attributed to the nature of
their diet and habits, also of the soil and climate they may inhabit,
and serve as flimsy pretexts for enslaving them.

In the first rudiment of society, when simplicity characterised the
conduct of man, slavery was unknown, every one equally enjoyed that
peace and tranquility at home, to which he was naturally born: But
this equality existed but for a time; as yet no laws, no government
was established check the ambitious, or to curb the crafty; hence
reprisals were made upon the best by the strong and robust, and
finally subjected the weak and indigent to poverty and want.

Here then arose a difference in the circumstances of men, and the poor
and weak were obliged to submit themselves to the control of the rich
and powerful; but although the authority exercised was at first mild,
and ensured to the bondsmen almost the same privileges with their
masters, yet the idea of power soon crept in upon the mind, and at
length lenity was converted into rigidity, and the gall of servitude
became insupportable; the oppressed, soon found that _that liberty_,
which they had just given up, was an inalienable privilege of man, and
sought means to regain it: this was effected,--but not until a time
when ignorance began to decline, when improvements were made in the
arts, commerce and governments, and when men could seek protection
from the law, or by industry could ward off the bitterness of poverty,
and ensure to themselves an independence.

Happy circumstance! To feel oneself emancipated from the chains of
slavery, must awaken every delicate sensation of the soul, and
transport the gloomy mind into a region of bliss; for what is life,
without an enjoyment of those privileges which have been given to us
by nature? It is a burden, which if not awed by Divine Providence,
would be speedily cast off, by all w