ption of what is right,
while he does what is wrong. There are numerous facts which illustrate
the same principle, and shew the recognition of correct moral feelings,
even in those who habitually and daringly violate them;--as the laws of
honour and honesty which robbers observe towards each other,--and the
remarkable fidelity of smugglers towards their associates. In some of
the tribes in the South Seas, also, most remarkable for their
dishonesty, it was found, that while they encouraged each other in
pillaging strangers, theft was most severely punished among themselves.
Need I farther refer, on this subject, to the line of argument adopted
in the great question of slavery. It is directed to the palliating
circumstances in the actual state of slavery, not to a broad defence of
slavery itself. Its object is to shew, that slavery, under all its
present circumstances, may be reconciled with the principles of humanity
and justice:--no attempt is ever made to prove, that it is consistent
with these principles to tear a human being from his country and his
kindred, and make him a slave.[3]

[Footnote 3: See this subject eloquently argued in Dr. Chalmers'
Bridgewater Treatise.]

On this subject we are sometimes triumphantly asked, where is the
conscience of the Inquisitor,--as if the moral condition of such an
individual incontestably proved, that there can be no such power as we
consider conscience to be. But I think it cannot be doubted, that, as in
the more common cases which have been mentioned, the conscience of the
Inquisitor comes gradually to be accommodated to the circumstances in
which he has voluntarily placed himself. This remarkable moral process
has been repeatedly referred to. It may originate in various causes. It
may arise from passion, or an ill-regulated state of the desires or
affections of the mind; it may arise from motives of interest, leading a
man by small and gradual steps into actions which his sober judgment
condemns; or false opinions, however received, may be allowed to fasten
on the mind, until, from want of candid examination, they come to be
invested with the authority of truth. In the moral process which
follows, each single step is slight, and its influence almost
imperceptible; but this influence is perpetuated, and gains strength in
each succeeding step, until the result is a total derangement of the
moral harmony of the mind.

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