Of the other comparisons that are usually made, we may observe in general, that, as they consist in comparing the iniquitous practice of slavery with other iniquitous practices in force among other nations, they can neither raise it to the appearance of virtue, nor extenuate its guilt.  The things compared are in these instances both of them evils alike.  They call equally for redress[098], and are equally disgraceful to the governments which suffer them, if not encourage them, to exist.  To attempt therefore to justify one species of iniquity by comparing it with another, is no justification at all; and is so far from answering the purpose, for which the comparison is intended, as to give us reason to suspect, that the comparer has but little notion either of equity or honour.

We come now to those scenes of felicity, which slaves are said to enjoy.  The first advantage which they are said to experience, is that of manumission.  But here the advocates for slavery conceal an important circumstance.  They expatiate indeed on the charms of freedom, and contend that it must be a blessing in the eyes of those, upon whom it is conferred.  We perfectly agree with them in this particular.  But they do not tell us that these advantages are confined; that they are confined to some favourite domestick; that not one in an hundred enjoy them; and that they are never extended to those, who are employed in the cultivation of the field, as long as they can work.  These are they, who are most to be pitied, who are destined to perpetual drudgery; and of whom no one whatever has a chance of being freed from his situation, till death either releases him at once, or age renders him incapable of continuing his former labour.  And here let it be remarked, to the disgrace of the receivers, that he is then made free, not—­as a reward for his past services, but, as his labour is then of little or no value,—­to save the tax[099].

With the same artifice is mention also made of the little spots, or gardens, as they are called, which slaves are said to possess from the liberality of the receivers.  But people must not be led away by agreeable and pleasant sounds.  They must not suppose that these gardens are made for flowers; or that they are places of amusement, in which they can spend their time in botanical researches and delights.  Alas, they do not furnish them with a theme for such pleasing pursuits and speculations!  They must be cultivated in those hours, which ought to be appropriated to rest[100]; and they must be cultivated, not for an amusement, but to make up, if it be possible, the great deficiency in their weekly allowance of provisions.  Hence it appears, that the receivers have no merit whatever in such an appropriation of land to their unfortunate slaves:  for they are either under the necessity of doing this, or of losing them by the jaws of famine.  And it is a notorious fact, that, with their weekly allowance, and the produce of their spots together, it is often with the greatest difficulty that they preserve a wretched existence.