the General Assembly assure us, that such “consequences are not imaginary, but connect themselves WITH THE VERY EXISTENCE of slavery.  The evils to which the slave is always exposed, often take place in fact, and IN THEIR VERY WORST DEGREE AND FORM[A]; and where all of them do not take place,” “still the slave is deprived of his natural right, degraded as a human being, and exposed to the danger of passing into the hands of a master who may inflict upon him all the hardships and injuries, which inhumanity and avarice may suggest.”  Is this the condition in which our ecclesiastics would keep the slave, at least a little longer, to fit him to be restored to himself?

[Footnote A:  The words here marked as emphasis were so distinguished by ourselves.]

“AND THEY STOPPED THEIR EARS.”

The methods of discipline under which, as slaveholders, the Southrons now place their human cattle, they with one consent and in great wrath, forbid us to examine.  The statesman and the priest unite in the assurance, that these methods are none of our business.  Nay, they give us distinctly to understand, that if we come among them to take observations, and make inquiries, and discuss questions, they will dispose of us as outlaws.  Nothing will avail to protect us from speedy and deadly violence!  What inference does all this warrant?  Surely, not that the methods which they employ are happy and worthy of universal application.  If so, why do they not take the praise, and give us the benefit, of their wisdom, enterprise, and success?  Who, that has nothing to hide, practices concealment?—­“He that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God.”  Is this the way of slaveholders?  Darkness they court—­they will have darkness.  Doubtless “because their deeds are evil.”  Can we confide in methods for the benefit of our enslaved brethren, which it is death for us to examine?  Whet good ever came, what good can we expect, from deeds of darkness?

Did the influence of the masters contribute any thing in the West Indies; to prepare the apprentices for enfranchisement?  Nay, verily.  All the world knows better.  They did what in them lay, to turn back the tide of blessings, which through emancipation was pouring in upon the famishing around them.  Are not the best minds and hearts in England now thoroughly convinced, that slavery, under no modification, can be a school for freedom?

We say such things to the many who alledge, that slaves can not at once be entrusted with the powers and privileges of self-government.  However this may be, they can not be better qualified under the influence of slavery. That must be broken up from which their ignorance, and viciousness, and wretchedness proceeded.  That which can only do what it has always done, pollute and degrade, must not be employed to purify and elevate. The lower their character and condition, the louder, clearer, sterner, the just demand for immediate emancipation.  The plague-smitten sufferer can derive no benefit from breathing a little longer an infected atmosphere.