their rapacious master.  He, devoted wretch! thoughtless of the sweat and toil with which his wearied, exhausted dependents procure what he extravagantly dissipates, not contented with the ordinary luxuries of life, is, perhaps, planning, at the time, some improvement on the voluptuous art.—­Thus he sets up two carriages instead of one; maintains twenty servants, when a fourth part of that number are more than sufficient to discharge the business of personal attendance; makes every animal, proper for the purpose, bleed around him, in order to supply the gluttonous profusion of his table; and generally gives away what his slaves are pining for;—­those very slaves, whose labour enables him to display this liberality!—­No comment is necessary, to expose the peculiar folly, ingratitude, and infamy of such execrable conduct.

But the custom of neglecting those slaves, who have been worn out in our service, is unhappily found to prevail, not only among the more opulent but thro’ the more extensive round of the middle and inferior ranks of life.  No better reason can be given for this base inattention, than that they are no longer able to contribute to our emoluments.  With singular dishonor, we forget the faithful instrument of past enjoyment, and when, by length of time, it becomes debilitated, it is, like a withered stalk, ungratefully thrown away.

Our slaves unquestionably have the strongest of all claims upon us, for protection and support; we having compelled them to involuntary servitude, and deprived them of every means of protecting or supporting themselves.  The injustice of our conduct, and barbarity of our neglect, when this reflexion is allowed to predominate, becomes so glaringly conspicuous, as even to excite, against ourselves, the strongest emotion of detestation and abhorrence.

To whom are the wretched sons of Africa to apply for redress, if their cruel master treats them with unkindness?  To whom will they resort for protection, if he is base enough to refuse it to them?  The law is not their friend;—­alas! too many statutes are enacted against them.  The world is not their friend;—­the iniquity is too general and extensive.  No one who hath slaves of his own, will protect those of another, less the practice should be retorted.  Thus when their masters abandon them, their situation is destitute and forlorn, and God is their only friend!

Let us imitate the conduct of a neighboring state, and immediately take measures, at least, for the gradual abolition of slavery.[6] Justice demands it of us, and we ought not to hesitate in obeying its inviolable mandates.—­All the feelings of pity, compassion, affection, and benevolence—­all the emotions of tenderness, humanity, philanthropy, and goodness—­all the sentiments of mercy, probity, honour, and integrity, unite to solicit for their emancipation.  Immortal will be the glory of accomplishing their liberation; and eternal the disgrace of keeping them in chains.