Page:Copley 1844 A History of Slavery and its Abolition 2nd Ed.djvu/347

Rh of his eternal reward, he might have witnessed the final triumph of the good cause to which his life was consecrated.

About this time considerable attention was excited by a small tract, widely circulated, entitled "Immediate, not gradual, Abolition; or an Inquiry into the shortest, safest, and most effectual means of getting rid of West Indian Slavery." This tract, though published anonymously, was generally understood to be the production of a talented and benevolent lady, Miss Hope, of Liverpool. It certainly was an honourable and successful effort in the good cause. It was read with avidity by thousands, who had not access to larger works, or who had not leisure or ability to pursue a lengthened train of reasoning; and proceeding, as it did, upon the supposition that a total abstinence from West Indian produce, on the part of those who were really desirous of abolishing slavery, would greatly facilitate, if not absolutely ensure, the attainment of that consummation so devoutly to be wished, it was the means of inducing very many to adopt the measure. How far this abstinence really did promote the object it may not be easy to ascertain, as other causes at length operated in bringing it about. It is, however, matter of pleasing reflection to those who could do little more, that they conscientiously practised an act of self-denial in the hope of furthering the cause of humanity.

In 1825 the Anti-slavery Society began to issue a monthly publication, containing accounts of its proceedings, and of the efforts made in different places to promote its objects; thus diffusing general information on the subject, and especially communicating