Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/106

 doctrines of the chriſtian religion, ſhould conſider that in their own country this promiſe of ſalvation cannot be adminiſtred: a removal therefore from their natural ſoil is the only chance they have that the curſe of ignorance ſhall be converted into a bleſſing: ſo that in fact, the abolition of the ſlave trade will counteract the very ſyſtem of humanity, and the diſſemination of that mental comfort, which religion can alone enſure: for I have never known an African negro expreſs the leaſt reverence by ſign or word for a ſuperintending Providence; nor have I ever heard one intimate a hope, (as is the common opinion) that he ſhall paſs after death from a life of ſlavery to one of eaſe and happineſs in his native country.

To further the cauſe of humanity, no jobber ſhould be allowed to purchaſe a ſlave, without it could be proved, that he had proviſions enough at command to ſubſiſt him, at leaſt twelve months, and ſo on in the regular proportions of the numbers that he may be tempted to buy; after this period, if he take kindly to his ground, he may be enabled in ſome meaſure to provide for ,