Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/109

 be thrown out of houſe, ground, and perſonal protection; and the gallows might at laſt end his dreams of liberty.

In treating of the preſent ſubjects it ſhould be conſidered whether the fluctuation of popular opinion ſhould not be fixed by the ſtandard of common experience—whether ideal humanity ſhould not bend to political reaſon; or whether European ſpeculation ſhould triumph over American ſafety. The very endeavour would excite confuſion, without encreaſing benevolence, and eſtabliſh perhaps a permanent ſlavery, in the ſtead of promoting an expected comfort. It may not only convulſe the colonies, but ſhake their intereſts to the very centre; and overthrow the foundations of Weſtern wealth, and its conſequential reſources for ever. If negroes can be admitted to a partial freedom, the protection of laws, and bleſſings of religion, it is as much perhaps as they ought to experience, and more I fear, than would make them happy; for to have that of which we cannot make a uſe, will be, not an enjoyment, but a burthen. To