Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/61

, until it be plunged into the eternal abyſs—the abyſs that humbles pride, the retreat that ſtrengthens ſuffering.

A ſlave, from his ſituation commands protection; and before he can ſink his maſter muſt fall; nay, he is by law conſidered as a fixture, as a vegetable upon the ſoil, which the hand of power cannot eradicate, and which muſt either flouriſh, or wither upon the ſpot. The neceſſitous labourer in England meets with no compaſſion for inability, no indulgence from age, no feeling from deſpair: he muſt pay, or ſtarve; and if he die inſolvent his friends are not aſſured that he will find a chriſtian burial.

The pride of freedom may here learn a leſſon from the ſlave. I know not any ſituation that ought to degrade human feeling. I will not acknowledge any religion that will ſpurn at natural goodneſs; nor will I give more credit upon the ſcore of mental rectitude to the proud in ſcience, than the humble in ignorance. As I wiſh to vindicate humanity, I will defend where I can, and applaud where I aught, thoſe unhappy creatures, who labouring under oppreſſion are