There are important influences growing out of these relationships
of superiors and inferiors,--gentleness, kindness, benevolence, in all
its forms, on the one hand, and on the other, respect, deference, love,
strong attachments and identification of interests.
"As to the remaining part of your question, let me ask, What nation or
tribes are capable of such bondage as the Africans at home inflict and
bear? We never had a right to go and steal them, nor to encourage their
captors in their pillage and violent seizure of the defenceless
creatures; nor do I think that all the blessings which multitudes of
them have received, for both worlds, in consequence of their
transportation from Africa, lessens the guilt of slave-traders; nor are
these benefits any justification of the trade, nor do they afford ground
for its continuance. Nothing can justify it. Such is the voice of the
human conscience everywhere except where covetousness or controversy
prevail.
"But finding these colored people here, the question upon which you and
I differ, is, What is our duty with regard to them?
"You say, Set them all free. I reply, The relation of ownership on our
part toward them is best for all concerned.
Pages:
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212