That the civilization of the Africans was promoted, as had been asserted,
by their intercourse with the Europeans, was void of foundation, as had
appeared from the evidence. In manners and dishonesty they had indeed
assimilated with those who frequented their coasts. But the greatest
industry and the least corruption of morals were in the interior, where
they were out of the way of this civilizing connection.
To relieve Africa from famine, was another of the benign reasons which had
been assigned for continuing the trade. That famines had occurred there, he
did not doubt; but that they should annually occur, and with such
arithmetical exactness as to suit the demands of the Slave-trade, was a
circumstance most extraordinary; so wonderful indeed, that, could it once
be proved, he should consider it as a far better argument in favour of the
divine approbation of that trade, than any which had ever yet been
produced.
As to the effect of the abolition on the West Indies, it would give weight
to every humane regulation which had been made; by substituting a certain
and obvious interest, in the place of one depending upon chances and
calculation.
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