The first subject for consideration, towards enabling us to make the estimate in question, will be that of the nature of the evil belonging to the Slave Trade.  This may be seen by examining it in three points of view.  First, as it has been proved to arise on the Continent of Africa, in the course of reducing the inhabitants of it to slavery.  Secondly, in the course of conveying them from thence to the lands or colonies of other nations.  And, thirdly, in continuing them there as slaves.

To see it, as it has been shown, to arise in the first case, let us suppose ourselves on the Continent just mentioned.  Well then, We are landed,—­We are already upon our travels,—­We have just passed through one forest,—­We are now come to a more open place, which indicates an approach to habitation.  And what object is that which first obtrudes itself upon our sight?  Who is that wretched woman whom we discover under that noble tree, wringing her hands, and beating her breast, as if in the agonies of despair?  Three days has she been there, at intervals, to look and to watch; and this is the fourth morning, and no tidings of her children yet.  Beneath its spreading boughs they were accustomed to play:  but, alas! the savage man-stealer interrupted their playful mirth, and has taken them for ever from her sight.

But let us leave the cries of this unfortunate woman, and hasten into another district.  And what do we first see here?  Who is he that just now started across the narrow pathway, as if afraid of a human face?  What is that sudden rustling among the leaves?  Why are those persons flying from our approach, and hiding themselves in yon darkest thicket?  Behold, as we get into the plain, a deserted village!  The rice-field has been just trodden down around it; an aged man,—­venerable by his silver beard,—­lies wounded and dying near the threshold of his hut.  War, suddenly instigated by avarice, has just visited the dwellings which we see.  The old have been butchered, because unfit for slavery, and the young have been carried off, except such as have fallen in the conflict, or have escaped among the woods behind us.

But let us hasten from this cruel scene, which gives rise to so many melancholy reflections.  Let us cross yon distant river, and enter into some new domain.  But are we relieved even here from afflicting spectacles?  Look at that immense crowd which appears to be gathered in a ring.  See the accused innocent in the middle!  The ordeal of poisonous water has been administered to him, as a test of his innocence or his guilt:  he begins to be sick and pale.  Alas! yon mournful shriek of his relatives confirms that the loss of his freedom is now sealed.