In such a State, when we were Hunger-bitten, and could not have sufficient Nourishment but saw them in fulness pleasing their Taste with Things fetched from far: When we were wearied with Labour, denied the Liberty to rest, and saw them spending their Time at Ease: When Garments answerable to our Necessities were denied us, while we saw them cloathed in that which was costly and delicate: Under such Affliction, how would these painful Feelings rise up as Witnesses against their pretended Devotion! And if the Name of their Religion was mention'd in our Hearing, how would it sound in our Ears like a Word which signified Self-exaltation, and Hardness of Heart! When a Trade is carried on, productive of much Misery, and they who suffer by it are some Thousands Miles off, the Danger is the greater, of not laying their Sufferings to Heart. In procuring Slaves on the Coast of _Africa_, many Children are stolen privately; Wars also are encouraged amongst the Negroes, but all is at a great Distance. Many Groans arise from dying Men, which we hear not. Many Cries are uttered by Widows and Fatherless Children, which reach not our Ears. Many Cheeks are wet with Tears, and Faces sad with unutterable Grief, which we see not. Cruel Tyranny is encouraged. The Hands of Robbers are strengthened, and Thousands reduced to the most abject Slavery, who never injured us. Were we for the Term of one Year only to be an Eye-witness to what passeth in getting these Slaves: Was the Blood which is there shed to be sprinkled on our Garments: Were the poor Captives bound with Thongs, heavy laden with Elephants Teeth, to pass before our Eyes on their Way to the Sea: Were their bitter Lamentations Day after Day to ring in our Ears, and their mournful Cries in the Night to hinder us from Sleeping: Were we to hear the Sound of the Tumult when the Slaves on board the Ships attempt to kill the _English_, and behold the Issue of those bloody Conflicts: What pious Man could be a Witness to these Things, and see a Trade carried on in this Manner, without being deeply affected with Sorrow? Through abiding in the Love of Christ we feel a Tenderness in our Hearts toward our Fellow Creatures, entangled in oppressive Customs; and a Concern so to walk, that our Conduct may not be a Means of strength'ning them in Error. It was the Command of the Lord through _Moses, Thou shalt not suffer Sin upon thy Brother: Thou shalt in anywise rebuke thy Brother, and shalt not suffer Sin upon him_, Lev. xix. 17. Again; _Keep far from a false Matter; and the Innocent and Righteous slay thou not_, Exod. xxiii. 7.