The book closes with a glance at the prospects. The watchman tells us that the sky from many points of observation is dark, but still that there are some very encouraging indications. The uncorrupted conscience, reason, truth, Christianity and prayer, are on the side of the oppressed; and God, who is love, is their hope, and cannot fail to come to their help and bring them forth with a mighty hand and an out-stretched arm. Quite a number of works on slavery have been consulted in the preparation of this discussion, among which may be mentioned, "American Slave Code" by Mr. Goodell; "Barnes on Slavery;" "Bible Servitude," by E. Smith; "Elliott on American Slavery;" "Slavery and the Church," by Mr. Hosmer; "Debate on Slavery by Blanchard & Rice;" "Non-fellowship with Slaveholders," by Mr. Fee; "Sermon on the Slave Trade" by Jonathan Edwards; and "Thirteenth Annual Report of the American and Foreign Anti-slavery Society." No "mealy words" have been used in this book. I have only aimed to present the plain truth, and shall be rewarded in whatever mite of influence it may cast on the side of liberty. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. ORIGIN OF AMERICAN SLAVERY. THE SLAVE TRADE. Seven millions of slaves in America--Slavery originated in the African slave trade--Slave-trade unprovoked--Excited by lust for gold--Commenced by the Portuguese in 1434--Spaniards in 1511--English in 1556--President Edwards quoted--100,000 annually destroyed--Report made to the British House of Commons--Startling statistics--A slave ship described--Slave-trade declared to be piracy and abolished page 13 CHAPTER II. SLAVERY DEFINED. PROPERTY IN A HUMAN BEING. A slave is a chattel--Authorities quoted--Advertised and sold as property--Facts adduced--sale of a boy--a woman with an infant in her arms--a mother--American slave-code identical in principle with the Roman page 30 CHAPTER III. SLAVERY ILLUSTRATED. THE CHATTEL PRINCIPLE IN PRACTICE. Slaves denied an education--Laws--Instances--Slavery disregards matrimonial connections--Painful facts page 41 CHAPTER IV. SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED. Slavery disregards the parental and filial relations--Facts--Slave-mother's lament page 56 CHAPTER V. SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED. Slavery utterly impoverishes its victims--Exposes them to unbridled lust--unrestrained passion--irresponsible tyranny--Heart-rending incidents! page 64 CHAPTER VI. SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED. Severity of laws against slaves--partial--unreasonable and cruel--Practice worse than the laws--Burning of slaves--Horrible examples page 80 CHAPTER VII. SLAVERY AND RELIGION.