were invited to take into consideration the good, both immediate and remote, that must infallibly result from such a measure. Neither was the scheme, in the smallest degree, visionary; humanity alone might have prompted to the adoption of it; independent of the advantages to be derived from it, to the arts, to commerce, &c., and without adverting to the addition which must, consequently, be made to the pleasures and conveniences of life, they are, surely, no very trifling objects; it was yet deserving of attention, on the principle of what may be called fellow-feeling. Sold. I allow that your argument has force: on the principle of humanity, it is, perhaps, unanswerable; and yet the warrior by profession would, in considering the grounds on which you have proceeded, be induced to employ the "reproof valiant," partly in justification of himself; and this he would do by instancing the nefariousness of the slave-trade, in which so many of your brethren were wont to engage. Further: the soldier will tell you that he takes up arms in the service of his king and country; and that his conduct, in fine, is warranted; or whence the law of nations in regard to war? He will recriminate by dwelling on the inhumanity of the African ship-master, who not unfrequently becomes the destroyer of him, whom, from the motive of avarice, he would wish to save. And for what, it will be asked, is the captive saved? Why, to bear about "a living death." Such are the soldier and the slave-dealer ; both, perhaps, will be called torturers; but it is the aim of the latter to inflict a torture through life,-therefore, he must be considered the most cruel of the two. - Merch. I admit your conclusion to be just; but the subject is much too painful for discussion.-Here, then, break we off; and I have only to hope that, at our next meeting, instead of discoursing of war and slavery, we shall be able to congratulate each other on the establishment of universal love and peace; the news of which will soon reach even these realms, should it take place. INTRODUCTION. "OBSERVATIONS made in a Trip to Holland"-Ha! ha ha! And why that laugh, good Sir? You perhaps imagine, that a Belgic sky has something baneful in its influence; or that the man who has resided for any little time in Holland must necessarily become as dull and phlegmatic as many of its inhabitants? "I do." You imagine, likewise, that a Dutchman is totally devoid of sentiment; and that a Dutchwoman is an utter stranger to those finer affections of the soul, which so eminently characterize our own lovely countrywomen? 66 Undoubtedly." Why, then, Sir, you are undoubtedly mistaken. |