fact, that, on his new system, the income cleared from the estate was more than three times what it had been before. This was a posing answer to the oft reiterated objection, that any approach to emancipation, or elevation of the negro in the scale of society, was fraught with danger and ruin to his employer. Mr. Clarksen concludes his pamphlet by expressing his desire that the West Indians might be convinced, if possible, that they would be benefited by the proposed change. They must already know, both by past and present experience, that the wages of unrighteousness are not profitable. Let them not doubt, since the Almighty has decreed the balance in favour of virtuous actions, that their efforts under the new system will work together for their good."
The circulation of the society^s various publications produced a deep interest and extensive effect; for, in a very short time, 230 petitions were spontaneously addressed to parliament, from various parts of the country, praying for the mitigation and gradual extinction of slavery; and the multiplication of similar petitions was only prevented by the parliamentary discussion of the measure, which took place May 15, 1823. On that day Mr. Buxton made a motion to the following effect:—"That the state of slavery is repugnant to the principles of the British constitution, and of the christian religion, and that it ought to be gradually abolished throughout the British dominions, with as much expedition as may be consistent with due regard to the well being of all the parties concerned." Had this motion been agreed to, it was the intention of Mr. Buxton, as he stated in his speech, to follow
