This however nations seldom do, and we have had frequent
instances of their spending more money in wars for acquiring or
securing branches of commerce, that an hundred years' profit or the
full enjoyment of them can compensate.
Remember me affectionately to good Dr. Price and to the honest
heretic Dr. Priestly. I do not call him _honest_ by way of
distinction; for I think all the heretics I have known have been
virtuous men. They have the virtue of fortitude or they would not
venture to own their heresy; and they cannot afford to be deficient
in any of the other virtues, as that would give advantage to their
many enemies; and they have not like orthodox sinners, such a number
of friends to excuse or justify them. Do not, however mistake me.
It is not to my good friend's heresy that I impute his honesty. On
the contrary, 'tis his honesty that has brought upon him the
character of heretic. I am ever, my dear friend, yours sincerely,
"THE DISPLEASURE OF THE GREAT AND IMPARTIAL RULER OF THE
UNIVERSE"
_To John Langdon_
_Sir:_
The Pennsylvania Society for promoting the abolition of
slavery, and the relief of free Negroes unlawfully held in bondage,
have taken the liberty to ask your Excellency's acceptance of a few
copies of their Constitution and the laws of Pennsylvania, which
relate to one of the objects of their Institution; also, of a copy of
Thomas Clarkson's excellent Essay upon the Commerce and Slavery of
the Africans.
Pages:
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105