Although the infamous traffic with Africa in slaves has been abolished by law, we desire friends not to forget that slavery still exists within the British empire, and to suffer their sympathy still to flow towards its oppressed victims. 1812. P. E.

We hope that friends will continue to feel a deep interest in the welfare of the African race, and not dismiss the subject from their thoughts, until such wise and prudent measures may be adopted, as shall promote and finally secure universal emancipation. 1816. P. E.

This meeting has been deeply affected on hearing that the slave-trade, notwithstanding its abolition by our legislature, and by various foreign powers, still exists, with the horrors consequent upon it, to a lamentable extent; and although the way does not immediately open for much to be done by us, on behalf of the objects of this nefarious and cruel traffic, we earnestly commend them to your continued remembrance and commiseration. 1820. P. E.

The cruelties and horrors of the slave-trade have, at this time, deeply interested our feelings. We have heard with sorrow that this trade, with all its attendant evils and miseries, is still pursued, by the subjects of several foreign powers, to a very great extent. As a testimony of our belief that it is a disgrace to any people professing the Christian name, we have been engaged to issue an address to the inhabitants of Europe on the iniquity of the traffic. We recommend the unhappy victims of it to your continued pity and commiseration, and we desire that the minds of friends may be frequently exercised in secret before the Lord, not only on their behalf, but for those who, by pursuing this odious traffic, are doing violence to all law, both moral and divine, and are increasing their guilt to an alarming extent in the sight of a merciful but righteous God. 1822. P. E.

K K

20

Africa and her offspring commended

to sympathy.

21

Care on the

The slave-trade, with its inseparable horrors, and the gradual but total abolition of slavery, continue to be objects of deep interest in our view, and although we have not found it to be our duty, as a religious body, to be frequently appearing by any public act, as advocates of humanity and justice, we would again commend injured Africa and her offspring to the commiseration of every one amongst us. 1824. P. E.

It has been very acceptable to find that our brethren on the other side part of friends of the Atlantic are in various places alive to the enormities of slavery, in America. and diligent in their endeavours to expose the iniquity of the internal slave-trade, carried on in the southern and south-western states of the Union. The desolating and widely extended effects of this dreadful traffic, whether we turn our attention to Africa, to America and the West India islands, or to other parts of the globe, are indeed enormous and mournfully distressing. Much remains to be done before this foul disgrace is removed from the Christian name; but we are comforted in believing that, not only in this country but elsewhere, the cause of the oppressed is gaining ground; and as its advocates continue to labour with zeal and perseverance in the spirit of the Gospel, we entertain no doubt that they will have fresh cause to rejoice; and that, ultimately, slavery with the vices resulting from it, will be unknown amongst the subjects of those governments where the pure and just precepts of Christianity are professed. 1827. P. E.

22

Petition against slavery;

The important and affecting subject of the continuance of slavery in the British colonies, has again occupied our attention. A deep conviction of the extent and enormity of the evil, and of its utter inconsistency with the purity and righteousness of the Christian religion, has led this meeting, with great unanimity, to direct that a petition be presented to the legislature, to convey our feelings on the subject. And we desire that friends every where may embrace such opportunities as occur, in their intercourse with others, to promote a just and correct view of the rights of the enslaved. 1828. P. E.

immediate

and total abo

lition.

This meeting has felt deep regret and sorrow in reflecting upon the 23 continuance of slavery, and all the evils connected with it. And under and for its a full conviction of the iniquity of such a system, it desires the meeting for sufferings to embrace the earliest opportunity which it may judge suitable, to petition the legislature for the immediate and total abolition of slavery within the British dominions.

1830.

In former Epistles we have often had occasion to express ourselves in language of commiseration, and even in terms of discouragement, on the long-continued oppression of the slaves in the colonies of the British empire. In the course of the last two years, our fellow-countrymen, of various religious denominations, have co-operated with increased zeal in advocating the cause of the oppressed. The righteousness of the law of Christ has been pleaded in these nations as an unanswerable argument for the total extinction of slavery. Within the same period of time, a variety of concurrent events have marked the hand of an overruling Providence; and this cause of humanity and justice has made its way to an unparalleled extent. It is with reverent thanksgiving to our Almighty Father in heaven, that we now look forward to the termination of this cruel and disgraceful system as an event not far distant. The government of the country has, in effect, recognized the grand principle, that man should hold no property in the person of his fellow-man; and the House of Commons are engaged in legislating upon this deeply-interesting question. We humbly commend these proceedings to the blessing of the Most High. May it please Him, to whom the cause of the poor and afflicted is precious, to influence our rulers to the enactment of such just and equal laws as shall place the enslaved negroes in full possession of those rights and liberties to which they are entitled equally with ourselves. 1833. P. E.

24

the abolition of slavery.

Prospect of

1

Advice a

gainst excess in drinking;

2

TEMPERANCE.

As temperance and moderation are virtues proceeding from true religion, and are of great benefit and advantage, we beseech all to be careful of their conduct and behaviour, abstaining from every “appear

ance of evil;" and as an excess in drinking has been too prevalent among many of the inhabitants of these nations, we recommend to all friends a watchful care over themselves, attended with a religious and prudent zeal against a practice so dishonourable and pernicious. 1751. P. E.

Brethren, we caution you against resorting to places of public diverfrequenting taverns, &c. sions, unnecessarily frequenting taverns and alehouses, and mixing yourselves in such company and conversation, as have a manifest tendency to corrupt your hearts, and draw them aside from that steady and religious concern, and reverent awe, which dwell on the minds of true Christians. We also especially warn you to beware of the too frequent use of spirituous liquors, and intemperance of every kind; but let your behaviour and conduct in all respects be such, that your moderation be known to all men. may 1754. P. E.

3

As to the frequenting of public-houses, we desire that all under our name may be cautious of remaining in them, after the purpose of business, or of refreshment, is accomplished: but to make them a resort for any other purpose-may it never need to be named among a people who profess the practice of Christian sobriety.

1797. P. E.

rits discoun

This meeting having been deeply impressed with the great immo- 4 rality and misery which at the present time exist in this country from Ardent spithe improper and immoderate use of ardent spirits, feels itself engaged tenanced. to recommend to friends in their individual character, to cherish a right concern for the removal of this disgraceful evil, and, as opportunity presents, to advocate and promote the suppression of this baneful

tice. 1830.

prac