On the record
Slavery had then existed in this country more than two hundred years, yet scarce a man could be then found so bold and so reckless as to proclaim it just and righteous, a humane, a Christian institution.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Tompkins notes the historical reluctance to openly justify slavery as a moral institution despite its long existence.
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More from Cydnor Tompkins
Their philanthropy was without regard to complexion; they abhorred slavery, as based on injustice and cruelty; and more, as dangerous to our liberties.
Thus it is decided, that whatever is profitable is also equitable: justice and injustice are mere matters of profit and loss; the morality or immorality of slavery a mere question of soil and climate.
It was dangerous to liberty then; no man now apprehends any danger to liberty, unless from the same source.
I never mean, unless some particular circumstance should compel me, to possess another slave by purchase, it being my first wish to see some plan adopted by which slavery in this country may be abolished by law.
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