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SLAVERY. 



and his dependant are brought nearer to each 

 other. I doubt not that the system of baptizing 

 the newly-imported negroes proceeded rather 

 from the bigotry of the Portuguese in former 

 times than from any political plan ; but it has 

 had the most beneficial effects. The slaves are 

 rendered more tractable ; besides being better 

 men and women, they become more obedient 

 servants; they are brought under the control 

 of the priesthood ; and even if this was the only 

 additional hold which was gained by their en- 

 trance into the church, it is a great engine oi 

 power which is thus brought into action. 



But in no circumstance has the introduction 

 of the Christian religion among the slaves been 

 of more service than in the change which it has 

 wrought in the men regarding the treatment of 

 their women, and in the conduct of the females 

 themselves. A writer of great reputation on 

 West-Indian affairs, states that the introduction of 

 the marriage-ceremony among the slaves of the 

 colonies of which he treats " would be utterly 

 impracticable to any good purpose ;" and again, 

 that he who conceives that a remedy may be 

 found for polygamy " by introducing among 

 them the laws of marriage, as established in Eu- 

 rope, is utterly ignorant of their manners, pro- 

 pensities, and superstitions." * Is it not that by 



* Edwards's History of the West Indies, vol. ii. p. 82. and 

 147. 



