Proceedings at the First Public Meeting of the Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade, and for the Civilization of Africa: Held at Exeter Hall, on Monday, 1st June, 1840 (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Proceedings at the First Public Meeting of the Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade, and for the Civilization of Africa: Held at Exeter Hall, on Monday, 1st June, 1840

Can we suppose that no effect will be produced from such a com bination? Can we suppose that the nations Of the continent of Europe will not feel, and will not acknowledge, and may they not imitate the example set them this day? I have the honour to witness present here the representative Of one Of the greatest nations in Europe (monsieur Guizot) I hail his presence as an auspicious omen, (cheers,) and I trust that he will convey to his Sovereign and to his Country an adequate representation Of the feelings and the unanimity Of the pre sent meeting. (cheers.) I trust, and why should I doubt? That it will produce its effect. Why should that nation, highly educated, informed as well as any that inhabit the globe, professing substantially the same common creed with us all, - why should not France emulate England in this great undertaking? (cheers) Here are no petty squabbles about islands or divisions Of territory; here is no selfish or sordid motive to divert man from the impulse tis just feelings, or to lead him to seek for himself, or for his country, more than she is justly entitled to; here is a common ground in our endeavours to abate the greatest infamy that ever yet desolated the world. I hope for France, I pray for France, as our first and noblest coadjutor. (cheers.) But are there no other grounds upon which I may be permitted to indulge a sanguine hope? Is it nothing to announce to the world that a meeting has been held here, crowded to suffocation, containing within it not one separate party, great as that might be; not merely the Bishops and Archbishops Of the Church Of England, or those who may be nearly connected with them, but every Species Of Christian, every one who acknowledges the common cause Of Christianity? (cheers) And when I speak Of politics, I have not words to express the sincere gratification and inexpressible pleasure which I derive from seeing those to whom I am opposed in politics taking SO active a part upon the present occasion, and more especially that we are graced by the presence Of one who presides at the head Of this great meeting. (loud cheers.)

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