that the enthusiasm and humanity of that enlightened kingdom should be enlisted in favour of the oppressed Africans.

It is asserted here, on what authority I know not, that the subject of the slave-trade is not to come before the House the present session. The illness of Mr. Wilberforce, it is said, has kept it back. Report says that he is not likely to recover. The loss of such a man will be a cause of deep sorrow to every humane mind; but I cannot for a moment believe it will prove fatal to the cause he has espoused, as some of our friends seem to apprehend. The spirit that is kindled in society will not die away; and though I am not so sanguine as to believe it will triumph immediately, I have no doubt it will in the end.

*

The Medical Society of London have elected me a member. Dr. Lettsom has sent me a diploma, and the first volume of their Transactions, accompanied by a parcel of seed of the scarcityroot, and a very polite letter. As I do not know him, perhaps I may be indebted for this unexpected attention to you.

The specimen of Mr. T. Henry's bleaching pleased me very much, and surprised several of my friends. I did not at first understand by

your expression that he was more than the agent in the business; but I since find that he has actually discovered and prepared from the seasalt the liquor which he employs. About three months ago I had a good deal of conversation with Mr. Fitzmaurice on the subject of employing the muriatic acid in bleaching; and I engaged to undertake some enquiries respecting it for him. At that time he told me that a Frenchman had offered him the secret which young Henry is possessed of for 20,000l.; but he declined negotiating with him, as he found it was in the hands of others of that nation. He has been absent from Liverpool two months, but is soon expected here, and I am impatient to show him the specimen. The magnitude of his linen manufactory must make this discovery very interesting to him.

I have received a letter from Mr. Johnson, the projector of the Analytical Review. I wish, with all my heart, it may succeed. He speaks very fairly on the subject; but I suspect he depends too much on incidental assistance.

I have not heard much of late of the Manchester Society. Is there an intention of publishing another volume soon?

When you have an opportunity, will

you be so kind as to present my respects to Mr. Henry,

and tell him that I give him joy of having such

*

Liverpool, February 7. 1790.

Your excellent letter would have gone far to have satisfied any doubts I entertained respecting the propriety of sending delegates to the meeting at Warrington, had other circumstances remained in the same situation when I received it, as when I applied for your opinion and advice. But in the intermediate time some leading persons had formed their opinions on the subject; and the hesitation and uncertainty of my own decisions did not admit of my stepping forward to combat resolutions (which I had at first in some degree supported) of declining, or, at least, deferring, the appointment of delegates to the provincial meeting, and the approbation

* To consider the best means to be adopted for the Repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts. Edit.

of the scheme of a general and permanent organisation. I fear I am but indifferently qualified for acting with vigour on this subject. Zealous as I am in favour of universal toleration and equal right, I am but a cold advocate of any particular system of doctrines. I detest oppression in every form, and especially religious oppression; but I want the assistance of that fiery zeal which contends for its own opinions as for indisputable truth, and which considers all opposition to them as demonstrable error.

In full conviction, however, that the maxims of complete toleration require only to be examined without prejudice, to be received with conviction, I am especially anxious that our proceedings should be directed by candour and moderation. By such means we shall find the understandings of our adversaries permeable to truth, and that general conviction of the justice of our claim pervade society, the happy and the necessary prelude of the corresponding change of measures in a wise government. By these maxims it is my wish that our conduct should be governed, and on these only I can act. But some of the advocates of the repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts are guided by a warmer, and, it may be, a more enlightened zeal. They contend for almost any means that may bring

the subject into notice: they fear no violence; and they almost court opposition; as if the object were rather to excite, than to remove prejudice rather to inflame, than to allay animosities rather to connect a band of sectaries together by a sense of mutual wrongs, than to unite a whole nation in the bonds of equal freedom and universal good will! But I will not trouble you with general remarks.

I received the pamphlet you were so good as to send me. I have read it with care, and think such publications will do much good. The article signed "Lancastriensis" has my hearty approbation. I am at no loss to guess at its author. If the Editors mean to go any further, I should wish them to insert the preamble of an act by the State of Virginia, giving the universal right of worship and religious opinions to all the members of the State. It is a very fine composition.

What turn things may take here, I know not. A few days ago, there was no chance of the opposite party moving against us; but the example of Manchester, and the warmth diffused by the meeting there, may perhaps reach us. If it should, we shall treat them with all respect, and our reply (if any there be) will be addressed, I hope, to men rather in error than intentionally