With the general policy of this measure the present narrative has not any concern.

The plan, I doubt not, has been adopted with the best intentions, after the maturest deliberation, and perhaps with consummate wisdom.

One evident advantage arising from it is, that it will effectually prevent a number of unhappy wretches from returning to their former scenes of temptations and guilt, and may open to them the means of industrious subsistence and moral reformation.

If it be wisely and prudently begun and conducted, who can tell what beneficial consequences may spring from it, in future ages?
Immortal Rome is said to have risen from the refuse of mankind.
While we are considering the advantages the _discoverers_ have derived from the late navigations, a question naturally occurs, which is, What benefits have hence accrued to the _discovered_?
It would be a source of the highest pleasure to be able to answer the question to complete satisfaction.

But it must be acknowledged, that the subject is not wholly free from doubts and difficulties; and these doubts and difficulties might be enlarged upon, and exaggerated, by an imagination which is rather disposed to contemplate and represent the dark than the luminous aspect of human affairs.