He thanked him also for the perspicuous, forcible, and masterly manner, in which he had treated it.

He was sure that no argument, compatible with any idea of justice, could be assigned for the continuation of the Slave-trade.

And, at the same time that he was willing to listen with candour and attention to every thing, that could be urged on the other side of the question, he was sure that the principles from which his opinion was deduced were unalterable.

He had examined the subject with the anxiety which became him, where the happiness and interests of so many thousands were concerned, and with the minuteness which would be expected of him, on account of the responsible situation which he held; and he averred, that it was sophistry, obscurity of ideas, and vagueness of reasoning, which alone could have hitherto prevented all mankind (those immediately interested in the question excepted) from agreeing in one and the same opinion upon the subject.

With respect to the propriety of introducing the individual propositions, which had been offered, he differed with Mr.Burke, and he thanked his honourable friend Mr.
Wilberforce for having chosen the only way, in which it could be made obvious to the world, that they were warranted on every ground of reason and of fact in coming to that vote, which he trusted would be the end of their proceeding.