That, which they distinguish as justice, involves in itself the greatest injury to others.

It is not in fact justice, which they demand, but--favour--and favour to themselves at the expense of the most grievous oppression of their fellow-creatures." He then argued the question upon the ground of policy.

He showed by a number of official documents, how little this trade had contributed to the wealth of the nation, being but a fifty-fourth part of its export trade; and he contended that as four-sevenths of it had been cut off by His Majesty's proclamation, and the passing of the foreign Slave-bill in a former year, no detriment of any consequence would arise from the present measure.
He entered into an account of the loss of seamen, and of the causes of the mortality, in this trade.
He went largely into the subject of the Negro-population in the islands from official documents, giving an account of it up to the latest date.

He pointed out the former causes of its diminution, and stated how the remedies for these would follow.
He showed how, even if the quantity of colonial produce should be diminished for a time, this disadvantage would, in a variety of instances, be more than counterbalanced by advantages, which would not only be great in themselves, but permanent.
He then entered into a refutation of the various objections which had been made to the abolition, in an eloquent and perspicuous manner; and concluded by appealing to the great authorities of Mr.Pitt and Mr.Fox in behalf of the proposed measure.

"These precious ornaments, he said, of their age and country had examined the subject with all the force of their capacious minds.