These trades had been sanctioned by our ancestors in parliament.

The acts for this purpose might be classed under three heads.

First, they were such as declared the colonies and the trade thereof advantageous to Great Britain, and therefore entitled to her protection.

Secondly, such as authorised, protected, and encouraged the trade to Africa, as advantageous in itself, and necessary to the welfare and existence of the sugar colonies: and, Thirdly, such as promoted and secured loans of money to the proprietors of the said colonies, either from British subjects or from foreigners.

These acts[A], he apprehended, ought to satisfy every person of the legality and usefulness of these trades.
They were enacted in reigns distinguished for the production of great and enlightened characters.