It was, however, a state, which ought not to be allowed to exist.

But, notwithstanding all these confessions, he should weigh well the consequences of the abolition before he gave it his support.

It would be on a balance between the evils themselves and the consequences of removing them, that he should decide for himself on this question.
Mr.Fox took a view of all the arguments, which had been advanced by the opponents of the abolition; and having given an appropriate answer to each, the House divided, when there appeared for the resolution one hundred and fourteen, and against it but fifteen.
Immediately after this division Mr.Wilberforce moved an address to His Majesty, "praying that he would be graciously pleased, to direct a negotiation to be entered into, by which foreign powers should be invited to cooperate with His Majesty in measures to be adopted for the abolition of the African Slave-trade." This address was carried without a division.

It was also moved and carried, that "these resolutions be communicated to the Lords; and that their concurrence should be desired therein." On the twenty-fourth of June the Lords met to consider of the resolution and address.

The Earl of Westmoreland proposed, that both counsel and evidence should be heard against them; but his proposition was overruled.
Lord Grenville then read the resolution of the Commons.