This resolution, he said, stated first, that the Slave-trade was contrary to humanity, justice, and sound policy.

That it was contrary to humanity was obvious; for humanity might be said to be sympathy for the distress of others, or a desire to accomplish benevolent ends by good means.

But did not the Slave-trade convey ideas the very reverse of this definition?
It deprived men of all those Comforts, in which it pleased the Creator to make the happiness of his creatures to consist,--of the blessings of society,--of the charities of the dear relationships of husband, wife, father, son, and kindred,--of the due discharge of the relative duties of these,--and of that freedom, which in its pure and natural sense was one of the greatest gifts of God to man.
It was impossible to read the evidence, as it related to this trade, without acknowledging the inhumanity of it, and our own disgrace.

By what means was it kept up in Africa?
By wars instigated, not by the passions of the natives, but by our avarice.

He knew it would be said in reply to this, that the slaves, who were purchased by us, would be put to death, if we were not to buy them.