All these, he said, (and similar instances could be multiplied,) proved the truth of the resolution, that the African Slave-trade was contrary to the principles of humanity, justice, and sound policy.
It was moreover, he said, contrary to the principles of the religion we professed.

It was not superfluous to say this, when it had been so frequently asserted, that it was sanctioned both by the Jewish and the Christian dispensations.

With respect to the Jews he would observe, that there was no such thing as perpetual slavery among them.

Their slaves were of two kinds, those of their own nation, and those from the country round about them.

The former were to be set free on the seventh year; and the rest, of whatever nation, on the fiftieth, or on the year of Jubilee.