He said he intended to move a resolution relative to a subject which was of more importance than any which had ever been agitated in that house.

This honour he should not have had, but for a circumstance which he could not but deeply regret, the severe indisposition of his friend Mr.Wilberforce, in whose hands every measure which belonged to justice, humanity, and the national interest, was peculiarly well placed.

The subject in question was no less than that of the Slave Trade.

It was obvious from the great number of petitions which had been presented concerning it, how much it had engaged the public attention, and consequently how much it deserved the serious notice of that house, and how much it became their duty to take some measure concerning it.

But whatever was done on such a subject, every one would agree, ought to be done with the maturest deliberation.
Two opinions had prevailed without doors, as appeared from the language of the different petitions.