The Slave Trade also ought equally to be inquired into.
Neither did he deny that it was right his Majesty's ministers should inquire into its merits for themselves.

They had done their duty; but that House, who had the petitions of the people on their table, neglected it, by having so long deferred an inquiry of their own.

If that House wished to preserve their functions, their understandings, their honour, and their dignity, he advised them to beware of committees of privy council.

If they suffered their business to be done by such means, they were abdicating their trust and character, and making way for an entire abolition of their functions, which they were parting with one after another, Thus:-- Star after star goes out, and all is night.
If they neglected the petitions of their constituents, they must fall, and the privy-counsel be instituted in their stead.

What would be the consequence?
His Majesty's Ministers, instead of consulting them, and giving them the opportunity of exercising their functions of deliberation and legislation, would modify the measures of government elsewhere, and bring down the edicts of the privy council to them to register.