committed in the abominable traffic, which was now under their discussion!
He considered therefore both Houses of Parliament as pledged upon this
occasion. Of the support of the bishops he could have no doubt; because
they were to render Christianity amiable, both by their doctrine and their
example. Some of the inferior clergy had already manifested a laudable zeal
in behalf of the injured Africans. The University of Cambridge had
presented a petition to that house worthy of itself. The Sister-university
had, by one of her representatives, given sanction to the measure.
Dissenters of various denominations, but particularly the Quakers, (who to
their immortal honour had taken the lead in it,) had vied with those of the
established church in this amiable contest. The first counties, and some of
the largest trading towns, in the kingdom had espoused the cause. In short,
there had never been more unanimity in the country, than in this righteous
attempt.

With such support, and with so good a cause, it would be impossible to
fail. Let but every man stand forth, who had at any time boasted of himself
as an Englishman, and success would follow. But if he were to be unhappily
mistaken as to the result, we must give up the name of Englishmen. Indeed,
if we retained it, we should be the greatest hypocrites in the world; for
we boasted of nothing more than of our own liberty; we manifested the
warmest indignation at the smallest personal insult; we professed liberal
sentiments towards other nations: but to do these things, and to continue
such a traffic, would be to deserve the hateful character before mentioned.
While we could hardly bear the sight of any thing resembling slavery, even
as a punishment, among ourselves, how could we consistently entail an
eternal slavery upon others?

It had been frequently, but most disgracefully said, that "we should not be
too eager in setting the example. Let the French begin it." Such a
sentiment was a direct libel upon the ancient, noble, and generous
character of this nation. We ought, on the other hand, under the blessings
we enjoyed, and under the high sense we entertained of our own dignity as a
people, to be proudly fearful, lest other nations should anticipate our
design, and obtain the palm before us. It became us to lead. And if others
should not follow us, it would belong to them to glory in the shame of
trampling under foot the laws of reason, humanity, and religion.

This motion