deration for human rights. Where could be
found finer sentiments of liberty than in Demosthenes and Cicero? Where
bolder assertions of the rights of mankind, than in Tacitus and Thucydides?
But, alas! these were the holders of slaves! It was not so with those who
had been converted to Christianity. He knew, however, that what he had been
ascribing to Christianity had been imputed by others to the advances which
philosophy had made. Each of the two parties took the merit to itself. The
philosopher gave it to philosophy, and the divine to religion. He should
not then dispute with either of them; but, as both coveted the praise, why
should they not emulate each other by promoting this improvement in the
condition of the human race?

He would now conclude by declaring, that the whole country, indeed the
whole civilized world, must rejoice that such a bill as the present had
been moved for, not merely as a matter of humanity, but as an act of
justice; for he would put humanity out of the case. Could it be called
humanity to forbear from committing murder? Exactly upon this ground did
the present motion stand; being strictly a question of national justice. He
thanked Mr. Wilberforce for having pledged himself so strongly to pursue
his object till it was accomplished; and, as for himself, he declared,
that, in whatever situation he might ever be, he would use his warmest
efforts for the promotion of this righteous cause.

Mr. Stanley (the member for Lancashire) rose, and declared that, when he
came into the house, he intended to vote against the abolition; but that
the impression made both on his feelings and on his understanding was such,
that he could not persist in his resolution. He was now convinced that the
entire abolition of the Slave-trade was called for equally by sound policy
and justice. He thought it right and fair to avow manfully this change in
his opinion. The abolition, he was sure, could not long fail of being
carried. The arguments for it were irresistible.

The honourable Mr. Ryder said, that he came to the house, not exactly in
the same circumstances as Mr. Stanley, but very undecided on the subject.
He was, however, so strongly convinced by the arguments he had heard, that
he was become equally earnest for the abolition.

Mr. Smith (member for Pontefract) said, that he should not trouble the
House at so late an hour, further than to enter his protest, in the most
solemn manner, against this trade, which