and talents for the accomplishment of the great work, in which we have been all of us engaged, I feel myself bound by the feelings of justice to deliver it as my opinion in this place, (for, perhaps, I may have no other opportunity,) that knowing, as I have done, so many members of both houses of our legislature, for many of whom I have had a sincere respect, there was never yet one, who appeared to me to be so properly qualified, in all respects, for the management of the great cause of the abolition of the Slave-trade, as he, whose name I have just mentioned.  His connections, but more particularly his acquaintance with the first minister of state, were of more service in the promotion of it, than they, who are but little acquainted with political movements, can well appreciate.  His habits also of diligent and persevering inquiry made him master of all the knowledge that was requisite for conducting it.  His talents both in and out of parliament made him a powerful advocate in its favour.  His character, free from the usual spots of human imperfection, gave an appropriate lustre to the cause, making it look yet more lovely, and enticing others to its support.  But most of all the motive, on which he undertook it, insured its progress.  For this did not originate in views of selfishness, or of party, or of popular applause, but in an awful sense of his duty as a Christian.  It was this, which gave him alacrity and courage in his pursuit.  It was this, which made him continue in his elevated situation of a legislator, though it was unfavourable, if not to his health, at least to his ease and comfort.  It was this, which made him incorporate this great object among the pursuits of his life, so that it was daily in his thoughts.  It was this, which, when year after year of unsuccessful exertion returned, occasioned him to be yet fresh and vigorous in spirit, and to persevere till the day of triumph.

But to return:—­There is yet another consideration, which I shall offer to the reader on this subject, and with which I shall conclude it.  It is this; that no one ought to be accused of vanity until he has been found to assume to himself some extraordinary merit.  This being admitted, I shall now freely disclose the view, which I have always been desirous of taking of my own conduct on this occasion, in the following words:—­

As Robert Barclay, the apologist for the Quakers, when he dedicated his work to Charles the Second, intimated to this prince, that any merit, which the work might have, would not be derived from his patronage of it, but from the Author of all spiritual good; so I say to the reader, with respect to myself, that I disclaim all praise on account of any part I may have taken in the promotion of this great cause, for that I am desirous above all things to attribute my best endeavours in it to the influence of a superior Power; of Him, I mean, who gave me a heart to feel—­who gave me courage to begin—­and perseverance to proceed—­and that I am thankful to Him, and this with the deepest feeling of gratitude and humility, for having permitted me to become useful, in any degree, to my fellow-creatures.