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54 In 1793, Mr. Wilberforce renewed and lost his motion.

In 1794, he renewed and carried it at last, through the House of Commons, but the Lords rejected it. In 1795—6, the effort was renewed and negatived.

In 1797, an address was carried to the king.

In 1798—9, Mr. Wilberforce renewed his motion and was defeated: but in the last of these years Dr. Horsley, Bishop of Rochester, in the house of Lords, nobly and effectually vindicated scripture from the blasphemous imputation of tolerating slavery. From this period, until 1804, Mr. Wilberforce thought it best not to renew his motion, leaving the excitement which had been awakened, to work, and supplying it continually with fresh fuel, by means of truth more and more largely and diligently diffused. In 1804, the bill passed the Commons, but its discussion in the Lords was deferred till next season.

In 1805, Wilberforce renewed his motion, but lost it. Mr. Pitt, who had thus far fostered the bill, soon after died. In 1806, the bill was committed to Sir Arthur Piggott, the Attorney General; and being introduced by him, passed both houses. Mr. Fox then moved (10th June) "That the House, considering the slave trade to be contrary to the principles of justice, humanity and policy, will, with all practicable expedition, take effectual measures for its abolition." This was carried by a majority of 114 to 15 in the Commons; and of 41 to 20 in the Lords. Mr. Fox died before the next session. In 1807, Lord Granville brought into the House of Lords, "A bill for the Abolition of the Slave Trade." Counsel was heard against the bill for four days. The subject was then thoroughly discussed—and the bill passed with a majority of 100 to 36. In the Commons the majority in its favor was 283 against 16. It passed the Commons on 10th February, 1807. A committee of the whole House being then formed, a bill was immediately passed, "that no vessel should clear out for slaves, from any port within the British dominions, after 1st May, 1807;" and "that no slave should be landed