How did Thomas Babington Macaulay respond when the British government backed an amendment opposed by abolitionists?

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Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron Macaulay Thomas Babington Macaulay, detail of an oil painting by J. Partridge, 1840; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.

When faced with a conflict between his government position and his conscience regarding the abolition of slavery, Thomas Babington Macaulay chose to uphold his moral principles over political loyalty.

When the ministry backed an amendment that was opposed by abolitionists, Macaulay offered his resignation from his government office and spoke out against the government's position. Ultimately, the House of Commons sided with the abolitionists, causing the government to concede. Because the government reversed its stance, Macaulay was able to remain in office.1