Let me give you a word of the philosophy of reform. The whole history of the progress of human liberty shows that all concessions yet made to her august claims, have been born of earnest struggle. The conflict has been exciting, agitating, all-absorbing, and for the time being, putting all other tumults to silence. It must do this or it does nothing. If there is no struggle there is no progress.

Intelligence is a great leveler here as elsewhere

You are not judged by the height you have risen, but from the depth you have climbed.

Men are whipped oftenest who are whipped easiest.

The law on the side of freedom is of great advantage only when there is power to make that law respected.

The man who will get up will be helped up; and the man who will not get up will be allowed to stay down.

Fugitive slaves were rare then, and as a fugitive slave lecturer, I had the advantage of being the first one out.