It is within your power at this very moment not only to consumate an act of enlightened statesmanship, but, as the instrument of the Almighty, to restore to freedom a race of men.

Boldness and decision command, often even in evil, the respect and concurrence of mankind.

Property in man, always morally unjust, has become nationally dangerous.

Property that endangers the safety of a nation should not be suffered to remain in the hands of its citizens.

Wisdom, prudence, forethought, these are essential. But not second to these that noble courage which adventures the right, and leaves the consequences to God.

We can constitutionally extirpate slavery at this time.

The worship of words is more pernicious than the worship of images. Grammatolatry is the worst species of idolatry.