The United States are a political state, or organized society, whose end is government, for the security, welfare, and happiness of all who live under its protection.

The circumstances of the world are so variable that an irrevocable purpose or opinion is almost synonymous with a foolish one.

I deem it established, then, that the Constitution does not recognize property in man, but leaves that question, as between the states, to the law of nature and of nations.

The United States are a political state, or organized society, whose end is government, for the security, welfare, and happiness of all who live under its protection.

The whole hope of human progress is suspended on the ever-growing influence of the Bible.

I speak on due consideration because Britain, France, and Mexico, have abolished slavery, and all other European states are preparing to abolish it as speedily as they can.

There is a higher law than the Constitution.