But assuming the same premises, to wit, that all men are equal by the law of nature and of nations, the right of property in slaves falls to the ground; for one who is equal to another cannot be the owner or property of that other.

Sir, there is no Christian nation, thus free to choose as we are, which would establish slavery.

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

It is an irrepressible conflict between opposing and enduring forces.

I have learned, by some experience, that virtue and patriotism, vice and selfishness, are found in all parties, and that they differ less in their motives than in the policies they pursue.

But there is a higher law than the Constitution, which regulates our authority over the domain, and devotes it to the same noble purposes.

But assuming the same premises, to wit, that all men are equal by the law of nature and of nations, the right of property in slaves falls to the ground; for one who is equal to another cannot be the owner or property of that other.