It is a debt we owe to the purity of our religion to show that it is at variance with that law which warrants slavery.

Shall we, who have laid the proud British lion at our feet, now be afraid of his whelps?

Unite liberality with a just frugality; always reserve something for the hand of charity; and never let your door be closed to the voice of suffering humanity.

I have had many anxieties for our commonwealth, principally occasioned by the depreciation of our money.

We are descended from a people whose government was founded on liberty; our glorious forefathers of Great Britain made liberty the foundation of everything. That country is become a great, mighty, and splendid nation; not because their government is strong and energetic, but, sir, because liberty is its direct end and foundation.

Would any one believe that I am master of slaves by my own purchase? I am drawn along by the general inconvenience of living without them.

The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian but an American.

It is natural to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes to that siren until she allures us to our death.

Do you remember any instance where tyranny was destroyed and freedom established on its ruins, among a people possessing so small a share of virtue and public spirit? I recollect none, and this more than the British arms makes me fearful of final success, without a reform.

The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery.