Let there be no compromise on the question of extending slavery. If there be, all our labor is lost, and, ere long, must be done again.

If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I can not remember when I did not so think ... to this day, I have done no official act in mere deference to my abstract judgment and feeling on slavery.

You think slavery is right and ought to be extended; while we think it is wrong and ought to be restricted. That I suppose is the rub. It certainly is the only substantial difference between us.

I confess myself as belonging to that class in the country who contemplate slavery as a moral, social and political evil

Prevent ... our friends from demoralizing themselves, and our cause, by entertaining propositions for compromise of any sort, on 'slavery extention.' ... On that point hold firm, as with a chain of steel.

Slavery is founded in the selfishness of man's nature - opposition to it is [in] his love of justice.