I shall do nothing in malice. What I deal with is too vast for malicious dealing.

In times like the present, men should utter nothing for which they would not willingly be responsible through time and in eternity.

A minister cannot preach the glories of heaven while ignoring social conditions in his own community that cause men an earthly hell. I stressed that the Negro minister had particular freedom and independence to provide strong, firm leadership, and I asked how the Negro would ever gain freedom without his minister's guidance, support and inspiration.

There is no worse mistake in public leadership than to hold out false hope soon to be swept away.

I have desired as sincerely as any man - I sometimes think more than any other man - that our present difficulties might be settled without the shedding of blood.

Stand on middle ground and hold the ship level and steady.