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 often pondered over the dangers which were incurred by the men who assembled here, and framed and adopted that Declaration of Independence. I have pondered over the toils that were endured by the officers and soldiers of the army who achieved that Independence.

I shall endeavor to take the ground I deem most just to the North, the East, the West, the South, and the whole country.