Slavery Quotes
I have always hated slavery, I think as much as any Abolitionist.
As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy.
I confess myself as belonging to that class in the country who contemplate slavery as a moral, social and political evil
Free labor has the inspiration of hope; pure slavery has no hope.
We must have though a man who recognizes the slavery issue as being the living issue of the day; who does not hesitate to declare slavery a wrong, nor to deal with it as such; who believes in the power and duty of Congress to prevent the spread of it.
What brought these Democrats with us? The Slavery issue. Drop that issue and they have no motive to remain, and will not remain with us. It is idiotic to think otherwise.
God gave man a mouth to receive bread, hands to feed it, and his hand has a right to carry bread to his mouth without controversy.
I think that if anything can be proved by natural theology, it is that slavery is morally wrong.
Whether we will or not, the question of Slavery is THE question, the all absorbing topic of the day.
Our best and greatest men have greatly underestimated the size of this [slavery] question. They have constantly brought forward small cures for great sores - plasters too small to cover the wound.
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.
You know I think the fugitive slave clause of the constitution ought to be enforced - to put it on the mildest form, ought not to be resisted.
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.
I am sorry any republican inclines to dally with Pop. Sov. [popular sovereignty] of any sort. It acknowledges that slavery has equal rights with liberty, and surrenders all we have contended for.
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.
We must become free. We are free; the work is to know it. We must give up all slavery, all bondage of whatever kind. We must not only give up our bondage to earth and everything and everybody on earth, but also to all ideas of heaven and happiness.
A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.
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