I shall speak of public matters which it is the duty of educated men to consider; and of matters which may hereafter divide parties, but on which we must refuse now to recognize party distinctions.
Reid emphasizes the importance of educated men engaging in public discourse beyond party lines.
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They should persist in this claim respectfully, but firmly, taking care to bring no discredit upon it by their own action.
They should strive for distinction by economy, by industry, by sobriety, by patient perseverance in well-doing, by constant improvement of religious instruction, and by the constant practice of Christian virtues.
And it is both natural and right that colored Americans, entitled to the rights of citizens, should claim their exercise.
It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.