Still Slavery exists, and, in the case of slaves escaping from their masters, the friends of Universal Liberty are often embarrassed in their conduct by a conflict between their principles and the obligations imposed by unwise and perhaps unconstitutional laws.
Sumner reflects on the conflict faced by abolitionists due to existing laws on slavery.
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It applies an arrogant and unrelenting ostracism to all who express themselves against Slavery.
Their existence is a disgrace to civilization; for it implies the common consent of nations to the Arbitrament of War, as regulated by these laws.
More precious far at that moment the consolation that he had labored for his fellow-men, and the joyous confidence that all his cares had helped the Progress of his race!
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
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