Charles Sumner: “The law, by cumulative provisions, positively forbids that a slave shall be taught to read.”

Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.

They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.

Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.

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!