From the historic character of the Commonwealth, from the position it has occupied in the warfare with Slavery, and from its fame as the home of ideas, we cannot afford to be sluggish or indifferent; nor can we break up into disjointed squads.
He stresses the importance of Massachusetts' historical role in the fight against slavery and the need for active engagement.
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It is a cause which, though long kept in check throughout our country, as also in Europe, now confronts the people and their rulers, demanding to be heard.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.
Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
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