If he has correctly stated that it is verbatim copied from the petition presented by his colleague, I say it is a prostitution of their office to the embrace of political party; and the Senate shall not, by my assent, be made the medium of so unholy an alliance.
Sumner expresses his strong opposition to the political misuse of a petition by the Senate.
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Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
It is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
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