By cruel enactment, which has no source in the Constitution, which defies justice, tramples on humanity, and rebels against God, the Free States are made the hunting-ground for slaves, and you and I and all good citizens are pressed to join in the loathsome and abhorred work.
Here, Sumner condemns the unjust laws that force free states to participate in the capture of runaway slaves, calling it a moral abomination.
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Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.
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