A people morally and intellectually equal to self-government must also be equal in self-defence.

Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the form of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question.

The right solemnly proclaimed at the birth of the States, and which has been affirmed and reaffirmed in the bills of rights of the States subsequently admitted into the Union of 1789, undeniably recognizes in the people the power to resume the authority delegated for the purposes of Government.

If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.

He is morally and intellectually superior to his white masters. They're lazy where he is hardworking. He's true to his word where they are not. He rescues his master from debt and illness. At a time when people thought whites were superior in every way, here's a black man who proves himself capable and honest at every turn.

We are a forward-looking people, and we must have a forward-looking government.