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back to the wall again and again; who stand trembling under their whips; who turn pale, retreat, and surrender at a talismanic threat to dissolve the Union. . . .
But the difficulties did not daunt him, nor the dangers cow him. He did not doubt, but was assured, that truth was mighty and would prevail.
Moral influence when in vigorous exercise, “he said,” is irresistible.
It has an immortal essence.
It can no more be trod out of existence by the iron foot of time, or by the ponderous march of iniquity, than matter can be annihilated.
It may disappear for a time; but it lives in some shape or other, in some place or other, and will rise with renovated strength.
Let us then be up and doing.
In the simple and stirring language of the stout-hearted Lundy, all the friends of the cause must go to work, keep to work, hold on, and never give up.
The closing paragraph is this powerful peroration:
I will say, finally, that I despair of the republic while slavery exists therein.
If I look up to God for success, no smile of mercy or forgiveness dispels the gloom of futurity; if to our own resources, they are daily diminishing; if to all history our destruction is not only possible but almost certain.
Why should we slumber at this momentous crisis?
If our hearts were dead to every thought of humanity; if it were lawful to oppress, where power is ample; still, if we had any regard for our safety and happiness, we should strive to crush the vampire which is feeding upon our life-blood.
All the selfishness of our nature cries aloud for a better security.
Our own vices are too strong for us, and keep us in perpetual alarm; how, in addition to these, shall we be able to contend
