by William Cushing

“ And upon this ground our Constitution of Government, by which the People of this Commonwealth have solemnly bound themselves, sets out with declaring that all men are born free and equal----and that every subject is entitled to liberty, and to have it guarded by the laws, as well as life and property―and in short is totally repugnant to the idea of being born slaves. ”

“ But whatever sentiments have formerly prevailed in this particular or slid in upon us by the example of others, a different idea has taken place with the people of America, more favorable to the natural rights of mankind, and to that natural, innate desire of Liberty, which with Heaven (without regard to color, complexion, or shape of noses-features) has inspired all the human race. ”