The questing before [you] is one of awful moment to this country . . . in proportion to the magnitude of the subject [there must] be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that [you] can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should [you] keep back [your] opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, [you] should consider [your]self as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which [is] above all earthly kings . . . Are [you] disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not [the not sees], and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? . . . whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, [you must be] willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
That man, and many of his contemporaries, had such a way with words.