It is hilarious that this scripture is used for this speech. The scripture referenced is Psalms 118:22 KJV "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." The builders in this scripture are sinners, basically saying sinners have rejected Jesus which should be the foundation of your life. Slavery is a sin because it is work without proper payment due, also not treating you neighbor how they should be treated which is also in the Bible. In essence, Stephens are saying they have rejected God's law from their lives in favor for something that better fits their way of life without realizing it.

It baffles me when people say the Civil War and the secession was not about slavery. He is literally saying their government is based on the fact that whites have the right to own slaves and that is the natural order of things. And, clearly, most agree as their a pause for applause of this statement by the ones gathered to hear this speech in support of secession.

conjecture: inference formed without proof or sufficient evidence Stephens is basically staying that Jefferson was making statements without solid previous evidence to the secession from the Union. The only evidence of the split was the constant disagreement of where and if slavery should be allowed. However, his statements are now being fulfilled with the creation of the Confederate Constitution, which fulfills and mock Jefferson's statements.

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. (James 5:4 KJV) This scripture is talking about employers who withhold due payment from their labors. Many at this time, including Maria Stewart, claimed to uphold the Christian faith. The usage of this scripture by Maria Stewart is calling slave owners hypocrites because they are not following the teaching of Christ as they claim to be.

Maria Stewart point out that even if they are free blacks, born or gained, they are still not seen as equals because of the mass of blacks that are enslaved. They will still be ones who see them no more than animals no matter how high they rise in their station or how educated they. They will not be able to gain true freedom until blacks as a whole are free.

I love the way she phased this. During this time, people believed that blacks weren't as smart as whites, they were seen as nothing more than animals. The use of the phase "generality of my color" is powerfully saying that blacks can be equal in intelligence as their white counterparts.