Patrick Henry (1736-1799) an American revolutionary, famous for his "Give me liberty or give me death" stance.
perdition hell.
Pharisees followers of an ancient Jewish sect, advocating strict observance of traditions and laws of the Hebrew faith. Jesus condemned them as hypocrites. Here, Douglass is comparing Christian slaveholders to Pharisees.
Pilate and Herod the Roman governor and ruler of Galilee, respectively, who condemned Christ to the Cross.
profligate dissipation extravagant spending.
quailed to be afraid; to show a loss of courage.
religious sanction Divine authorization.
Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816) an Irish playwright who argued for Irish emancipation from English rule.
rod five and a half yards.
