During his speech, Frederick Douglass refers to a poem by famous Scottish poet Robert Burns saying "Is not 'a man a man for a' that?'"

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Burns' poem describes how a persons value is based on how much they own or what they do, but comes from deeper within.
For example, honesty and kindness is much more important (and valuable) than fancy clothes. 

The poem also expresses hope that one day everyone will be seen, and treated, as equals.

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Why do you think Douglass chose to quote this particular poem in his speech?

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The United Secession Church (subsequently known as the United Presbyterian Church), on George Street no longer exists, however in the 1840's Frederick Douglass was joined here by William Lloyd Garrison, a fellow American abolitionist.

They both spoke at the Church about the horrors of slavery, and why it had to end.

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Glossary

Abolitionist - a person who favours the end of a practice. In this context, the end of slavery

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Moral, social, and religious advancement – Different areas a person can develop within themselves to become a well-rounded human being.

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Those who aspire to be the religious guides of the people – Church leaders, for example a pastor.