Because he saw the potential of the Bill of Rights to support natural rights arguments against slavery, especially in the changing political climate of the 1850s.

Because he believed that reinterpreting the Constitution could unite diverse antislavery factions and provide a common legal framework for the movement.

Because he was influenced by both wealthy abolitionists like Garrett Smith and the emerging Republican Party’s constitutional interpretations.

Because he recognized that moral persuasion alone was insufficient and that constitutional arguments could provide a legal basis for abolition.