The succeeding extract from his poem "The Coming Man" is very suggestive, especially at this time.
"I break the chains that have been clanging
Down through the dim vault of ages;
I gird up my strength,—mind and arm,—
And prepare for the terrible conflict.
I am to war with principalities, powers, wrongs
With oppressions,—with all that curse humanity.
I am resolved. 'Tis more than half my task;
'Twas the great need of all my past existence.