It is as unquestionably the province of the North to labor in this cause, as it is the duty of the church to convert the world.
Angelina Emily Grimké
The Public Record
Angelina Emily Grimké Weld was an American abolitionist, political activist, women's rights advocate, and supporter of the women's suffrage movement. At one point she was the best known, or "most notorious," woman in the country. She and her sister Sarah Moore Grimké were considered the only notable examples of white Southern women abolitionists. The sisters lived together as adults, while Angelina was the wife of abolitionist leader Theodore Dwight Weld.
gutenberg.org
The ungodly are saying, ‘the church will not enlighten us.’ The church is saying, ‘the ministry will not enlighten us.’ The ministry is crying, ‘Peace--take care.’ We are altogether covered in gross darkness.
It is certainly high time this subject was examined, and viewed in its proper light.
I know these publications will displease those who hold their fellow men in bondage: but reason, truth and justice are on your side--and why should you seek the good will of any who do evil?
Upon being informed that they were, he expressed his entire approbation of them, and full conviction that they would prevail as soon as the South understood them; for, said he, they are the principles of truth and justice, and must finally…
There certainly can be no doubt to a reflecting and candid mind, as to what will and must be the result of Anti-Slavery operations.
While discussion is allowed in that body, year after year, in relation to slavery and its incidents, the rights of property at the South must, in the lapse of a short period, be undermined.
It is the weapon of all who expect to work out great changes in public opinion.
What was the weapon of the English abolitionists?--Agitation.
Can it then be expected, if we give the American abolitionists the same advantage of that wide field of debate which Congress affords, that the same results will not follow?
Allow the agitators a great political centre, like that of Washington--permit them to address their voice of fanatical violence to the whole American people, through their diffusive press, and they want no greater advantage.
The great fundamental principle of Abolitionists is, that man cannot rightfully hold his fellow man as property.