On the record
Rather than see men wearing their chains, in a cowardly and servile spirit, I would as an advocate of peace, much rather see them breaking the head of the tyrant with their chains.
Said by
Archibald Henry Grimké
Source
gutenberg.orgArchibald Henry Grimké: “Rather than see men wearing their chains, in a cowardly and servile spirit, I would as an advocate of peace, much rather…”
Editor's note · Context
Grimké emphasizes the importance of resistance against tyranny, even if it involves violence, in the pursuit of peace.
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With unerring moral instinct he had from the start placed his reliance "on nothing but the eternal principles of justice for the speedy overthrow of slavery.
He could not hold his peace; his message he was compelled to deliver in the ears of the nation whether its leaders would hear or forbear.
It is a gangrene preying upon our vitals--an earthquake rumbling under our feet--a mine accumulating material for a national catastrophe.
No body of men on the face of the earth deserve their charities, and prayers, and united assistance so much as the slaves of this country; and yet they are almost entirely neglected.