If the merchant be in reality our feudal lord, he must render feudal service; if he be our modern knight, he must do knightly deeds; if he be the baron of our day, let him maintain baronial charity to the humble,--ay, Sir, and baronial courage against tyrannical wrong, whatsoever form it may assume.
Sumner emphasizes the responsibilities of those in positions of power and privilege to act justly and charitably.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
It is true, doubtless, that there are various races of men; but there is but one great Human Family, in which Caucasian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian are all brothers, children of one Father, and heirs to one happiness.
It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.
The devices of party can no longer stave it off.
Other voices in this conversation
