Like mortals on earth, they were supposed to have a period of life, and a length of thread spun by the Fates, strong at first, but thinner and weaker with advancing time, till at last it was cut, and another nation, with newly twisted thread, commenced its career.
Sumner likens the life of a nation to that of an individual, discussing the concept of fate.
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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.
Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.
Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.
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