Of course you have duties as men, belonging to the great human family; you have duties also as American citizens, belonging to this National Republic; and you have duties especially as citizens of Massachusetts, not inconsistent with those other duties, but merely cumulative and confirmatory.
Sumner emphasizes the multiple layers of civic duty that individuals hold, from global to local responsibilities.
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More from Charles Sumner
Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.
Early testimony of the Church against, I. 59.
His loyalty to the Declaration of Independence, XIX. 317.
Sovereignty of, belongs to the people, XVI. 28.
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