On the record
He protests against being made to return fugitive slaves, and, if ordered to that duty, will refuse obedience and take the consequences.
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gutenberg.orgCharles Sumner: “He protests against being made to return fugitive slaves, and, if ordered to that duty, will refuse obedience and take…”
Editor's note · Context
Sumner highlights a soldier's refusal to return fugitive slaves, emphasizing moral resistance to such orders.
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Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
More precious far at that moment the consolation that he had labored for his fellow-men, and the joyous confidence that all his cares had helped the Progress of his race!
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.
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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