Political Quotes

Charles Sumner: “In early colonial days, the law against witchcraft, now so abhorrent to reason and conscience, was regarded as…”

On the record
In early colonial days, the law against witchcraft, now so abhorrent to reason and conscience, was regarded as constitutional and binding,--precisely as the Fugitive Slave Act, not less abhorrent to reason and conscience, is regarded as constitutional and binding.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner draws a parallel between historical injustices, like witchcraft laws and the Fugitive Slave Act, to illustrate the fallibility of legal systems.

Share

More from Charles Sumner

Contrary to Christianity, but upheld by the Church, I. 54, 58.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation