But a cardinal principle in my ethics is, that men should always be ‘open to conviction.’ I am happy to confess that I have been doubly deceived: first, in the principles and intentions of the Democratic party; and, second, in the principles and intentions of the Republicans,--or Abolitionists, as we call them.
Sumner articulates a core ethical principle of being open to changing one's beliefs, reflecting on his political journey.
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More from Charles Sumner
Early testimony of the Church against, I. 59.
Slavery and the: speech in New York, XI. 433.
Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.
His loyalty to the Declaration of Independence, XIX. 317.
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