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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They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
Confessing the Fatherhood of God, and the consequent Brotherhood of Man, we find a divine standard of unquestionable accuracy.
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!
The most distant are not without a present influence on our daily lives.
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