Like the Decalogue, it would be in positive language: “Thou shalt enslave thy brother man.” It would be left to no doubtful phrase or ambiguous words, but would stand forth in appalling certainty, a “darkness visible.” It would be stuck up, like Gessler’s hat in the marketplace, so that all could see it.
Sumner critiques the moral implications of slavery by comparing it to the Ten Commandments, emphasizing its clear and appalling nature.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
The devices of party can no longer stave it off.
This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.
Other voices in this conversation
