Political Quotes

Charles Sumner: “Like the Decalogue, it would be in positive language: “Thou shalt enslave thy brother man.” It would be left to no…”

On the record
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.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner critiques the moral implications of slavery by comparing it to the Ten Commandments, emphasizing its clear and appalling nature.

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His loyalty to the Declaration of Independence, XIX. 317.

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Working-men of Europe, desire abolition of war, XVIII. 236.

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