On the record
It is hard to toil through life for a great purpose, with a conviction that it will be in vain; but possibly seed now sown may bring forth some good fruits.
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gutenberg.orgJosiah Quincy: “It is hard to toil through life for a great purpose, with a conviction that it will be in vain; but possibly seed now…”
Editor's note · Context
Quincy reflects on the challenges of pursuing a noble purpose despite doubts about its success.
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More from Josiah Quincy
The argument for the annexation, or reännexation, of Texas is as gross an imposture as ever was palmed upon the credulity of an honest people.
Though conscious, being then in his seventy-eighth year, that he stood on the threshold of human life, he sought no relaxation from duty, no exemption from its performance.
They have transmitted that freedom to you; and upon you now devolves the duty of transmitting it unimpaired to your posterity.
The spirit of freedom and the spirit of slavery are drawing together for the deadly conflict of arms.
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