The former have never done any good in the world, because they possess no vitality, and therefore cannot bring forth the fruits of holy, untiring effort; but the latter live in the lives of their possessors, and breathe in their words.
Grimké contrasts the ineffectiveness of abstract ideas with the vitality of principles that inspire action against slavery.
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There is nothing to fear from immediate Emancipation, but every thing from the continuance of slavery.
Slavery may produce these horrible scenes if it is continued five years longer, but Emancipation never will.
What can I say more, my friends, to induce you to set your hands, and heads, and hearts, to this great work of justice and mercy.
I can prove the safety of immediate Emancipation by history.