While the present Union exists, I pronounce it hopeless to expect any repose, or that any barrier can be effectually raised against the extension of Slavery.
William Lloyd Garrison: “While the present Union exists, I pronounce it hopeless to expect any repose, or that any barrier can be effectually…”
Editor's note · Context
Garrison expresses his belief that the existence of the Union offers no hope for peace regarding slavery.
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While, therefore, the Union is preserved, I see no end to the extension or perpetuity of Chattel Slavery--no hope for peaceful deliverance of the millions who are clanking their chains on our blood-red soil.
The more the South reflected, the more clearly she must see that she has a deep and vital interest in maintaining the Union.
With the North, the preservation of the Union is placed above all other things--above honour, justice, freedom, integrity of soul, the Decalogue and the Golden Rule--the Infinite God himself.
It is frightful to think of the capacity of a nation like this to commit sin, before the measure of its iniquities be filled, and the exterminating judgments of God overtake it.