They who desire me to be dumb on the subject of Slavery, unless I will open my mouth in its defence, ask me to give the lie to my professions, to degrade my manhood, and to stain my soul.
Garrison rejects the idea of remaining silent about slavery unless he defends it, asserting his integrity.
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Convince me that one man may rightfully make another man his slave, and I will no longer subscribe to the Declaration of Independence.
Not to cherish these feelings would be recreancy to principle.
Hence, I cannot but regard oppression in every form--and most of all, that which turns a man into a thing--with indignation and abhorrence.
Cotton is in their ears--blinds are over their eyes--padlocks are upon their lips.