I don’t think the people of the slave states will ever consider the subject of slavery in its true light till some other argument is resorted to other than moral persuasion.
JOHN BROWNI don’t think the people of the slave states will ever consider the subject of slavery in its true light till some other argument is resorted to other than moral persuasion.
JOHN BROWNI want you to understand that I respect the rights of the poorest and weakest of colored people, oppressed by the slave system, just as much as I do those of the most wealthy and powerful. That is the idea that has moved me, and that alone.
JOHN BROWNThese men are all talk; What is needed is action – action!
JOHN BROWNThe intent and not the deed Is in our power; and, therefore, who dares greatly Does greatly.
JOHN BROWNBe mild with the mild, shrewd with the crafty, confiding to the honest, rough to the ruffian, and a thunderbolt to the liar. But in all this, never be unmindful of your own dignity.
JOHN BROWNHere, before God, in the presence of these witnesses, from this time, I consecrate my life to the destruction of slavery!
JOHN BROWNThere is a shrine in the temple of age, where lie forever embalmed the memories of such as have deserved well of their country and their race.
JOHN BROWNSo far as I ever observed God’s dealings with my soul, the flights of preachers sometimes entertained me, but it was Scripture expressions which did penetrate my heart, and in a way peculiar to themselves.
JOHN BROWNI am quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood. I had, as I now think vainly, flattered myself that without very much bloodshed it might be done.
JOHN BROWNNow let us thank th’ eternal power, convinced That Heaven but tries our virtue by affliction: That oft the cloud that wraps the present hour Serves but to brighten all our future days.
JOHN BROWNI am worth inconceivably more to hang than for any other purpose.
JOHN BROWNCaution, Sir! I am eternally tired of hearing that word caution. It is nothing but the word of cowardice!
JOHN BROWNI am gaining in health slowly, and am quite cheerful in view of my approaching end, – being fully persuaded that I am worth inconceivably more to hang than any other purpose.
JOHN BROWNI cannot remember a night so dark as to have hindered the coming day.
JOHN BROWNI never wanted to fight against the Union, but could not turn my back on Virginia.
JOHN BROWNThe same eye cannot both look up to heaven and down to earth.
JOHN BROWN