How few, since the foundation of the world, have found themselves in a position environed with public perils so numerous, oppressed with responsibilities so high and solemn, as yourself! Robert Dale Owen More Quotes by Robert Dale Owen More Quotes From Robert Dale Owen Property that endangers the safety of a nation should not be suffered to remain in the hands of its citizens. Robert Dale Owen safety citizens hands It is within your power at this very moment not only to consumate an act of enlightened statesmanship, but, as the instrument of the Almighty, to restore to freedom a race of men. Robert Dale Owen enlightened race men Fulfill - you can far more than fulfill - the brightest anticipations of those who, in the name of human freedom, and in the face of threats that have ripened into terrible realities since, fought that battle which placed you where you now stand. Robert Dale Owen battle names reality If, amid the multitude of contending counsel, you have hesitated and doubted; if, when a great measure suggested itself, you have shrunk from the vast responsibility, afraid to go forward lest you should go wrong, what wonder? Robert Dale Owen responsibility should wonder Property in man, always morally unjust, has become nationally dangerous. Robert Dale Owen unjust dangerous men Men acquiesce in a thousand things, once righteously and boldly done, to which, if proposed to them in advance, they might find endless objections. Robert Dale Owen done might men And I hereby distinctly and emphatically declare that I consider myself, and earnestly desire to be considered by others, as utterly divested, now and during the rest of my life, of any such rights, the barbarous relics of a feudal, despotic system. Robert Dale Owen feudal-system rights desire In the due exercise of your official power, in strictest accordance with law and the Constitution, you can deprive the enemy of that which, above all else, has given, and still gives him, aid and comfort. Robert Dale Owen law sea exercise The dangers which threaten us are twofold: First, from the Confederate forces, composed of men whose earnest convictions and reckless bravery it is idle to deny. Robert Dale Owen ethos bravery men Wisdom, prudence, forethought, these are essential. But not second to these that noble courage which adventures the right, and leaves the consequences to God. Robert Dale Owen aquariums courage adventure Men ever follow willingly a daring leader: most willingly of all, in great emergencies. Robert Dale Owen emergencies leadership men The worship of words is more pernicious than the worship of images. Grammatolatry is the worst species of idolatry. Robert Dale Owen idolatry worst worship It is idle to await unanimity. Robert Dale Owen idle unanimity Boldness and decision command, often even in evil, the respect and concurrence of mankind. Robert Dale Owen engagement decision evil We can constitutionally extirpate slavery at this time. Robert Dale Owen hereafter slavery After voluntary exertions on the part of our people to which the history of the world furnishes no parallel, is the old root of bitterness still to remain in the ground, to sprout and bear fruit in the future as it has borne fruit in the past? Robert Dale Owen roots people past The people are forbidden to give aid and comfort to rebels. What of a government that has the power to cut off from aid and comfort all the rebels of the South and fails to exercise it? Robert Dale Owen cutting government exercise There is a measure needing courage to adopt and enforce it, which I believe to be of virtue sufficient to redeem the nation in this its darkest hour: one only; I know of no other to which we may rationally trust for relief from impending dangers without and within. Robert Dale Owen trust-no-one courage believe It has always been a great wrong that these men and their families should be held in bondage. Robert Dale Owen wrong great always men Can you look forward to the future of our country and imagine any state of things in which, with slavery still existing, we should be assured of permanent peace? I cannot. Robert Dale Owen look you future peace
