I may be deemed superstitious, and even egotistical, in regarding this event as a special interposition of divine Providence in my favor. But I should be false to the earlierst sentiments of my soul, if I suppressed the opinion. I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and incur my own abhorrence. From my earliest recollection, I date the entertainment of a deep conviction that slavery would not always be able to hold me within its foul embrace; and in the darkest hours of my career in slavery, this living word of faith and spirit of hope departed not from me, but remained like ministering angels to cheer me through the gloom. This good spirit was from God, and to him I offer thanksgiving and praise. Frederick Douglass
About This Quote

This is a very powerful quote because it shows not only a person who had a vision but the strength to carry out his vision. John Brown was a man of great courage and conviction. He faced threats from all sides and he fought to give his community a chance at freedom. He risked his life to set the slaves free, but he also knew that if he was successful that he would be condemned for his actions.

In this quote, Brown shows that regardless of the risk he knew he could do no less than what God asked of him. He did not doubt himself and thus did not doubt God.

Source: Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass

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More Quotes By Frederick Douglass
  1. The thought of only being a creature of the present and the past was troubling. I longed for a future too, with hope in it. The desire to be free, awakened my determination to act, to think , and to speak.
  2. I assert most unhesitatingly, that the religion of the south is a mere covering for the most horrid crimes, - a justifier of the most appalling barbarity, - a sanctifier of the most hateful frauds, - and a dark shelter under, which the darkest, foulest,...
  3. The more I read, the more I was led to abhor and detest my enslavers. I could regard them in no other light than a band of successful robbers, who had left their homes, and gone to Africa, and stolen us from our homes, and...
  4. If there is no struggle there is no progress.
  5. Slaves are generally expected to sing as well as to work.
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