Top 25 John Brown Quotes and Saying You Should Not Miss!
John Brown’s views on the nation, God, and the politics concerning slavery are revealed in these quotations. John Brown is an intricate figure in history. As an American abolitionist, he advanced the anti-slavery movement, advocated for awareness, and assisted in the emancipation of numerous captives.
To some, he is a martyr, a hero, and a visionary. His use of violence and assaults appeared extreme to others. The following quotations provide insight into his personal character and his convictions regarding the cause.
John Brown’s Quotes About Life
“I will have nothing to do with so mean an act. I would sooner take my gun and help drive you out of the country.” — John Brown
“There 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 Brown
“I 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 Brown
“Had I so interfered on behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, the so-called great, or on behalf of any of their friends… every man in this court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment.” — John Brown
“Now let us thank the 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 Brown
“So 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 Brown
“Talk is a national institution, but it does not help the slave.” — John Brown
“The angels are ministering spirits; they are not governing spirits.” — John Brown
“When I strike, the bees will begin to swarm, and I want you to help hive them.” — John Brown
“It is not a case we are treating; it is a living, palpitating, alas, too often suffering fellow-creature.” — John Brown
“I was shot down by a fifth ball, which struck me squarely in the face, and passed out.” — John Brown
“Tis mean for empty praise of wit to write, As foppling’s grin to show their teeth are white.” — John Brown
“Caution, Sir! I am eternally tired of hearing that word caution. It is nothing but the word of cowardice!” — John Brown
“I 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 Brown
“I have only a short time to live, only one death to die, and I will die fighting for this cause. There will be no peace in this land until slavery is done for.” — John Brown
“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 Brown
“Here, before God, in the presence of these witnesses, from this time, I consecrate my life to the destruction of slavery!” — John Brown
“Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervors, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills.” — John Brown
“These men are all talk; What is needed is action – action!” — John Brown
“I will answer anything I can with honor, but not about others.” — John Brown
“The same eye cannot both look up to heaven and down to earth.” — John Brown
“I cannot remember a night so dark as to have hindered the coming day.” — John Brown
“Symptoms are the body’s mother tongue; signs are in a foreign language.” — John Brown
“The intent and not the deed is in our power; and, therefore, who dares greatly, does greatly.” — John Brown
“I think every family should have a dog; it is like having a perpetual baby; it is the plaything and crony of the whole house. It keeps them all young.” — John Brown
“Be 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 Brown