I do not subscribe to the doctrine that the people are the slaves and property of their government. I believe that government is for the use of the people, and not the people for the use of the government.

Quote by Gerrit Smith

Topics: Gerrit Smith Quotes

God cannot approve of a system of servitude, in which the master is guilty of...

God cannot approve of a system of servitude, in which the master is guilty of...

I welcomed the organization of the Anti-slavery Society.

I welcomed the organization of the Anti-slavery Society.

It is not to be disguised, that a war has broken out between the North...

It is not to be disguised, that a war has broken out between the North...

To say, that Capt. Ingraham violated the rights of Turkey, is nonsense.

To say, that Capt. Ingraham violated the rights of Turkey, is nonsense.

Truth and mercy require the exertion - never the suppression, of man's noble rights and...

Truth and mercy require the exertion - never the suppression, of man's noble rights and...

I am a plain man, and I care and know comparatively little about rhetoric.

I am a plain man, and I care and know comparatively little about rhetoric.

When a good man lends himself to the advocacy of slavery, he must, at least...

When a good man lends himself to the advocacy of slavery, he must, at least...

The Southern slave would obey God in respect to marriage, and also to the reading...

The Southern slave would obey God in respect to marriage, and also to the reading...

True, permanent peace can never be restored, until slavery, the occasion of the war, has...

True, permanent peace can never be restored, until slavery, the occasion of the war, has...

My rights all spring front an infinitely nobler source - from favor and grace of...

My rights all spring front an infinitely nobler source - from favor and grace of...

Our concern, however, is with slavery as it is, and not with any theory of...

Our concern, however, is with slavery as it is, and not with any theory of...

To no human charter am I indebted for my rights.

To no human charter am I indebted for my rights.

It is manifestly vital to the success of the anti-slavery cause, that the authority and...

It is manifestly vital to the success of the anti-slavery cause, that the authority and...

Let us tell our legislators in advance, that this is a right, restraints on which,...

Let us tell our legislators in advance, that this is a right, restraints on which,...

The only ground on which a neutral State can claim respect at the hands of...

The only ground on which a neutral State can claim respect at the hands of...

I do not object to the construction of rail roads and canals.

I do not object to the construction of rail roads and canals.

I believe that government is for the use of the people, and not the people...

I believe that government is for the use of the people, and not the people...

As this is the first time I have had the floor, it may be well...

As this is the first time I have had the floor, it may be well...

But, although America cannot be justly charged with violating the rights of Turkey, Turkey nevertheless...

But, although America cannot be justly charged with violating the rights of Turkey, Turkey nevertheless...

We must continue to judge of slavery by what it is, and not by what...

We must continue to judge of slavery by what it is, and not by what...