John Brown was an American abolitionist who advocated the use of armed insurrection to overthrow the institution of slavery in the United States. He first gained attention when he led small groups of volunteers during the Bleeding Kansas crisis of 1856. Wise John Brown quotes will remind you of life lessons that bring you wisdom and build your character.
If you’re searching for greatest activism quotes that perfectly capture what you’d like to say or just want to feel inspired yourself, browse through an amazing collection of Marcus Garvey quotes, inspirational Ruby Bridges quotes and top Harriet Tubman quotes.
Most Famous John Brown Quotes
In the first place, I deny everything but what I have all along admitted, the design on my part to free the slaves. John Brown
The angels are ministering spirits; they are not governing spirits. John Brown
There will be no peace in this land until slavery is done for. 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
Talk, is a national institution, but it does not help the slave. John Brown
Now, if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children, and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments, I submit: so let it be done! John Brown
Slavery, throughout its entire existence in the United States is none other than a most barbarous, unprovoked, and unjustifiable War of one portion of its citizens upon another portion; the only conditions of which are perpetual imprisonment, and hopeless servitude or absolute extermination; in utter disregard and violation of those eternal and self evident truths set forth in our Declaration of Independence. 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
I never did intend murder, or treason, or the destruction of property, or to excite or incite slaves to rebellion, or to make insurrection. John Brown
Talk is a national institution, but it does not help the slave. 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
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 bring you one of the best and bravest persons on this continent General Tubman as we call her. John Brown
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
I believe that to have interfered as I have done, as I have always freely admitted I have done in behalf of His despised poor, is no wrong, but right. John Brown
Whereas, Slavery, throughout its entire existence in the United States, is none other than a most barbarous, unprovoked, and unjustifiable War of one portion of its citizens upon another portion; the only conditions of which are perpetual imprisonment, and hopeless servitude or absolute extermination; in utter disregard and violation of those eternal and self evident truths set forth in our Declaration of Independence. John Brown
Caution, Sir! I am eternally tired of hearing that word caution. It is nothing but the word of cowardice! John Brown
I want you to understand that I respect the rights of the poorest and weakest of colored people, oppressed to deny others their rights or liberty 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 Brown
I have only a short time to live, only one death to die, and I will die fighting for this cause. 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
I acknowledge no master in human form. 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 never had any design against the life of any person, nor any disposition to commit treason, or excite slaves to rebel, or make any general insurrection. John Brown
When I strike, the bees will begin to swarm, and I want you to help hive them. John Brown
I never wanted to fight against the Union, but could not turn my back on Virginia. John Brown
It is not a case we are treating; it is a living, palpitating, alas, too often suffering fellow creature. 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
I am yet too young to understand that God is any respecter of persons. I believe that to have interfered as I have done in behalf of His despised poor, was not wrong, but right. John Brown
The intent and not the deed is in our power; and, therefore, who dares greatly does greatly. 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
If it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments, I submit. John Brown
I am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land can 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
Here, before God, in the presence of these witnesses, from this time, I consecrate my life to the destruction of slavery! 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
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
Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities. 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
Never be unmindful of your own dignity. John Brown
Symptoms are the body’s mother tongue; signs are in a foreign language. John Brown
These men are all talk; What is needed is action action! John Brown
I cannot remember a night so dark as to have hindered the coming day. 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. 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 intent and not the deed is in our power; and, therefore, who dares greatly, does greatly. John Brown
I am worth inconceivably more to hang than for any other purpose. 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
I see a book kissed here which I suppose to be the Bible, or at least the New Testament. That teaches me that all things whatsoever I would that men should do to me, I should do even so to them. John Brown
The same eye cannot both look up to heaven and down to earth. John Brown
Tis mean for empty praise of wit to write, As fopplings grin to show their teeth are white. John Brown
I will answer anything I can with honor, but not about others. John Brown
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. 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
Holiness consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills. John Brown
Caution, Sir! I am eternally tired of hearing that word caution. It is nothing but the word of cowardice! John Brown
I cannot remember a night so dark as to have hindered the coming day. John Brown
Tis mean for empty praise of wit to write, As foppling’s grin to show their teeth are white. John Brown
Had I so interfered in behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, the so called great every man in this court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment. John Brown
No man, with a man’s heart in him, gets far on his way without some bitter, soul searching disappointment. Happy he who is brave enough to push on another stage of the journey, and rest where there are living springs of water, and threescore and ten palms. John Brown
I hope you enjoy reading this collection of powerful John Brown quotes. Let me know which one you like most.
