We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection
Samuel AdamsRead
Every one knows that the exercise of military power is forever dangerous to civil rights; and we have had recent instances of violences that have been offer'd to private subjects.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The use of military power can threaten individual freedoms and rights.
Samuel Adams warns that the exercise of military power poses a constant risk to civil rights. He highlights that history has shown instances where military actions have harmed private citizens, suggesting that the authority and force of the military should be approached with caution to protect individual liberties.
Themes
MilitaryCivil RightsLibertyDangerFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate about military intervention, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of protecting civil liberties.
More from Samuel Adams
All quotes →Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters.
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If taxes are laid upon us in any shape without our having a legal representation where they are laid, are we not reduced from the character of free subjects to the miserable state of tributary slaves? We claim British rights not by charter only! We are born to them.
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Let no man thirst for good beer.
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He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.
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We boast of our freedom, and we have your example for it. We talk the language we have always heard you speak.
Samuel AdamsRead
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