We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection
Samuel AdamsRead
And if a minister shall usurp the supreme and absolute govern ment of America, and set up his instructions as laws in the colonies, and their Governors shall be so weak or so wicked, as for the sake of keeping their places, to be made the instruments in putting them in execu tion, who will presume to say that the people have not a right, or that it is not their indispensible duty to God and their Country, by all rational means in their power to RESIST THEM.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the people's right and duty to resist oppressive governance.
In this quote, Samuel Adams articulates the fundamental principle that when governmental power is usurped by an authority that imposes unjust laws, it becomes the moral obligation of the people to resist such oppression. He underscores the idea that both divine and civic duties compel individuals to stand against tyranny, especially when their leaders betray the trust placed in them by the populace.
Themes
ResistanceOppressionGovernmentDutyCourage
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on civil rights, this quote can highlight the moral responsibility to fight against unjust laws.
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.
Samuel AdamsRead
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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