In raising a people from slavery to freedom, you have called them to act on a new theatre; and it is a necessary part of your business, to teach them how to perform their parts.
Joel BarlowHow could you fear a dearth? Have not mankind tho' slain by millions, millions left behind?
Joel BarlowHe who thinks to save anything by his religion, besides his soul, will be a loser in the end.
Joel Barlow[The disarming of citizens] has a double effect, it palsies the hand and brutalizes the mind: a habitual disuse of physical forces totally destroys the moral [force]; and men lose at once the power of protecting themselves, and of discerning the cause of their oppression.
Joel BarlowThere are many advantages in their being accustomed to the use of arms, and no possible disadvantage.
Joel BarlowThe fine arts, both in those who cultivate and those only who admire them, open and expand the mind to great ideas. They inspire liberal feelings, create a harmony of temper, favorable to a sense of justice and a habit of moderation in our social intercourse.
Joel BarlowThe danger (where there is any) from armed citizens, is only to the *government*, not to *society*; and as long as they have nothing to revenge in the government (which they cannot have while it is in their own hands) there are many advantages in their being accustomed to the use of arms, and no possible disadvantage.
Joel Barlow