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Was John Brown Crazy, Or Just Committed?
Abolitionists Were Considered Crazy Instead of Moral
What I knew about John Brown could be summarized in a few sentences. He was an abolitionist involved in the raid of Harpers Ferry. And he was crazy. I know he was crazy because every story I read about him said so; I think “madman” was the term used most often.
What made John Brown crazy? He desired to end enslavement in a country that wasn’t ready. Brown wasn’t a patient man; he was prepared to end the practice of slavery by any means necessary, including violence. Also, you can’t find a photo or painting of Brown where he doesn’t look at least slightly crazy.
I’ll let John express himself in his own words:
“Here, before God, in the presence of these witnesses, from this time, I consecrate my life to the destruction of slavery!”
“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.”
These men are all talk; What is needed is action — action!
