Grimke, a transplant from the deep South, brilliantly attempts to morally enlighten those around her through faith, the Lord, equality, and peace, towards the unchristian-like practices of holding people captive. An activist against slavery, she wished for its abolishment, appealed to those she knew, and those she had not been acquainted with, to gather and petition their legislators against slavery. This was the time of the Second Great Awakening, and it draws the connection between the revival of religious practices, and equality in the eyes of God. This was an opportunistic moment for Grimke to step forward, and speak openly about gender and racial inequality.She risked violence against herself, former and current slaves,and equal-minded comrades, but nonetheless, doing so she initiated and maintained an underlying tone of the women's rights movement as well.

Angela Grimke is indeed a revolutionary presence. As she persuades others like her through prayer, peace, and calmness, she attempts to illuminate others in the movement against slavery. Her brilliant plea is bold but in a softly spoken manner. It does beg the ear to hear, and the heart to listen.

Nat Turner has been a figure of rebellion for many years. But, we have to try to understand the state in which he and his people may have been in to truly understand his purpose. Was he a delusional man that followed the voices in his head, bringing along his followers to commit such a heinous crime? Or was he truly a prophet-like man who attempted to deliver his people from evil, towards salvation, on a greater plan? The result of death was inevitable, as during the prime of slavery, no slave would ever have the right to live after such an act. Yet, he felt compelled to do so. What inclinations lead him to deliver his people towards freedom will always be considered as a heroic act today. In hindsight we realize slavery is a dark cloud on our nation's history, as well as the overall treatment they were given. The exhaustion of constant violence, rape, verbal abuse, hunger, fear, and families been torn apart would lead to a rebellion in my opinion. He was faulted then, but would he be faulted today? It could be considered an actual act of defense by today's standards. It is quite possible he was blessed by God with the facilities to maintain his devotion to the Lord, and thus listen to the overwhelming voice of his purpose.

It is important to note that Nat Turner actually returned after he fled his plantation. who in their right mind would return to the slavery and abuse of the daily life of a slave? As many tribes across the world sent their sons out to the forest, jungle, or desert as a ceremony of becoming a man, it compels me to believe he himself had fortified his purpose in the fields of his land, and returned to fulfill his destiny. As a servant to the Lord, his earthy body was a mere capsule, and his assignment was greater than his body alone.

Turner states in response to his attorney that his visions were from the all mighty Lord himself. As he compares himself to other prophets, he eloquently speaks of his accounts of being in the presence of the holy spirit not once, but several times, and recieves his message directly from the lord himself. As a slave would could not read, his spiritual intelligence places him above all others in his overall mission on earth.

I find it very intriguing that during this time of normalcy, in relation to slavery, that a white male lawyer might actually listen intently to a black slave. Not only to listen, but also document the defense's account of his motive of the murder of men, women, and children. possibly, one reason might be the special presence before him? Was his words a transcendence from any other slave that would create a sense of being in the presence of a holy man?

The unimaginable fear that must have been placed on this congregation on this day! It must have been one of complete shock and disbelief. How does one go on from here? I imagined myself sitting among them, concentrating on every word of this message, that I would have wondered so many thoughts in horror. "How do I change?' 'What have I done wrong.' 'What do I have in my possessions that has kept me from salvation?" The absolute fear and confusion utterly unbearable to overcome for myself, also included my family and neighbors with every breath that we took. Truly, the only answer must be that all soulfully gather themselves towards the hands of God's mercy, and on this day consider themselves blessed to be in God's presence, for at any moment our sins may not be atoned for and we will forever be damned to a fiery hell for all eternity. This sermon gives parishioners of this congregation an opportunity to redeem themselves in the eyes of God, a great awakening so to speak, that would only end in forever sitting in his glorious presence if the correct decision was made. This is a striking speech, and left many with unfathomable thoughts and stillness.