We cannot suppose therefore that God has made an order of beings, with such mental qualities and powers, for the sole purpose of being used as beasts, or instruments of labour.
Thomas ClarksonRead
Should slavery be abolished there, (and it is an event, which, from these circumstances, we may reasonably expect to be produced in time) let it be remembered, that the Quakers will have had the merit of its abolition.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the crucial role of the Quakers in the abolition of slavery and encourages the recognition of their contributions to social change.
In this quote, Thomas Clarkson highlights the important part that the Quakers played in the movement to end slavery. He suggests that their moral and ethical stance against slavery will eventually lead to its abolition, and it should be acknowledged that they significantly contributed to this transformative societal change.
Themes
SlaveryAbolitionQuakersChangeJustice
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on social justice, one might cite this quote to highlight the importance of recognizing those who fought against oppression.
More from Thomas Clarkson
All quotes →Most of the slaves, who were thus unconditionally freed, returned without any solicitation to their former masters, to serve them, at stated wages; as free men. The work, which they now did, was found to better done than before.
Thomas ClarksonRead
It appears first, that liberty is a natural, and government an adventitious right, because all men were originally free.
Thomas ClarksonRead
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