Question

It is likewise most lamentable to think, how in taking Negros out of Africa, and selling of them here, That which GOD has joined together men do boldly rend asunder [Matt. 19:6]; Men from their Country, Husbands from their Wives, Parents from their Children. How horrible is the Uncleanness, Mortality, if not Murder, that the Ships are guilty of that bring great Crouds of these miserable Men, and Women. Methinks, when we are bemoaning the barbarous Usage of our Friends and kinsfolk in Africa: it might not be unseasonable to enquire whether we are not culpable in forcing the Africans to become Slaves amongst our selves. And it may be a question whether all the Benefit received by Negro Slaves, will balance the . . . cash laid out upon them; and for the Redemption of our own enslaved Friends out of Africa. Besides all the Persons and Estates that have perished there.
How does Sewall appeal to Christians in this excerpt? Briefly explain your answer. (100 words)

Answer 1

Answer: If I’m not mistaken; Sewall quotes Matthew 19:6 from the Bible to argue that all humans are equal in the eyes of God, hence slavery is immoral.

Explanation:

Sewall was a well documented abolitionists who unlike many argued, as evident in this passage, that all humans are equal. he does this using the biblical reference stating the same as well as the concept of Redemption.

By saying that the black people from Africa are redeemable, he urges the Christians to think of them in the same purview they think of their fellow man from. the possibility of redeeming the slaves with christian faith is presented by him as a way of elevating them from their plight. Using the Bible, he is also able to argue that the condition of the saves and the black people from Africa can be the fault of white people.