Anthony Benezet

“ I hope thou wilt kindly excuse the freedom used on this occasion, by an ancient man, whose mind for more than forty years past has been much separated from the common course of the world, and long painfully exercised in the consideration of the miseries under which so large a part of mankind, equally with us the objects of redeeming love, are suffering the most unjust and grievous oppression ”

“ When it is considered, that the inhabitants of Great Britain, who are themselves so eminently blessed in the enjoyment of religious and civil liberty, have long been, and yet are, very deeply concerned in Ibis flagrant violation of the common rights of mankind, and that even its national authority is exerted in support of the African slave-trade, there is much reason to apprehend, that this has been, and as long as the evil exists will continue to be, an occasion of drawing down the Divine displeasure on the nation and its dependencies. ”

“ May these considerations induce thee to interpose thy kind endeavours on behalf of this greatly oppressed people, whose abject situation gives them an additional claim to the pity and assistance of the generous mind; inasmuch as they are altogether deprived of the means of soliciting effectual relief for themselves ”