Domestic Politics 1755–1800 - AP U.S. History

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Yet sorrowful it is, that many there are in Membership with us, who, notwithstanding the Labour bestow'd still continue to hold these People as Slaves under the Consideration whereof we are deeply affected, and United in Judgement, that we are loudly called upon to a faithful Obedience to the Injunction of our blessed Lord "to do all Men as we would they should do unto us" and to bear a clear testimony to these truths that "God is no respecter of Persons" and that "Christ died for all Men without distinction," which we earnestly and affectionately entreat may be duly consider'd in the awful and alarming Dispensation, and excite to impartial justice and judgment to black and white, rich and poor.

Passage adapted from "Society of Friends: Extracts from the Minutes of the Yearly Meeting," (September 23-28, 1776)

Which of the provided labels likely describes the author of this passage?

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Answer

Abolitionists believed that the slave trade should end and the slaves should be set free. Slavery posed special problems for Quakers, one of whom wrote this passage, because they strove to lead sinless lives. For Quakers, as for many later abolitionists, slavery could never be reconciled with the Golden Rule or with the other bedrock Judeo-Christian precept that God "is no respecter of Persons" — or in other words, that worldly titles, status, and privilege do not matter in the ultimate scheme of things.

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