description Thoughts Upon Slavery Overview
Thoughts Upon Slavery is a 1774 pamphlet by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, condemning the institution of slavery on moral and Christian grounds. Wesley described the brutal conditions of the transatlantic slave trade and argued that slavery violated fundamental Christian principles. The tract circulated widely in Britain and influenced the emerging abolitionist movement of the late 18th century.
help Thoughts Upon Slavery FAQ
Who wrote the historical pamphlet Thoughts Upon Slavery?
The tract was written by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, in 1774. He wrote it to condemn the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade.
What arguments are made in John Wesley's Thoughts Upon Slavery?
Wesley attacks the slave trade from a deeply Christian perspective, arguing that enslaving human beings is entirely contrary to justice and mercy. He heavily criticizes the inhumane treatment of enslaved Africans by European traders.
Did Thoughts Upon Slavery influence the abolitionist movement?
Yes, the pamphlet significantly influenced the growing British abolitionist movement upon its publication. Wesley's moral authority gave tremendous religious backing to early anti-slavery campaigners like William Wilberforce.
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