In the same Thoughts and Sentiments excerpt, what is the main claim about slavery?

• A. The whole business of slavery is an evil of the first magnitude, and a most horrible iniquity to traffic with slaves and souls of men; and an evil, sorry I am, that it still subsists, and more astonishing to think, that it is an iniquity committed amongst Christians, and contrary to all the genuine principles of Christianity, and yet carried on by men denominated thereby.
• B. That subject, handled in your striking manner, would ease the yoke (perhaps) of many—but if only of one—Gracious God!—what a feast to a benevolent heart!
• C. In these excerpts, how do both men use God and religion to achieve their purpose?
• D. Read the excerpt from Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho, An African.

Answer: (A)

The main point is a strong moral condemnation of slavery. The excerpt argues that slavery is an evil of the highest order and a grotesque crime to traffic in human beings and in their souls, highlighting both the physical harm and the spiritual betrayal involved. It emphasizes how astonishing and hypocritical it is that Christians would sustain such a practice or act against their professed faith, pointing to a conflict between Christian ideals and actual behavior. This makes the passage a clear abolitionist stance framed in Christian terms, rather than a neutral or purely political claim.