Commerce was meant by the goodness of the Deity to diffuse…
““Commerce was meant by the goodness of the Deity to diffuse the various goods of the earth into every part, to unite mankind in the blessed chains of brotherly love, society, and mutual dependence: the enlightened Christian should diffuse the riches of the Gospel of peace, with the commodities of his respective land. Commerce attended with strict honesty, and with Religion for its companion, would be a blessing to every shore it touched at. In Africa, the poor wretched natives, blessed with the most fertile and luxuriant soil, are rendered so much the more miserable for what Providence meant as a blessing: the Christians' abominable traffic for slaves, and the horrid cruelty and treachery of the petty Kings- encouraged by their Christian customers- who carry them strong liquors, to enflame their national madness, and powder, and bad fire-arms, to furnish them with the hellish means of killing and kidnapping. But enough- it is a subject that sours my blood...””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage critiques how Christian commerce, meant to spread goodwill, instead fuels slavery and cruelty, especially in Africa, expressing moral outrage.
In simple terms: Christian trade intended for good becomes a tool for oppression.
Key Takeaway
Align commerce with true ethical values.
Themes
morality
colonialism
religion
economics
Mood
outraged
reflective
Type
historical
ethical
When to use this quote
- human rights advocacy
- ethical business
- historical education
Key Concepts
ethical trade
historical injustice
religious hypocrisy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can modern commerce avoid past abuses?
- What role should religion play in ethical trade?
A Different Perspective
Commercial interests often override moral concerns.