Thoughts upon the African slave trade
Newton, John, 1725-1807
Conversion and abolition debate · 1725–1807
John Newton
Newton's life as a participant in the slave trade and later religious and abolitionist writing offers difficult primary material for studying repentance, power, and historical accountability. His experience should never be used to minimize the suffering of enslaved people.
How to study this writer
Read Newton's historical remarks on the slave trade alongside contemporary historical scholarship and accounts from enslaved people. Distinguish confession, evidence and the complex timing of change.
Historical caution: The archive includes historical descriptions of enslavement that may be distressing; historical study is not endorsement.
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