The Conflict with Slavery Part 1 from The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier, Volume VII

"The Conflict with Slavery" by John Greenleaf Whittier is a passionate argument against the practice of owning people, written in the 1800s, which explores the wrongfulness of slavery and encourages people to fight to end it. Whittier criticizes reasons people used to defend slavery and pushes for people to care more and do something about this terrible injustice. The writing starts with a strong disapproval of slavery, blaming slave owners and also those who know slavery is wrong but do nothing to stop it. Whittier believes it's not enough to just feel sorry for slaves; real fairness means taking real steps to abolish slavery, looking at how slavery goes against the values of freedom and equality that many political and religious groups claimed to support. The text ultimately acts as a call to action, urging people to stand up and tear down the unfairness of a society that allows people to be treated as property.