Meaning: The quote by Samuel Hopkins, a clergyman, addresses the issue of slavery and its compatibility with the Holy Scriptures. In his statement, Hopkins asserts that if slavery is to be justified by the Holy Scriptures, then the enslavement of Africans, as practiced in the United States at the time, cannot be justified by any interpretation of the scriptures. He emphasizes that the act of making and holding African slaves is condemned by the entirety of divine revelation.

This quote reflects the moral and ethical debates surrounding slavery, particularly during the period when it was widely practiced in the United States. Samuel Hopkins was a prominent theologian and abolitionist who played a significant role in shaping the discourse on slavery within religious circles. His statement challenges the prevailing justifications for slavery and highlights the inconsistencies between the practice of enslaving Africans and the principles outlined in the Holy Scriptures.

Hopkins' assertion aligns with the abolitionist movement's efforts to dismantle the institution of slavery by appealing to religious and moral principles. By invoking the Holy Scriptures as the basis for his argument, he aimed to delegitimize the pro-slavery arguments that sought to justify the enslavement of Africans through religious doctrines. His stance reflects a broader theological and moral critique of the institution of slavery and its incompatibility with the teachings of Christianity.

The quote also underscores the complex and contentious relationship between religion and the institution of slavery in American history. Throughout the antebellum period, pro-slavery advocates and abolitionists alike looked to religious texts and moral principles to support their respective positions. Hopkins' statement adds to this ongoing discourse by challenging the prevailing interpretations of the scriptures that were used to justify the subjugation of African slaves.

Furthermore, the quote sheds light on the role of religious leaders and thinkers in shaping public opinion and influencing the abolitionist movement. As a clergyman, Hopkins used his authority and moral standing to condemn the practice of enslaving Africans and to advocate for the abolition of slavery. His words carried weight within religious communities and contributed to the growing momentum of the abolitionist cause.

In conclusion, Samuel Hopkins' quote encapsulates the moral and theological opposition to the institution of slavery. By invoking the Holy Scriptures and asserting that the enslavement of Africans cannot be justified by divine revelation, Hopkins challenged the prevailing justifications for slavery and added a powerful voice to the abolitionist movement. His words continue to resonate as a testament to the moral imperative of opposing injustice and standing up for the dignity and freedom of all individuals, regardless of race or background.