Anthony Benezet’s Call for Pacifism

Anthony Benezet, a French immigrant and Quaker social reformer, pushed for temperance, pacifism, and the abolition of slavery. In 1782, Benezet published his anti-war tract, The Plainness and Innocent Simplicity of the Christian Religion. Rejecting the idea that Americans needed weapons and militias, he suggested they rely on the protection of God. In his eyes, even a defensive war was unjustified since the greed of the leaders often cost the poor their lives. Benezet also proposed that to live in true peace, people of African descent and American Indians (who were equally open to salvation) should be treated as brothers and sisters. Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to universal education. Benezet first taught at the Philadelphia Publick School (modern-day Penn Charter) and later established two girls’ schools and a school for Black children.  

Object Details

• Plainness and Innocent Simplicity of the Christian Religion
  Written by Anthony Benezet; Printed by Joseph Crukshank
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  1782
  Paper, Ink
  Museum of the American Revolution
  2003.03.0009