Benjamin Lay
Caption: Painting of Benjamin Lay

Have you ever heard of Benjamin Lay? He was a Quaker activist, before activism was as popular as it is today. Ben was against slavery in the US colonies and spoke out - especially against Quaker slaveowners.

He wrote extensively. One of his texts against slavery is provided, below. As you read it, think about what he is arguing that also are arguments against the exploitation of other animals. Veganism wasn’t known in Ben’s day, but he stayed away from animal flesh, skins, wool and more.

All Slave-Keepers That keep the Innocent in Bondage, Apostates (epub)

Thank you, Ben, for being a light on the way!

May all beings know peace!

Aroha nui,

Tūruapō

28 Jul 2025, 11.58 (GMT +13)

The Peaceable Kingdom

We are not of this world, but are redeemed out of it. Its ways, its customs, its worships, its weapons, we cannot follow. For we are come into the peaceable kingdom of Christ, where swords are beaten into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks, and none shall hurt nor destroy. — George Fox, Epistle 203 (1659)