Why did Samuel Sewall write The Selling of Joseph A Memorial?

Samuel Sewall wrote "The Selling of Joseph: A Memorial" in 1700 as a reflection on the moral and ethical implications of slavery, particularly in light of his own involvement in the slave trade. The pamphlet tells the story of Joseph, an enslaved African man, and argues against the practice of slavery, emphasizing the humanity of enslaved individuals and the injustice of their treatment. Sewall's work is considered one of the earliest anti-slavery writings in America, highlighting his change of heart and desire for social reform. Through this text, he sought to promote awareness and provoke thought about the moral consequences of slavery in society.