At our monthly meeting, at Dublin, ye 30th 2d mo., 1688, we having inspected ye matter, above mentioned, and considered of it, we find it so weighty that we think it not expedient for us to meddle with it here, but do rather commit it to ye consideration of ye quarterly meeting ; ye tenor of it being related to ye truth.
On behalf of ye monthly meeting,
The Friend, January 13, 1844; reprinted in George H. Moore, Notes on the History of Slavery in Massachusetts (New York, 1866), 74-77.
103. "The Selling of Joseph" (1700)
This paper was the first abolitionist tract in America. —For Sewall, see Contemporaries, I. No. 149, and No. 18 above.
FORASMUCH as LIBERTY is in real value next unto Life ; None ought to part with it themselves, or deprive others of it, but upon most mature consideration.
The Numerousness of Slaves at this Day in the Province, and the Uneasiness of them under their Slavery, hath put many upon thinking whether the Foundation of it be firmly and well laid ; so as to sustain the Vast Weight that is built upon it. It is most certain that all Men, as they are the sons of Adam, are Co-heirs, and have equal Right unto Liberty, and all other outward Comforts of Life. God hath given the Earth [with all its commodities] unto the Sons of Adam, Psal., 115, 16. And hath made of one Blood all Nations of Men, for to dwell on all the face of the Earth, and hath determined the Times before appointed, and the bounds of their Habitation : That they should seek the Lord. Fora much then as we are the Offspring of God, &c. Acts 17. 26, 27, 29. Now, although the Title given by the last Adam doth infinitely better Men s Estates, respecting God and themselves ; and grants them a most beneficial and inviolable Lease under the Broad Seal of Heaven, who were before only Tenants at Will ; yet through the Indulgence of God to our First Parents after the Fall, the outward Estate of all and every of their Children, remains the same as to one another. So that Originally, and Naturally, there is no such thing as Slavery. Joseph was rightfully no more a Slave to his Brethren, than they were to him ; and
