To the General assembly of the state of North-Carolina, and the Justices appointed to hold Courts of Justice in the Several Counties therein;

Humbly Sheweth

That whereas we are liable by a late act of the assemble, to be cited and called upon, to take an affirmation, Promising to bear true allegiance to the independant state of North-Carolina, and to the powers, and authorities, which are, or may be established for the good government thereof, under severe pennalties for the Refusal.

As we have always declared, that we believe it to be unlawful for us, to be active in war, and fighting with carnal weapons; and as we conceive that the Proposed affirmation approves of the present measures which are carried on and Supported by military force, we cannot engage, or Join with either party therein; being bound by our Principles to believe that, the setting up, and putting down Kings and Governments, is gods peculiar prerogative, for Causes best known to himself, and that it is not our work, or business to have any hand, or Contrivance therein, nor to be buisy bodies in matters above our stations, so that as we Cannot be active either for or against any Power that is Permitted, or set over us, in the above Respects, we hope that you will consider our Principles as much stronger Security to any state, than any test that can be Required of us—as we now are, and shall be innocent and peaceable, in our several stations and Conditions, under this present state: and for Conscience sake are submissive to the Laws, in whatever they may Justly require, or by peacably suffering what is, or may be inflicted upon us, in matters for which we cannot be active, for Conscience Sake.