The humble Petition of the standing Committee of the People called Quakers (for the Eastern Quarter). Respectfully sheweth;

That, whereas there still remains to be in force a Law prohibiting the freedom of Slaves, intimating as though it was to distract the publick Peace, or with an Intent to excite Domestick Insurrections—

We do sincerely declare, that we are free from every Intention of stirring up strife or Bloodshed amongst our fellow Creatures, being, we hope, Redeemed therefrom, and brought, thro' the love of Christ Jesus our Lord, to wish peace on Earth, and good will to Men. And that it is from deliberate consideration, and the Conviction of our own minds, that we are brought to believe that no Law, moral or Divine, hath given us any Right or absolute Prerogative over our fellow Creatures, so as to deprive them of Liberty and freedom for Life.

Also, being desirous to fulfill the Injunction of our Blessed Lord, "To do unto others as we would they should do unto us," and knowing in our selves, we would not willingly be in Bondage to any People whatever; in obedience to our great Master, we think it our Incumbent Duty to restore to them that Natural Right.

Having thus with great subscription and simplicity, laid before you the Sole Motives by which we were Induced to set many free, and are thereby still Constrained to wish the freedom of those that yet remain in Bondage: we earnestly desire you will take these things in solid Consideration, and Repeal the acts which now prevent Freedom, tolerating such as may receive Liberty ^by any of our Society^ to enjoy it, without danger of being again Reduced to Bondage, but be Deem'd as free People protected by Law.