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TITLE:

The Selling of Joseph: A Memorial (1700)

AUTHOR(S):
Samuel Sewall

DOCUMENT TYPE: Article

ABSTRACT:

The first anti-slavery tract published in English North America. In it, Sewall brings arguments from legal, moral, practical, and biblical grounds against the taking, buying, and holding of slaves, particularly Africans.

A 3-page pamphlet, published in Boston in 1700, by the leading jurist of Massachusetts.

"I am sure, if some Gentlemen should go down to the Brewsters to take the Air, and Fish : And a stronger party from Hull should Surprise them, and Sell them for Slaves to a Ship outward bound : they would think themselves unjustly dealt with; both by Sellers and Buyers. And yet ‘tis to be feared, we have no other kind of Title to our Nigers. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matt. 7. 12."