Pennsylvania: An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery

( 1780 ) Commentary by Paul Finkelman, Gratz College

“When we look back on the variety of dangers to which we have been exposed, and how miraculously our wants in many instances have been supplied, … when even hope and human fortitude have become unequal to the conflict; we are unavoidably led to a serious and grateful sence of the manifold blessings which we have undeservedly received from the hand of that Being from whom every good and perfect gift cometh.” - Section 1
“It is not for us to enquire why, in the creation of mankind, the inhabitants of the several parts of the earth were distinguished by a difference in feature or complexion. It is sufficient to know that all are the work of an Almighty Hand.” - Section 1
“We find in the distribution of the human species, that the most fertile as well as the most barren parts of the earth are inhabited by men of complexions different from ours, and from each other; from whence we may reasonably, as well as religiously, infer, that He who placed them in their various situations, hath extended equally his care and protection to all, and that it becometh not us to counteract his mercies.” - Section 1

The Pennsylvania Gradual Abolition Act (Pennsylvania State Archives)

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