A Well-regulated Militia, Composed Of The Body

When The Resolution Of Enslaving America Was Formed In Great Britain, The British Parliament Was Advised By An Artful Man [sir William Keith], Who Was Governor Of Pennsylvania, To Disarm The People. That It Was The Best And Most Effectual Way To Enslave Them. But That They Should Not Do It Openly; But To Weaken Them And Let Them Sink Gradually, By Totally Disusing And Neglecting The Militia.

Government Is, Or Ought To Be Instituted For The Common Benefit, Protection, And Security Of The People, Nation, Or Community; Of All The Various Modes And Forms Of Government, That Is Best Which Is Capable Of Producing The Greatest Degree Of Happiness And Safety, And Is Most Effectually Secured Against The Danger Of Maladministration.

Slavery Discourages Arts And Manufacturing ...[and] Every Master Of Slaves Is Born A Petty Tyrant.

That Slow Poison [slavery] Is Daily Contaminating The Minds And Morals Of Our People. Every Gentlemen Here Is Born A Petty Tyrant, Practiced In Acts Of Despotism And Cruelty.

The Laws Of Nature Are The Laws Of God, Whose Authority Can Be Superseded By No Power On Earth.