they may
be by color, situation, religion, or different states of society. It
is more especially the duty of those persons who profess to maintain
for themselves the rights of human nature, and who acknowledge the
obligations of Christianity, to use such means as are in their power
to extend the blessings of freedom to every part of the human race;
and in a more particular manner to such of their fellow-creatures as
are entitled to freedom by the laws and constitutions of any of the
United States, and who, notwithstanding, are detained in bondage by
fraud or violence. From a full conviction of the truth and obligation
of these principles; from a desire to diffuse them wherever the
miseries and vices of slavery exist, and in humble confidence of the
favor and support of the Father of mankind, the subscribers have
associated themselves, under the title of 'The Pennsylvania Society
for promoting the Abolition of Slavery, and the Relief of Free Negroes
unlawfully held in Bondage, and for improving the condition of the
African race.'" Needles's Memoir, p. 30.

[18] The secretaries were directed to have one thousand copies of the
Constitution printed, together with the names of the officers of the
society, and the acts of the Legislature of Pennsylvania for the
gradual abolition of slavery. They were also to prepare letters to be
sent to each of the Governors of the United States, with a copy of the
Constitution and laws, and a copy of Clarkson's essay on "The Commerce
and Slavery of the Africans." They were also directed to write letters
to the Society in New York, to Thomas Clarkson and Dr. Price of
London, and to the Abbe Raynall, in France. Needles's Memoir, p. 30.

Dr. Franklin drew up a "Plan for Improving the Condition of the Free
Blacks." It embraced: First, a Committee of Inspection, who shall
superintend the morals, general conduct, and ordinary situation of the
free negroes, and afford them advice and instruction, protection from
wrongs, and other friendly offices. Second, a Committee of Guardians,
who shall place out children and young people with suitable persons,
that they may, during a moderate time of apprenticeship or servitude,
learn some trade, other business of subsistence. Third, a Committee of
Education, who shall superintend the school instruction, of the
children and youth of the free blacks. Fourth, a Committee of Employ,
who shall endeavor to procure constant employment for those free
negroes who