Sewall, Samuel. The Selling of Joseph: A Memorial.

(OS-6/12) Boston: Green & Allan, 1700. It is based on a case in which Boston merchant and magistrate John Saffin reneges on his promise to free his slave Adam, if he works faithfully during the time he is hired out for seven years. Considered the first anti-slavery article published in the British Colonies, in it Sewall cites scripture in arguing against slavery, and declares, “All men, as they are the Sons of Adam, are Coheirs; and have equal rights unto liberty, and all other comforts of life.” The Massachusetts Superior court grants Adam his freedom in 1703, and the pamphlet is reprinted only once in the 18th century and not again until 1854. A single copy exists today, and it owned by the Massachusetts Historical Society.