1776 QUAKERS ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. Issued Just Weeks before Declaration of Independence.

An exceptionally rare 1776 imprint of An Apology for the People Called Quakers, printed April 27, 1776 just weeks before the issuance of the Declaration of Independence. 

Signed in print by James Pemberton and Issued by Joseph Crukshank, it is a significant directive issued to the Quakers of the era. Contrary to their consciences and theological convictions, the Society of Friends, especially in Philadelphia, were under pressure to support the looming Revolutionary War financially, to prepare to take up arms against the British, and to Observe Fast Days in favor of the Americans in the impending war.

The tract is a direct refutation of the Quakers' willingness to do any of the above. The community grounded their pacifism in conscience and scripture, but were often cast as Loyalists. They rejected human-appointed fasts and religious observances as contrary to their faith, and cited William Penn's original charter guaranteeing liberty of conscience in Pennsylvania. 

This document captures the deep conflict Quakers faced in Revolutionary America; they were caught between the American Patriots who viewed their neutrality as Loyalist sympathy and British authorities who had long persecuted them. Many Quakers were exiled or imprisoned during the Revolution despite documents like this explaining their position.

This important imprint is a remarkable early American statement on religious liberty, conscientious objection, and the separation of church and state; themes that would soon be enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

Pemberton, James. An Apology for the People Called Quakers. Containing some Reasons, for their not Complying with Human Injunctions and Institutions in Matters Relative to the Worship of God. Philadelphia. Josesph Crukshank. 1776. 4pp.

Very good example with folds and some surface soil as shown. Text bright and the entire document ramains in a very stable state.