Books and Manuscripts

Pemberton, John
An Epistle from the Meeting for Sufferings, Held in Philadelphia for Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, the 5th Day of the First Month 1775
(Philadelphia), 1775. Bifolium sheet, 13 1/2 x 8 3/8 in. (343 x 213 mm). 3 pp. Printed document, signed in type by John Pemberton as Clerk on behalf of the Meeting. Creasing from contemporary folds. Hildeburn 3201; Sabin 61625; Evans 14049; Smith, Friends' Books 1, p. 766

A rare Epistle issued by Philadelphia's Quaker leaders shortly before the outbreak of the American Revolution, urging fellow Friends against engaging in public affairs and taking sides in the growing dispute between American colonists and Great Britain. The first Epistle issued by the Philadelphia Meeting for Sufferings, it reminds Friends that “during the troubles and commotions which have prevailed”, to “guard against joining in any [parties] for the asserting and maintaining our rights and liberties, which on mature deliberation, appear not be dictated by that ‘Wisdom which is from above; which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy and good fruits.’” Quakers would remain neutral throughout the war, to their increasing persecution, hardship, and banishment. 

This is the first copy of this Epistle we can locate in the available auction record in 95 years, and only the seventh copy overall. 

A fine example.