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Show A DECLARATION BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED COLONIES or NORTH AMERICA, 11: o w lillllll M E 1‘ i N GENERAL CONGRESS AT PHILADELPHIA, ‘ SETTING FORTH THE CAUSES AND NECESSITY or THEIR TAKXNG UP ARMS. F it was poflible for men who exercife their reafon to believe, that the Divine Author of our exi'i'cence in- tended a par: of the human race to' hold an abfolute property in, and an unbounded power over others, marked out by his infinite goodnefs and wifdom as the objects of a legal domination, never rightfully reliflible, however fevere and opprefl'ive; the inhabitants of thefe Colonies might at lealt require from the Parliament of Great Britain fome evidence, that this dreadful authority over them has been granted to that body. But a reverence for our Great Creator, principles of humrinity, and the dictates of common fenfe, mul't convince all thofe who reflect upon the fubje'ét, that Government was infiituted to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be adminif'tered for the attainment of that end. The Legi- flature |