Massachusetts Constitution of 1780
The language embeded within this constitution directly contributed to the fall of slavery within Massachusetts.
A quote from Article 1 of the Massachusetts Constitution.
"All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness."