Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-08-22

behalf Of Decow, defendant. In their opinions
read before the Chancellor, both Judges concur
red in the power of the Court to inquire into the
religious doctrines of society in order to settle
and direct trust repOsed in that society. On
the main question, as to which constituted the
real Society Of Friends, although taking d'tferent
grounds, they both arrived at the same conclu
sion. The Chief Justice being Of opinion that
the Hicksite party had made themselves seeeaers
by their acts; while Justice Drake mainta'heu
that they we're new sect, holding doctrines en-
tirely repugnant to those held by the cary
Friends. 10 conformity to these opinions, ue'
cree in Chancery was made IN favor OF the or'
thodox claim; and upon which the appeal to the
High Court Of Errors. just determ'neu' was
brought.
The cause on appeal has been argued by Messrs:
Wall and Southland. for the appellant ana ood
and Freinghuysen for the appellee IN manner
satisfactory to their numerous clients, aud elicit
inc the admiration of the hundreds who heard
them. The ingenuity. research, legal Pro'andl'
~. areumentative skill, and glowing oratory,
which, SUCCESSFULLY or intermingled, continually
held the ear of the Court in respectful attention,
and delighted the numerous auditory, by those
who have heard these gentlemen. may be better
IMAGINED than described. Mr.: Southland closed,
and the case vas submitted to the Court on the
morning of Wednesday last On Thursday al
ternoon, at four O'Clock, the Council having ma
turely considered the weishty question, Az.
FIRMED the decree of the Court below ny
vote as follows:
TO AFFIRM. Board, Of Bergen, Wood, Nor.
ris. Merkle. of SUSSEX, Clark, OF Huntefdon'
Mcdowell, Middlesex, Green. OF somerset,
Scley, (Governor) of Cumberland.
To REvERsE.-CamP'"n, OF Burlington
Holmes, o! Monnouth, Clawson, OF Salem,
Townsend, Of Cape May.
Each party to pay their own costs.
After the opinion Of the court was delivered,
the President made the following communication:
vIZ:-
The court would most earnestly recommend
to the parties interested, to make q speedy and
a,nicabe adjustment of all disputes and Difficult
ties. We have always regretted to Ind religious
controversies brought into courts OF ustce;'t has
a demoralising effect upon society; IS great
stumbling block to the unconverted, and a source
Of Joy and reducing to the inhdel. II Is there
FORE the sincere desire Of the court. that all par
ties concerned will make every effort to settle
disputes, on such Just and equitable principles,
as, may properly become those who profess
to be influenced bv the light within, the spirit
of God operating on sincere and honest hearts,"
The decision was listened to in breatbess sus.
pense by the crowd assembled, more than one
half of which perhaps, was composed OF those
considering themselves directly affected BY ITS
character. When we recoliected that not only
property, but In some measure name aad fame
had here been Pot in issue; that on the one hand
large and respectable portion Of the community
looked up to this tribunal to restore to them pro-
pertv, and q sectarian name, dear to them, oil
which they had been deprived-while another
portion, not less respectable, called on the Court
to free those from whom they derived their exist.
encs as Society FROM the imputation Of holding
sentiments at variance, as they believed, with
the plain precepts Of the inspired volume. we
could not wonder at the deep feeling evidently
excited. The young and old were alike caught
up in the momentous question about to be finally
determined. and from every eye might be seen to
fash the glance Of painful impotence. AtleDgth
the decision came-Iike the dove with the olive
Of peace, and the cheering intelligence that L" the
waters were abated," 10 the one party: and to
the other,
Hope, for mo rent, babe the world farewell,
And freedom shreked-"
It is now over. Our town again has put on its
wonted appearance, and conversation begins to
flow in its ancient dull and monotonous channel.
Although 10 the general discussion of doctrines,
principles and creeds, which this trial has elici-
ted, some good or no good may spring; yet from
the incessant rolling Of eyes, along the out works
of the gallery and the continuous play Of artillery
from thence. we apprehend many heart has been
led into captivity; and we expect shortly to hear
of numerous C suits" begun in this Court, being
carried upto that of Hymen; which may make
this trial the parent Of thousand others.
Milton Nill u the Banks Of the
DRp-EOP E4TE