Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1837-09-25

s. That as abolitionists, we adhere firm
ly to the principles set forth in the Declare
lion and constitution Of the National Socic-
iy--principles which allow us to extend the
hand OF Fellowship to allj our fellow citi-
aens, of whatever religious faith, who are
willing 10 contend with us for the common
but PROSTATE rights Of human nature.
4. That we Indignantly reject all propo-
sails to abandon, in ,he least degree, the
principles Of our association, for the sake OF
gaining 10 our ranks that class OF wise and
prudent proslavery men who wish to step
into the fold by another door.
s. That we have undated confidence in
.he moral nirepdily and straightforward
honesty Of WILLIAM LLOYD GARRI-
SON.
6. That we discard oil leaders who are
unwilling to be led by the spirit OF Truth,
and who do not regard duty as higher
rule Of conduct than worldly erpediency.
7. That those coIonizalionsts who pro-
Tess great alarm from the voluntary labors
Of two Quaker women in our ranks, would
appear to better advantage by turning a
measure Of their Indignation against the
colonization society, which has for years
had in lts service as O paid agent, Mr. Eli
OF Cresson, himself member OF the Soci
ETY. OF Friends
8. That The time has fully come for oil,
who would be regarded az the substantial
friends of their country and their kind, to
make their faith known by bold and open
advocacy Of the cause Of equal md univer-
sal freedom.
0. That The following card, recently
published byl the Executive Committee Of
the National Society. meets with our full
concurrence:
ITO TIE PUBLIC.
The Executive Committee OF the American
Anli-Sluvery Society have heretofore canddy
and explicitly stated the doctrines maintained
by that association, and they are now induced
10 caution their fellow citizens not to confound
their doctrines with such as individual mem
bers may occasionally advance.
The constitution, after setting forth the prit-
siples of tho society, declares that whoever
consents 10 theso principles not being slave
holder, may, on making pecuninry con,ribu.
ton, become n member. Hence, good faith
obviously requires, not only that those who
enter the society should sincerely embrace its
avowed principles, but also that the society
should abstain from all interference with such
other principles as may be held by its members
OF course, no member is required by his con-
necton with the society, to refrain from ex-
pressing ION his own responsibility his indi-
vldual opinions on any subject WHATSOEVER
We believe there is, among aboltionsts, n
most cordial and unanimous assent TO the
great moral truths proclaimed in our constiiu-
ton, while on many other and important top
les they maintain very opposite and irrecon-
cilabls sentiments.
Some Of these sentiments being promugu-
ted 10 anti-slaycry papers, and advocated by
Que or more abolitionisty, have been used to
prejudice the anti-slavery cause. On the sen.
tlments alluded to, the executive committee
have no authority to sit in judgment; but,
whether true or false, they receive no sanction
from the society, and every member is at lib
erty to assail or defend them.
While the committee assume no control over
the private opinions of their agents, and much
less over the course which independent friends
Of the canso think fit to pursue, they cheerful.
ly acknowledge their obligation not to permit
the funds Of thelsociety to be used for the pro-
motion of any principles or objects whatever,
except those specified in the constitution and
It will ever be, as it ever has been, their deter
mination, both in regard 20 the agents they
employ, and the publications they issue, 10 a.
void any just censure in this respect.
The great diversity Of sentiment entertained
byabotionsts, on political & igious subject
instead OF being as our enemies vainly mag
inc, an indication Of our weak ness. is a dem
onstation Of our strength, and an omen OF our
ultimate triumph. That cause cannot belong
TO a sect or party which 10 espoused by men
OF all parties. The rights for which we are
contending are the rights of our common ma
turc, and THAR advocacy cannot safely be com.
mitted 10 any sect or party, or any sect or par
~ be exempted from rebuke which takes the
attitude Of hostility TO these rights.
In behalf Of the Elk. CON-,
uyDISYrI1,