Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1837-04-18

Moral Reform.-We
have been applied 10 by gentleman resi-
ding al distance Tor Information with re-
gard TO the character snd tendencies Of the
Systematic efforts now making, in our city
and elsewhere, for the repression Of Ii
|centiousness throughout the country. We
|&heerluliy undertake the task which he has
imposed on us, but must decline attempting
1t in the precise manner which he indicates
that Of publishing his communication en-
brSring q series of circumstantial interrog-
n,ories. md giving 10 each distinct and
ma rHculsr HpsN'er. Our acquaintance with
Inc operations which have been carried on
under the title e! Nora Re!arm is not SUI
ficenlly definite for this, AMI the pecc!lar
character OF the subject does not incline us
40 be very minute in our statements or YER
hose in our speculatons in regard to il.
Generally, thsn-The Moral Reform et-
T.rts were commenced in this city some six
or seven years since, by persons OF most
Dra isc worthy nru.iyes. but OF more ques-
tions bic Judgement and discretion. The
imputation OF recklessness or dishonesty in
any shane was never more uDjuslly applied
than 10 them, but il ia painfully true that
some Of their earlier publications were
rather calculated to outrage dcllcacy and
good taste than 10 correct vicious propensi-
Ties. But no more of thst-Fhe entirc die
reclion Of these efforts has now passed into
other hands, guided by wiser heads, though
not nwved by purer hearts. The Advo-
cate Of Moral Reform is now edited by
lady Of eminent qnaliica lions, against
avAom- even the tongue OF ribald libertin-
ism dare not breathe whisper Of evil
Ne very seldum see the work {; but we feel
assured that under such auspices il can
costain nothing offensive 10 the most ref
ned purity.
We might prefer to stop here, buI our
interrogation desires particular information
svith regard to the character of The readers
OF the Moral Reform publications, and the
influence of such works upon the morals Of
the community. On this head, we can on
ly give an opinion, and this founded almost
entirely on theorI rather than observation.
We see no more reason 10 believe that the
Advocate is read by the vicious Tor the
qualification of their depraved lancies than
that portions Of the Scriptures are perver-
ted to the same unholy purposes, nor to
condemn the one on account OF its suscep-
tibil''y OF sucn perversion than the Other
As 10 lhe Influence Of such work, 50 lar
aus reformation Of the utterly vile is con-
,eernel, we have little faith in il, nor, we
presume, have the supporters OF the Advo-
cate. Its object is rather to place the IN
s.ocens saG yirtuous on their guard against
! 1he arts Of the lccniious and abandoned,
and TO create heathful anc stern public
sentiment which shall drive from all virlu-
Gus and reputable society the prohigale and
/ iiberline--ihe providing seducer as well as
his unfortunate victim. This efrt we
cannot but regard as most righteous ard
salutary one /: why should moi its success;
be practicable!
Our correspondent seems TO question the
propriety OF an iodiscriminate perusal o
works of this class in families, and more
distinctly the policy Of denouncing licen-
tiousness from the pulpit. So far as iami-
lies are concerned, the parents alone are
proper Judges in the first instance oil the
mode and manner OF impariilg instruction
on this as on every other subjuct Mucl
good and much evil may result from ma
king this common topic OF instruction ant
admonition. We doubt no; 'there is
more excellent way There is no salular,
truth unfit 10 be communicated To a right,
constituted mind, in proper language, ant
under proper circumstances. This limlla'
lion is as clear in grammar az ma,hematic
as in morals. AS to the ministers Of reli
gioh, they probably understand their du
Ties witiroui any dcln,on from our CORES
pondenl or oursell. II there are any pariic
ular number OF the COMMANDMENTS, les
uhan the entire Ten, which il is incumben
ON them TO PROFOUND and enforce, leavin
the residue TO lake care of themselves, The
doubtless know il. But in any case, W
hold that il is no more violation of deli
cacy 10 denounce publicly the vile craft q
the ilberlne, than the more violent but M
more aggravated outrage Of the highway
man or The murderer. -,Ne,r- Yorker.