Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-10-10

will bring along with him thus saith the
Lord-authorify which he has yet failed or
forgotten to bring-authority which, if bro't,
viii have more weight with me than any
or all olher besides.
Below is the Constitution Of the Society
formed at the late Peace Convention. 1t
will stand, when the constitutions based on
brute force and bloody penalties have per-
ished and are forgotten with other inven-
tons that have originated in mans depravi-
ty.
Constitution of the New England Non.
Resistance Society,
PREAMBLE.
Whereas, the penal code of the first
covenant, An eye for an eye, and a tooth
for TOOTH has been abrogated by Jesus
Christ; and, under the new or second
covenant, the forgiveness instead of the
punishment OF enemies has been enioined
upon all his disciples, in all cases what
soever
And whereas, our Saviour has left US
an example, that we should follow his
steps, in forbearance, submission to iniu-
ry, and non-resistance even when life it.
self is at stake
And whereas, the weapons of a true
christian are not carnal, but spiritual, and
therefore mighty through God to the pull
ing down of strong holds;
And whereas, the history of mankind
is crowded with evidences, proving that
all attempts 10 change the heart of man bv
physical force have been abortive;
And whereas, We profess to belong 10 a
kingdom not of this world, which is with
out local, geographical, or national boun-
daries, in which there is no division of
caste, or inequality of sex, and which is
destined to break in pieces aud consume
all other kingdoms -
Therefore, we. the undersigned, deem
it TO be our privilege. in full view of the
solemn responsibilities resting upon US in
consequence of this procedure, 10 organize
ourselves into an association for the pro-
motion of peace on earth and good will
among men, and for that purpose do adopt
the following
CONSTITUTION.
Article 1. This Society shall be called
the New ENGLAND NoN-REsIsTANcE
SOCIETY
Art. H. The members of this Society
agree in opinion, that no man, or body OF
men, however constituted, OF by whatever
name called, have right to take the life
of man as a penalty for transgression:-
that no one, who processes to have the
spirit Of Christ, can consistently sue man
at law for redress Of injuries, or thrust
any evil-doel into prison, or fill any office
IN which he would come under obliga-
ton TO execute penal enactments-or take
any part in the military service-or ack-
nowiedge allegiance TO any human gov
ernment--or Justify any man in fighting
IN defence of property, liberty, life or re-
llglon; that he cannot engage in or coun-
tenance any plot or effortto revolutionize,
or change, Dy physical violence, any gov
eminent, however corrupt or oppressive:
that he will obey the powers that be- ex.
cept in those cases in which they bid him
violate his conscience-and then, rather
than to resist, he will meekly submit 10
the penalty of disobedience; and that.
while he will cheerfully endure all things
for Chris.'s sake, without cherishing even
the desire to infict injury upon his per-
secutors yet he will be bold aud uncom-
promising for God, in bearing his test.
mony against sin, in high places and in
low places, until righteousness and peace
shall reign in all the earth, and there shall
be none to modest or make afraid.
Art. III. Any person, without distinc-
ton OF sex or color, who consents 10 the
principles of this Constitution, and who
contributes to the funds of this Society
may become member and be entitled to
vote at its meetings.
Art ". The officers Of this Society
shall be President, Vice Presidents q
Recording Secretary a Corresponding
Secretary, Treasurer, and an Executive
Committee, composed of the above. and
not less than seven members of the So.ie- |
ty They shall be annually elected bv |
the Society, and five shall constitute q
quorum.
Art. Y. The Executive Committee. a
majority ofwhom shall be located in Bos-
ton, shall have power to enact their own
BY. laws, I'LL any vacancy in their BODY.
and In the offices of secretary or treasurer
employ agents, d. ternine The compensa
hon OF agents and secretaries. direct the
treasurer IN The application of all monies.
and call special meetings of the Society.
hey shall make all arrangements for
ne meetings of the Society, and shall
hold stated meetings, in furtherance Of
he objects of the Society.
Art. W. The President shall preside
It all meetings of the Society, and, in his
absence, one of the Vice Presidents, and
N their absence a Prasident ma L..