Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1839-01-09
For the Vermont Telegraph.

r Or the vermont Telegraph.
Thoughts on "Non-Rcsistance.o No. 8.
The signers of the Declaration of Sen
tlments," after stating their principles, draw
the following conclusion cit follows that
we cannot sue any man al law to compel
him by force to restore anything which he
may have wrongfuily taken from US or 9th
ers." And further, they conclude that, as
physical coercion is not adapted to moral
regeneration" and as "the sinful DISPOSE
tons of men can be subdued only by love-"
as "evil can be externinated only by
| goodness"-and as "it is not safe to reiy
upon an arm Of fesh-hence" as a conclu-
sion from the above mentioned and other
principles, we cordially adopt the non
resistance principle"
My simple enquiry is still, as il has been.
what does this "Don-resistance principlen
mean2 lido not design get to discuss the
correctness CT the abore mentioned prir-
cIptes, or any others, but merely enquire as
to the extent Of their application. 1t has
been already shown that the adoption of
the "Sentiments," Of the "Declaration''
will not permit men to pay cira tares-or
TO aid the ciri! officer IN arresting or
guarding public c1iminal-or "to bear
testimony an any suit at la,r, 1Uhether
criminal or other,rise.n These things were
specified because they conflict with the
positive acquisitions Of government, and
hence will be likely to create "trouble" and
"disquiet" in the community.
But further, do not see with what con-
slstency those who adopt that Declarations
can gire or tcke deeds, notes or receipts,
&c, i'll legal form in any business transac-
lions. A simple memorandum Of events
which would not be of any force in law,
would answer all the purposes of aiding
memory. The giving ones own name to
another, or taking his name attached to any
instrument drawn up in legal from, is giving
sanction to system Of pains aud penalties.
The avowed, and only possible design of
such instruments is to "compel men 10 do
right" 10 make this plain: exchange
horses with my neighbor, and be is to paw
me twenty dollars in six months. as the
difference in the value of the two animals
NOW II the remembrance of the conditions
OF the exchange be all that is aimed at, a
mere memorandum of these conditions,
without signature, preserved by each party
IN has own handwriting, would accomplish
the object. But the moment require Of
my neigh5or statement Of the conditions
OF the exchange with his name signed to It
prepare the instruments and take a stem
towards securing my right by compulsion.
And SO OF all other legal instruments. If
misunderstood the "Declarationo I shall
be glad to be be corrected. But according
to my apprehension of it, to take recent
Ion money pald-to take deed of any real
estate-or TO take note for money due, is
as paIpably inconsistent with the "Senti-
ments' of the Declaration, as to engage in
training for military service, because ,hey
are the instruments Of legal compulsion.-
Ana II all such compulsion be unchri,t;an
then IS 1t wrong also TO prepare the instru-
ments OF such unchristan " coercion.n Nor.
Is the intention of an individual not to psa
these instruments to compel men to do
right" any more apology for his conduct
Than 1t would be TO shoulder his musket ~
grid On his sword and do military serv;oo
declaring in the mean time, s'Oh do M,
intend TO do violence 10 any man, Bu,
this doctrine of intention is not recoon;zoa
by the {" Declaration.n
might go on and name other particulars
IN which these "Sentimeats" would affso,
action. Locks and bolts must be tbro,,o
aside, for these are means Of "pbvs;c,,
COERCION" to restrain men from do;nn
wrong. will not argue this point, unless
the correctness of the coclusion be ono.
toned, for | wish to hasten to more imnor-
tant topics. have hitherto glanced onlv
at some of the results of the adoption Of
these sentiments by individuals in com
munity propose to consider next, some
OF the practical results of their general
adoption Observe, my single aim is stint
10 examine the practical working Of the
system. HARyEy Cupr,.