The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-04-20
From the Rutland Herald.
The Vermont Anti-Slavery Society.

We regret exceedingly to notice the taken lately
at meeting of this society at Middlebury.(a) While
have desire to impugn the motives of this apparently
respectable society, cannot be restrained from question
ing its correctness and policy, in things.(b) Rash
and inconsderate let them proceed from friend
foe where public policy concerned cannot let pass
without notice and reproof(c)
Those who know views the subject of slavery,
know that in common, probably, with four-fhs of our
fellow citizens generally, in this region have great
sion to savery( and it would be considered of the
greatest discoveries of modern times to be enabled frame
practicable measure to relieve the country from this great
evil this horrible stain upon boosted free institutions
But still disposed either the part of
c this subject, to enlist in wild and futile crusade
against the shareholders, and every body else who will
come up to the standard of ultra aboonsm. Neither
prepared to unite in exclusive proscrptve political
religious party on this subectO)
We here subjoin three resolutions purportng to have
been passed at the aforesaid meeting and submit
ansavery friends in this neighborhood whether they
prepared to subscribe the prescription doctrine here laid
down. If they only say they prepared to
greatly endanger all the religious and civil institutions Of
highly favored country(g) Here follow the Resolu
TONS
RESOLVED, That cannot continue in communion with
shareholders, those protesting christians churches
that, after repeated admontons, fellowship shareholders
Resolped, That northern churches and protesting chris
ans, by holding religious fellowship with Stockholders
by admitting them into their pulps and to the communion
table; and by apoogizng for their unfortunate relation,
do to strengthen the bonds of slavery and to
the current of public opinion against it, than all its sophs
teal casuists and chivalrous defenders of the SOUTH
Resolred, That, abolitionss, carefully avoid all
alliance with either of the political parties of the day; but
i'll the exercise of the elective franchise will support
those candidates. without regard party distinctions who
will promote the of immediate emancipation; and if
such candidates nominated by either of the political
parties will give votes to good not either
of the regular tickets
We here take occasion to protest solemnly against
the doctrine contained in those resolutions In day
we have witnessed several efforts establish this kind of
political heresy, but succeeded Usurpers and
rants might carry into execution, by the strong of
power but free and intelligent people like those nhab
ing the green hills of Vermont, under present form of
government, will go it, This prescribing and disfran-
chizing fellow citizens for merely political religious
opinions has always met with signal rebuke from the peo-
pie, and if we mistake not, it will now.(h)
1t furthermore, from the proceedings of the Anti
Slavery Society at the meeting above alluded that hav
ing doubtless been warmed up by the eoquence of
of the utss and the passage of the above resolutions the
cod-hearted work of prescription must be commenced
Hence of the best and most eminent living in
America must be sacrfced and he receives the anathemas
Of the meeting with little ceremonyO OFF with him, say
the Society; he have countenance nor support
from such pure patriots as we. We wonder the meeting
had not commissioned in the first instance messenger to
despatch Heaven, with request that Washington Mad
son, and other similar immortal patriots and statesmen bel
prescribed from the joys of paradise, because they were
Shareholders, when on earth! CD
But to manifest their consistency, the Society could not
exactly stop by prescribing Mr. Clay and aer being hard
pushed) &c expunged Mr.. Van Buren, also.(D The po-
litical action was then accomplished!
We could hardly be led believe that some OF our
rational fellow citizens this subject there present. could
be induced to sustain such abomnable doctrines as those
embraced in the above resolutions and we are no" SPy
10 learn tina, verv MANY dissented and hardly proba
BILE that half the persons could be induced 10 OIL
hem after their more sober second thoughts have pas
'ed in their mind(D
(o) Very likely Mr.. McDufie, Mr.. Clay Mr.
Van Buren,, or Mr.. Charles G. Anterior would
say the same.
(6) "Policy, Mr.. Speaker" The first ques-
ion to be proposed by rational being is, not what
$ profitable, but what is right. Duty must be !
primary, prominent, most conspicuous, among the
objects Of human thought and pursuit, If we cast q