Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1840-09-16
R ligiOus Miscellany.
DISCLAIMER AID PROTEST.

DISCLAIMER AID PRoTEsT.
From The Oberiia Non-Resisianee Soeie-
ety. addressed 10 the Fac uify If the
ObeIlm Collegiate Iastitate.
Allow US in Tie FIRST place 10 state briefly
why We act al this time, as we propose 70
do, for lhe promotion of the principles set
forth by this society. We 90 not desire
to create unhealthy excitement, nor to mag
niy IN importance the principles we main
tain above others of paramount impor-
lance. But believing them 10 be Of no
small moment, although almost entirely
overlooked bv the great BODY Of christians.
we feel obligated 10 make IN cffoIt 10 re-
move misrepresentation, and 10 awaken
appropriate interest IN regard 10 them.
We feel it is unjust to ascribe the unchris-
tian spirit manifested by some who sus-
tain our views in part, 10 these principles,
since many other precious truths have
been eclipsed by the unholy conduct of
those who have sustained them. We are
greatly grieved 10 see such a spirit exhibit
Ell by any who attempt 10 defend The truth
ia any form, as thereby the cause OF Christ
is dIShonored, and rs you ali deeply feel
the way of truth is in many ways "evil
spoken ol'' Yet we may not reject the
truth, because others abuse il; bat endeav-
or, by precept and example 10 exhibit its
true nature and influence, thereby stop
ping the mouths Of gainsayers. and rebuk-
ing the repuisive consciousness Of rash
zealois.
We do not conceive that wisdom exclu-
Isiyely belongs 10 us, on the subject ofpeace
land non-resistance; nor thai all who differ
from US, are the "wise and prudent from
whom all such wisdom has been bid: nei-
Their do we wish to entrencn ourselves be-
hind any refuge to parry of the arrows
of truth. lest our sentiments be disprove1.
for truth is the thing we seek after. and
/ desire 10 promote and BE- that where il
may, we pray for light, and candor 10 re-
ceive light; that by the truth. not only we.
but all over whom We exer an influence,
may be made free and fully purified =
S Here we wish to disclaim and protest sew
, eral things in order, which are either char.
ged upon US as evil, or urged against our
> principles.
III lst. We are not parizans. We ride
II no hobby; nor do we adopt and inculcl,e
!, our principles because any man, or class
" have our principles conloi nded with those
II which may be nearly akin to ours ia some
+, respects, but We desire that they NAV rest
e upon their own foundation, and these a.
;. lone.
"a. We are not anarchists. We dis
claim all intention. or desire of waging
r warfare against Human Governments. as
rs such, for we believe them 10 be " ordained
OF Gad," in such sense. that By them
God determines 10 make a lesser evil de-
10 stroy greater one. Therefore we have
SIS nothing to do directly, in laboring for their
o. subversion; but our work is TO inculcate
:, the principles Of peace as opposed 10 vic.
lence, that we may induce all 10 reject The
: principles and practices Of earthly powers
Ill and come into the peaceful and everlasting
III kingdom of Jesus Christ. Hence i, would
be as reasonable To- brand q true CHRISTIAN
u church as a no-government society. be-
m cause lis principles carried out will remove
US all violence from the earth. as 10 give u.
that epnhei. while ne are only laboring n
accomplish the very thingthe church Is de.
IL tined to accomplish.
III 3d. We are not disorganizers. w
on disclaim all fellowship or sympathy wit!
a any who would wish to upturn the jos
no foundations of civil society or moral order
IS we sincerely aim TO promote 10th, an
0e as we believe, in the on!v consistent an
eel christian way. We DO protest against con
ew troll exercised By men, over men, by mean
80, Of violence. as not ChTist-like yet we d
not expect. nor do we labor 10 induce me
10 TO cease controlling men by force whil
1ed they remain selfish ard carna as Go.
: of by permitting them 20 do this, causes sci
i, Iishness TO punish itself and sin TO restrai
sin thus " making The wrath Of man |
ana praise him." Our object IS 10 induce ekTi
Just fianS 10 cease striving 10 coerce men, an
lad leave the work Of violence to those WI
- are rioient, and not stoop TO maintain b.
man laws among rebels agains: God,
ase' human weapons; but 10 " separate Their
can't selves from all these things" because ID,
,ich are unchrs,Ian means for restoring n
80. lost world 10 iis richtful Sovereign al
Protector. although we fully believe ii
hau God oveTrules the selfish ambition of
4 10 man rulers IN restraining sone forms
the vice, and 10 furihering some Of his desig
ouId Of benevoicnce towards men vel we d.
-. not do evil that cocc., may come" :
we protes'. s-aInst regarding omniscl
nera- ,.com in porsu:ng This course as q