Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-12-24

huC ECfitCttuhtsh ~ tutnpys
Since the last issue Of the Phanix, we have
taken some pains to inform oursclf rs well Of
the present conduct and condition Of the Society
calling themselves pcrfectiouists,~ in Putncy,
as Of the tenets and doctrines they profess. We
learn that though some of the individuals Of this
sect have Dispersed the Association itself is,Hot
broken up, nor their organ disconinued-but
on the contrary, that the peculiar tenets which,
with them, Justify the conduct complained Of, are
still pertinaciously adhered TO; that meetings
arc still held, and the community have n right
to believe, that, though popular indignation may
suppress for time the public exhibition Of their
conduct, they still continue to practice what they
boldly preach and justify.
Under these circumstances, and IN accordance
with an intimation given last week. we do not
feel at liberty to withhold the proceedings and
resolutions of the citizens Of Pu,ney. We con-
fcss to utter ignorance. until the last week, Of
the origin and history, as well as Of the nature
and tendency of the peculiar doctrines of this
sect Of Perfectionists" With desire to do
impartial justice, and to be satisfied whether the
ebullition Of feeling manifested by the citizens Of
Puiney, was justified as well by the Published
principles, as the actual practices Of The Per
fectionisis," we have taken some pains to pro-
cure their publications, and to examine them
intending that some notice Of their character
should accompany the publication of the pro-
ceedings and resolutions Of the public meeting
But the voluminousness OF their publications,
and the want OF time, prevents us from doing 50.
We may, however, say now, that the acts com
planned of arc not only the natural result Of the
doctrines they hold aud teach, but actually con-
stiiutc in themselves one Of their published ten
cts Af,er pcrusing their newspaper organ, we
cannot in justice hold all the citizens Of Putney
entirely guiltcss Of the existence Of this evil in
their midst for while the great mass Of them
have viewed il with constant adherence and
stern rcprobaiion, VIC find evidence that some
even Of those now iercest in denunciation, were
among the patrons and subscribers to their or
gan, and thus gave seeming liberation TO their
principles We account for this, only by the
fact that this sect had not then proceeded to the
open practice Of their doctrines; and that the
avowal Of them, though plain and positive, was
30 covered up by subteiies, by mysti6caiion, and
confused explanation, and by bold denial Of i'm
puied liccnhous consequences and results, that
the unwary and unsuspieious might well be de-
ceived This consideration should inculcate feel.
ings Of charity towards those who seem innocent
ly TO have been misled, and drawn into the vor-
tex Of ruin Ii has also determined US to give
our readers who may be as ignorant on this sub
ject as we have been, the history Of this sect,
and the proof which their published tenets af-
ford, that in their domestic relations they are not
only absoiued from the observance Of the moral
law, but the constant nfraction Of il, is required
as necessary consequence OF the state Of per
lection they lay claim to--in fnc, that as to all
sexual relations, they are strictly Antinomians
Il is not within the province Of this journal to
discuss controversial points Of religious doctrine
unless they tend directly TO the infraction and
subversion Of the laws which uphold the fabric Of
society and government; and we shall therefore
endeavor 20 keep within this limit But when
such monssrous doctrines rs these are promulga-
ted and practiced, and when there is such indu-
bitahle evidence as the history Of this sect has
furnished US, to prove that the young, the inno-
cent and unsuspicious, arc enticed to disgrace
and ruin by them, and that systematic seduction
and heentiousncss are praeiiced under the spe-
cious garb Of religion--or rather, made impi-
ousiy part Of religion itself--it is time for the
public press TO expose the true character of its
principles, and warn the young and credulous,
at least, of the snares that are spread Cor them.