Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1849-09-08
ANTI.SLAVERY BUGLE, SALEM, o.

with itself, and only differing from it in the
mere form of their organization. The discus
sion developed more clearly tho radical diff
ference between those who cling blindly and
tenaciously to old forms and customs and
those who are ever ready to follow Truth
wherever they see her light; between those
who would perpetuate religious organization
by the power of superstition and sec,arian
cunning, and those who would render it wor-
thy of preservation by making it instinct
with the life and power Of Practical Chris
tianity. If The meeting had been called upon
to abandon all the ancient testimonies Of The
Society and revile the memories Of its foun-
ders if il had BEEN asked to commit some
fragrant crime, the protest against il could
not have been more earnest and indignant
than was that Of the Pharisees of the gallery
against the reading of these harmless and en-
iirely respectful Epistles from Green Plain
and Waterloo! Some Of the leaders even
went so far as 10 declare that they would not
submit, whatever might be the voice Of the
meeting.
After nearly one whole session had been
consumed in discussion, it became manifest
that full tw thirds Of the meeting were in IA
vor of the reading; but the Clerk refused 10
read on the ground that the meeting was not
sufficiently united!
On Tuesday morning, the Representatives
proposed for Clerk Benjamin Marshall, and
for Assistant Amos Wilson, and the individ-
uals named were appointed. An effort was
now made by the Conservatives to give the
question of reading the Epistles the go-by,
but i, would not do. The Reformers stood
firm as on the previous day, and insisted that
it was unfair for a minority thus to trample
upon the rights Of the meeting. Another
whole session was occupied in discussion,
bu; without coming to any result. On We'd
nesday morning the matter stood as before.
The gallery preached and ,Ohined and denoun-
friends of Reform were firm and unwavering,
and faithfully and fearlessly did they pro-
claim the truth in the ears Of those who
sought TO lord it over them. Nothing could
Ot W OlSHuSAAhH u tO ooSHhl
spiritual supremacy, superior enlightenment,
and even of direct and positive revelation
from God, which some of the leading Con-
serva,ives pu, forth again and again, with a
view TO awe the great body of the meeting
into submission; but the Reformers were too
intelligent to mistake cant for piety, an&stae
firmly attached TO principle 10 be frightened
by sanctimonious scowls. Near the close Of
the session on Wednesday, the Conserva.
tives became convinced that longer conten-
ton was useless, and they yielded so far as
10 allow the Clerks to read The Epislles. At
the opening of the next session, a member OF
, the same party, knowing that the Refermers
, would not consent TO correspond with Indiana
e and Genesee, 10 the exclusion Of Green Plain
f and Waterloo, proposed that none of the Epis-
a ties received this year should be answered.
s To this, in view Of all the circumstances, the
Reformers made no objections. The meeting
/, then proceeded 10 transact its formal bust
f ness, which was not concluded till ? o'clock,
g P NJ, on Friday afternoon.
In the Women's meeting the friends oil
Reform, though a majority, did not succeed
5 in getting the Green Plain and Waterloo f.
p~istles read. There was, however, much
a wholesome discussion, which was not with
out its effect on many minds.
e In reviewing the proceedings, the question
u naturally occurs, What was done by the Ohio
u Yearly Meeting to promote the cause of Prac'
10 tical Chrislianiiy-to abolish the hoary mi
Il q~uities which abound in our country, and ic
le elevate and ennoble Humanity I ln,emper
ance counts its victims by thousands; ,ht
Iy spirit Of War and Violence is rife in tn,
ID land ; Liceniiousness stalks abroad at noon
day ~Insaiiate Wealth mocks al lowIy Pow
,g erty 5000, 900 of Slaves clank their chain
if upon our soil and what has this Yearl,
r. Meeting of Ohio done 10 redeem the Ian,
er from these blighting evils! The most tina
can be said is, that it did not repeal any G
he the testimonies which the fathers Of the Sc
IN cieiy, in the face Of the worlds reproach an
TO scorn, long since put upon record. II utlel
N, ed no word of cheer, encouragement or syn
of pathy for the despised Reformers of This gel
n. Grafton; it put forth no fresh and earnest n
he monstrance against any Of the great vices
oh the age; il gave no token of interest in Il
NJ. work Of mans enlightenment and elevation
of Its vision extended not beyond the mario
at boundaries of a sect its zeal was direct,
it'll chiefly TO the preservation of ancient form
ice and usages, from which all vitality long sin
of took its fight; it thirsIed not for The pure "
ar tiers of truth, but chung blindly, tenaciousl
Gu to the mere shells of old opinions, the fosl
remains If the do1mas nf a mast lie ,