The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-08-13
The Enxl,sh sec, ar pr,.s.,,.s,

Tno English sect OF Prfncc1tess
History Of Princes Carsr-Mode of L,psng-Hop
to Raise Funds-Fanatical Persecution of a Fa-
nay-ReaectiomA &c.
II may not be uninteresting to the people OF this
enlightened country, TO be informed, through the
columns of the Herald of a religious sect, or, more
properly speaking, set of fanatics, now existing
in England called Princetes, at the head of whom
Is MIR. Prince, formerly clergyman of the Charch
OF England, and once the curate OF Charlinch,
village in Somersetshire, where his eccentricities
and improper conduct called for the interference of
the bishop of the diocess, by whom he was re-
moved from his cure. He then became a street
preacher, declaring himself to be special messen-
ger from the Holy Ghost, who had appeared to
him and commanded him to preach, and warn the
the people of the speedy coming of the Saviour to
Judge the world. his text was always these words,
" behold he cometh"
In this way he continued to preach for about
twelve months, and he had a considerable number
of followers At this time his conduct, although
very enthusiastic, was not calculated TO cause the
people to think much about him, more than that he
was religious enthusiast In little time how
ever, he assumed new character, and declared
himself 10 be Christ himself, or God manifested in
the flesh, and that he was sent to judge the world
and that the door Of mercy was shut for ever.
Strange 10 say, he continued to have a consider
able number of devoted followers, by whom he
was continually worsbipped as God himself A
splendid mansion was built for him at Charlinch,
where the elect meet, and many of them reside
there with their God. Over an archway leading
TO the mansion is lion and a lamb cut in stone,
and the words, I" Hail holy love" written thereon;
there is also flag, which is always hoisted when
Prince is there, and taken down when he is absent
lie has splendid equlpage, and some beautiful
horses; also, pair of bloodhounds, and they live
in very luxurious manner Some two or three
years since, four sisters, named Nottidge, joined
the sect, and were ordered by Prince TO marry four
gentlemen belonging 10 the society, which they did.
These ladies had $4,000 each in hard cash. con-
sequently a considerable sum was added to the
funds of the society.
About one hundred of the elect live with their
God at the Abode of Love, as they style their place
of residence; and most Of them being wealthy,
they live in style of great magniticence. When
the various members OF the society residing in the
neighborhood meet their brethren at the abode of
love-which they do twice a week-they sing
praises to their God and they also play at hockey
have they any Sabbath--all these things, as they
say, being gone by, and at end. Any person
NOT being one of the elect, is refused admittance.
NOW, strange 10 say, many OF these deluded be-
fngs are highly respectable and intelligent men,
and | believe they are thoroughly sincere. This
novel brotherhood has created considerable ex-
citement in the neighborbood, where every right
thinking person seems astonished that such an
impostor and hypocrte should find so many
dupes. 1t is lamentable to think of the troubles
and divisions in families caused by these poor
deludsd wretches, one of whom, Mr.. Somers,
of Bunoy Bridge, near Bridgewater, in the
county of Somerset, formerly a gentleman highly
respectable, and fond and afectionate hus-
band and parent has gone to the length of turning
his wife and four daughters out of his house, be,
cause they had too much sense TO fall into his ia
natical views This outrageous act of this poor
deluded man has called forth the just indignation
of the public, and excited their sympathy for a
highly respectable and intelligent lady, who was
e teemed and respected by all who knew her, and
for her young and truly beautiful daughters, who,
having just received superior education, were just
being Introduced into society WHERE they bid fair
shine and excel. Not satisfied with having de-
prived them Of their home, this extraordinary man
thought fit to advertise them as having absconded
from his house, cautioning all persons against har
boring or assisting, in any way, his wife and chill
dren, thus adding TO his cruel and bitter persecu-
ton He also sold all his best household furniture,
al the same time offering for competition many
things that had been presented TO his children.
When these things were offered, the rage and in
digDation OF the people knew no bounds. gene
raj row ensued, during which Mr.. Penatt, "a high
ly respectable gentleman of the neighborhood, and
a brother of the injured Mrs. Somers), in selfde
fence, struck one of the Princeites. The conse-
quence was that an action was brought against him,
which was tried at the spring assizes held at Taun
ton, in Somersetshre, in March last. Damages was
laid at GOO A verdict given for the plaintiff,
but instead of c2O0 damages, one farthng was
thought TO be sufficient, thus showing the feeling
OF the people of Somerset, and how well they could
appreciate the feelings Of the brother Of the much
injured lady, who, IL may be remarked, had taken
his sister and her daughters To his own home, and
whose exertions in their behalf have been most in
defangable and praiseworthy.
How leng such state of things will last, IL is
impossible TO speculate. How long the hypocrite
rs TO blaspheme the sacred name of God, no one at
present define; but il is much 10 be hoped that
these poor dupes will learn TO know that
that prince is hypocrlte and cheat, instead OF
the universal God, as he represents himself 10 be.
Is il not passing strange that men can be so far in
fatuated 10 believe that this man is the Supreme
Beingl Would not this simple idea, il they re-
fecied for one moment, convince them that this
God Of theirs was never dreamt, nor heard OF, on
this side of the Atlantic Yet, so far can man be
deluded by his fellow man. IL il beyond my pro-
vince 10 say, that prince is of the false Chrsts
fore;od by the Saviour; but certain IL is, that he
sets himself up be Christ, and that his followers
believe him TO be such. Beng an Engshman, and
having resided in the neighborhood of Brdgewater
mp 10 within few months, and being acquainted
with some Of the parties have mentioned, can
vouch for the authenticity of the statements have
made, strange as they may appear to the people
oil this country, especially when we remember we
are living in the nineteenth century.
An ENGLisHNAy.
Frauds on Emigrants.