Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1853-04-09
VOL. 8
CALL
GENERAL RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE,
WITH VIEW TO THE ESTABLISHMENT ora
YEARLY MEETING IN Pennsylvania.
ron

The various religious denominations in tie
land are arrayed agains, the progressive spirit
Of the uge, and by their very structure, as
sumptions aud regulations, carnot occupy q
cooperative position, because they impose fet-
tcrs upon freedom Of speech and Of conscience,
by requiring a slavish conformity in matters Of
abstract faith and sectarian principle. This has
led and is leading to extensive sccessions from
such organizations in all parts of the country,
leaving the secodcrs generally in scattered and
isolated condition, whose talents, influence and
means might be probably concentrated for the
advancement of the world embracing cause OF
Human brotherhood, and who arc.yearninp for
some form Of association OF once simple. free
and attractive.
The abuse Of good thing is not a reason for
its utter rejection and organization, in itself
considered, is not only proper, but may be rem
dered powerfully eiiicacious as an instrument
IN the hand OF Reform, without impairing tho
liberty detracting from the independence. or
liriting the conscience of any individual ,
though from the nature of things its pcrpetua-
ton is not to be expected or desired, but it 10
at all times to be regarded as a means to an
end, and to be discarded whenever il becomes
an impedimcnt to the cause of truth.
The Society of Friends has been a theatre Of
agitation for years. growing out of ecclesiastical
domination OH the one hand, and the demand
for practical righteousness on tho other; a
domination entirely at variance with the spirit
oil primitive Quakerism, seeking to suppress
free thought and to exclude from mcmbcrshin
those whose lives arc without blemish, whose
example in word and deed is as burning and
shining light, aud who are seeking to know
aud do the will Of God at whatever sacriRc; .
domination which has been deemed so intoler-
able that in the States of Ne,o York, Ohio, and
Michigan, Yearly Meetings have been formed.
two Of which have taken the name of CosonK-
GATfoNAL FmRNDs, and two others that of Pno-
GhEsslvE FnIESDs, und which invite TO mcm-
bcrship call those who look to God as Uni
vcrsal Father, ard who regard us ono Brother
hood the whole family OF man."
In view Of facts like these, aud believing
there is an extensive preparation of mind for
such movement, " cordially invite no, only
the members OF the Society of Friends, but all
those who feel the want of social aud religious
co cooperation, and believe that Society may
be formed, recognising the Progressive Element
which will divorce Religion from TscAnieal
Theology, to meet with us in GENERAL Con-
rEnENcE at Friends Meeting House, at Old,
kcnnctt, in Chester County Pennsylvania, on
First day. the 22d of Fifth month"; 1853, 1, de-
liberaio upon such plan of organization as may
commend itself to the judgment of those 40.
scmbled, and to take action upon such other
subjects pertaining to Human Duty and We'll
iare' as may appear to demand the attention Of
the assembly.
This circular is signed by about 60 persons.
most OF whom are we'll known as thorough and
devoted reiormers.