New-York daily tribune., 1856-04-23
THE TYRANNY OF sHAKERDOM.
To Ne Editor Of The y. Y Tribune

SIR: Induced by the recent lectures of F. W. Evans
one Of the chiefs OF the New Lebanon Shaker Society
ten weeks ago left my employment in this city to
oin that society At first was plcasedby the beauty
Of the place, and the apparent harmony which pre-
walls there. But when had been there three or four
days and had said was ready to join them was ush
cred into the room of an Elder and left alone with
lin. and the door was made fast lie talked
about various matters and by-andby asked
me TO relate the experiences of my life.
h. ps TO do So ard was often interrupted by him TO
know if was not sorry for such and such thngswhlch
| had done. | answered that truly regretted them,
and be hoped that | would confess all my sins. l
started back with surprise TO think that the mere re-
ca Of nv experience should have been taken by hun
for conft ssion of SINS ard then for the inst time
learned that this an article of their faith tod
him ihoud dirsent from this. lie told me 10 go ana
lebor to see nv errOr | went back 10 my work aud
spent the time till Ginner in thifking OF objections
Nbfn the gong sounded and went from the shop
| happened to put my hands in my pockets. soon
learned that had by this violated an ord church
In the evening | was ushered into room wher
some twelve persons seated, SIX males ana SIX
females. They sat opposite each other the space be
tween the two sexes being about five feet. Iheir
po.ition was very erect, and each had handkerchic
spread across the knees. was soon tired OF sitting
AZ and for daring to cross limbs and fold my arms
was brought before the officer who had charge OF
small msdemeanors and told that must take care
not offend AGAIN. L puL up Win IL III OiucA W Noh
tinue nv Investigations, and spent some two weeks
Of comparative ease and comfort. | was occasionally
told that must not talk much, and soon learned
that everything | said repeated TO the Elder.
was told by him that must not talk So before his
peope again staid there nine weeks and ound that
this life was Of TO benefit to myself or anybody else
So gave notice TO the Elder that must leave. lie
said had not examined with care and honesty their
principles and took further time to investigate.
presented nay objections to the Auncuar Confession
In writing They were pronounced nonsensieal and
insane Humes History of England, Bake's Ency
clopedia a volume on the Romish Church, and novel
by Fosdick, which were sent me from the CITY, were
kept entirely from and expressly forbidden as dan
gerous. This does not agree very wen with Evans
Statement in The Spiritual Telegrdph OF Fe5 b,
of the numerous works in common USE" Only
portion Of the papers are allowed 10 be read by the
member and they carefully read bythe elders hrs
10 see ifhey contain anything TO enighten the under
standing When was about 10 leave | applied 70
Evans for money, as had worked hard all the time
had been there. He replied that something Ike 72Oo
had been expended TO promote the Gospel OF CHRIST IN
the Female Order and that be hardly thought enough
could be afforded to take me to Newfork they were
willing 10 allow enough TO pay my fare 70 the cty
of Albany. / remarked that had no money or Trends
in ALBANY 10 assist me- but this Evans said, was lot
master for him to consider. was refused an oppor-
tuni,y 10 bid farewelto my friends among the brethren
and hurried away. Fortunately found friend, MI
Henry Tildep, who assisted me 20 reach the city
'-' AMASA c. ROBINSON.