Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1856-03-15
Tbc anti 5lauerp Bllolr.
rHE sECTARIANISM OF THE AMERICAN
ANTI.SLAVERY SOCIETY,

Mr.. Garrison in the Liberator replies to George
Sunter's article, which we published week before
last. The following is the gst of the reply:
In what docs the sectarianism' of the American
Anti-Slayery Society consst2 Certainly, not in its
fundamental doctrnc,-thc inherent sinfulness Of
tlayeholding; not in its obect,-the immediate and
unconditional emanc patton of the slave not in
Its making connection with itself the proof of
ant-slavery zeal and fidelity for it has never done
this not in diaciplining any of its members, or
requiring conformity Of action on peril of excom
muntcation, for it cuts off one ; not the narrow
ness OF Its platform, for to it all are invited, to
ercise equal legitimate freedom of speech'eoncern-
ing slavery, pro and con ; not in showing favor to
one religious sect more than another, for it has Ger
tainly been no respecter of parties persons
not in spirit for it has always exhibited manly
and serene fronta courted the severest scrutiny
not in being inexorable in its demands, for other
wise it would have lowered its standard, and be-
trayed the cause of tue slave, not in making its
unity, growth and prosperity, as association
object of undue solictude, for 1t has never acted
with reference to so low end. Nor has it ever
promulg gated any doctrine adopted any measure,
taken any position, for the purpose Of conciliating
public opinion, obtaining popularity, or augment
ing its funds. Its course has been absolutely dis
interested, independent, fearless, uncompromising.
Through what has it not been called to pass in the
shape OF popular hatred, contumely, persecution,
misrepresentation 1t has faithfully and impair
iullJ trTullBeu every purity anu every heCt lOuHu
hostile indifferent to the anti-savery movement
while it has endeavored to rally around the stand
ard of emancipation, men of all parties and of all
sects AS all are summoned to extingush an
alarming coLfagraton, which threatens to destroy
the town or city-requiring no change of political
theological views, in order to make the coopera-
tion effective and the spirit harmonious.
Our friend Sumter takes exception to our
declaration, that the American Ant-Savery Socie-
ty has never asked either Episcopalian or Presby-
= D. . IT I
to yield one o title of their peculiar theoogic
al views but only to recognise in the slave "a man
and brother ) and, therefore he brands the Soci-
ETY. as a 'sectarian = This is n non Sc9uit,tr. In
forming fire department, no one is required to
give up any Of his religious tenets ergo the fire
department is n 'sectarian' organization And so
Of every association, for the promotion of the gen
eral welfare, to the support of which all are in
vited, without reference to their party denomi-
national views. Now, the way to break down the
partition walls of narrow and bigoted sectarian-
ism is to induce,tLo who i'm prison( therein
work with all others for the accomplishment of n
common good, common ground Thus the
anti-slavery, the temperance, the peace, and the
woman's rights movements have all powerfully
aided TO soften scctaran prejudice and party ami
mostly, while each has left every mind free to
adopt such religions or political opinions its
ideas OF truth and duty may elect and also every
mind, on its individual responsibility, (not in its
associated action,) equally free to impeach or to
discard all such opinions. What more can reason
ably be demanded :?
Though our friend Sumter regards sectaran
by position, he sends his lotter of arraignment
for insertion in the Liberaor on6dently expecting
it to be printed therein, with all cheerfulness.
Whenever convenient, he attends our sectaran'
antl-savery meetings, and occupies our 'sectaran'
platform, and exhorts to abandon our 'sectaran'
organization and he is listened to respectfully
and kindly. as very worthy, sincere and conscien-
tious person. Now, let him try his luck in any
other direction where sectarian spirit actually
exists, and see what will come of it. Let him send
letters Of condemnation to the organ of any relg-
ious sect, bent on its enlargement and prosperity
and see whether they will be readily published or
thrown under the table, Let him venture upon q
Presbyterian, Baptist or Episcopal PLATFORM and
call upon that denomination to disband, and tell
us the result of his experiment lie will then
easily learn to distinguish between things and
combinations essentially and inherently different
between the darkness of midnight and the eful
gence of the noon day.
We hape ever to be keenlv Jealous and vigiant
rs to any encroachment upon any individual flee
dom of speech and of conscience but we desire
TO retain the power Of Just discrimination, so as
not to magnify mole-hills into mounta ns, or to
mistake harmless flock of sheep for terrific
monster. If we cannot find the freedom we desire
in any association, shall initiate the example of
our friend SUMTER and stand aloof from them all );
for there is organization beneath the skies
which it is duty to join, the soul (soveregn of all
things earth) having right to determine its
own sphere and method of action On this subject,
let every one be fully persuaded in his own mind
and especially let him be careful not to mistake an
expedient for principle, or an insrumentality for
heresy.