Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1858-04-23

directed to do so by the Society is tho para
lytic shock itsclf--not surely producing death
in the first instance, but what the system will
not bear to have repeated.
As to the policy hitherto pursued and now
openly advocated by them, we have room to
say but few words. The appendaeos and
coverings which 50 long have kept its true
character out of sight from many, can not
do 80 any longer. The principle that the
American Tract Soccty's publications must
he entirely dumb on all the moral duties
connected with any system or practice which
prevails throughout wide extent of our
country, and on all moral vices and immoral
tiles promoted by it, because great number
(oH if it suits the case bcttcr,) Of those who
live surrounded by it, or are concerned init, de-
mand such silence. throws such despite on the
rational, responsible nature Of man, its sub
version of that absolute fidelity to the claims
of truth, justice and humanity which the
whole tenor Of the sacred Scriptures. the
whole spirit Of Christianity demands is 50
plctc-that the Society deliberately
sanction it without committing sclfdcstruc-
ton. 1t would be dead at once, 50 far as the
respect, sympathy, and love of the Christian
public arc part Of its life Others would
dcspisc it.-nonc moro than they to whose
unrightcous demands it would have 50 dis
gracefully submitted
The Circular gives notice that the thirty
third Anniversary will he held in New York,
Wednesday May II, at o'clock, A. NJ. Tho
practical question of the reelection of the
old Officers and Committees must then come
up Granting them all honesty of purpose
during their whole career Of administrations
granting them great acquired ability and 6x-
pcricncc in the management of the Socicty's
aihlrF,--granting them nj the deep solicitude
to be guided by Divine Wisdom to right con-
illusions which they profess, certainly, they
carry such professions in their circulars much
beyond the limits of good taste, to say the
least, nothing can make the great body of
the friends and patrons of the Society believe
that they can be trusted to carry out fairly
the reformation which the resolutions adort
ed last year provided for. They have so long
yielded to the fear of offending Shareholders.
that they have no heart to stand up against
dictation from that quarter. Their timidlty.
however caused, is now like constitutional
temperament, which. in the hour of trial.
will exert control in spite Of any de-
termination Of tho owner to 60 against
it. The time for them to break off their
yoke vas last May. If they could not or
would not do it then, they never will A quiet
consent therefore, to their reelection is not
to be looked for. The members Of the Society
are scattered all over the land Probably not
one in twenty, perhaps not one in fifty, of them
will be present, and those who have 50 long
held the reins in their own hands, nav be
able to secure their possession awhile longer.
But whenever there is a meeting in which
the members present shall make fair repre-
scntaton OF the WHOLE and a fair ticket Of
new men shall BIO offered, and regular ballot
ia ken, we believe a change will be made
a change for the better