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CA iL IL
FOR A
GENERAL RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE, -
WITH A VIEW TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
YEARLY MEETING IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Tue various religious denominations in the land are arrayed against the progressive
spirit of the age, and by their very structure, assumptions and regulations, cannot
occupy a co-operative position, because they impose fetters upon freedom of speech
and of conscience, by requiring a slavish conformity in matters of abstract faith and
sectarian discipline. This has led and is leading to extensive secessions from such
organizations in all parts of the country, leaving the seceders generally in a scattered
and isolated condition, whose talents, influence and means might be profitably
concentrated for the advancement of the world-embracing cause of Human Brother-
hood, and who are yearning for some form of association at once simple, free and
attractive.
The abuse of a good thing is not a reason for its utter rejection; and organization,
in itself considered, is not only proper, but may be rendered powerfully efficacious as
an instrument in the hand of Reform, without impairing the liberty, detracting from
the independence, or limiting the conscience of any individual; though from the
nature of things its perpetuation is not to be expected or desired, but it is at all times
to be regarded as a means to an end, and to be discarded whenever it becomes an
impediment to the progress of truth.
The Society of Friends has been a theatre of agitation for years, growing out of
ecclesiastical domination on the one hand, and the demand for practical righteousness
onthe other; a domination entirely at variance with the spirit of primitive Quakerism,
seeking to suppress free thought and to exclude from membership those whose lives
are without blemish, whose example in word and deed is as a burning and shining
light, and who are seeking to know and do the will of God at whatever sacrifice; a
domination which has been deemed so intolerable that in the States of New Yori,
Ohio and Michigan, Yearly Meetings have been formed, two of which have taken the
name of ConGREGATIONAL Frienps, and two others that of Progressive Frienps,
ene I:
and which invite to membership “all those who look to God as a Universal Father,
and who regard as one Brotherhood the whole family of man,”
In view of facts like these, and believing there is an extensive preparation of mind
for such a movement, we cordially invite not only the members of the Society of
Friends, but all those who fee] the want of social and religious co-operation, and
believe that a Society may be formed, recognising the Progressive Element which will
divorce Religion from Technical Theology, to meet with us in Generat ConrEerence at
Friends? Meeting House, at Old Kennett, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on First
day, the 22d of Fifth month, 1853, to deliberate upon such plan of organization as
may commend itself to the judgment of those assembled, and to take action upon
such other subjects pertaining to Human Duty and ieliate 2 as may appear to demand
the attention of the assembly.
Amos Preston,
JonaTHan Lamporn,
Moses Pennock,
Marxy J. Pennock,
Bensamin Pye,
Estuer Hayes,
Castner Hanway,
Sumner Sressins,
Hannan Cox,
JessE Pennock,
Hannau M, Daruinc ron,
Ouiver Jounson,
James Merepitu,
Saran B. Duepate,
Wituram Barnarp,
Josern A. Ducpatr,
Rutn Dvuaepare,
Evsesivs Barnarb,
Tsaac Merepiru,
Tuamazin Merepitu,
Isaac MrenpENHALL,
Dinan’ MenvENuALL,
Vincent Barnarp,
Bensamin Kent,
“Tuomas Borton,
Becrau Borton,
~Rarrnotomew Fuss,
Resecca Fusse.t,
Ann Coates,
James Futon,
Ann Furton,
Enocn 8. Hannum,
Enocu L. Taytor,
Auice Exiza HamBieton,
James ‘Truman,
Mary A. Truman,
Srmon Barnarp,
Saran D. Barnarp,
James PainTER,
Estuer Moore,
Exsenezer JAMES,
Resecca L. Fussetr,
Epruraim Witson,
Georce Cuarman,
Ricuarp Janney,
Cyrus M. Burveicn,
Roserr Purvis,
Harriet Purvis,
Exisan F. Pennyracker,
Jacos L. Paxson,
Barcray. Ivins,
Fannik Scuorigup,
Manton B. Linton, .
“Tuomas GarReETT,
Epwarp Wess,
Witt Wess,
Row and Jonyson,
Heyriprra Watcorr. Jounson,
KENNETT SQuareE, Chester County, Penn’a.
Dear FRIEND: ; ;
We the undersigned were appointed a Committee on publication and arrangements by the
Western Quarterly Meeting of Friends, held at Kennett Square. -We therefore send thee the
foregoing circular, hoping thee may feel attracted to aid us by thy sympathy and presence on
the deeply interesting occasion contemplated.
WILLIAM BARNARD,
EsTHER HAYEs,
ALicE Euiza HaMBLETON,
JAMES PAINTER,
JosEPH A. DUGDALE.
P.S. Individuals and bodies who desire to address the Conference will direct to the Com-
mittee above named. Those proposing to attend the meeting will find conveyance from Phila-
delphia by cars or steamboat to Wilmington, thence by stage to Hamorton . Kennett Square.
¥
Joseph Dugdale to John & Rebecca Ketcham
Dugdale, Joseph A., 1810-1896 (author)
Pennsylvania Yearly Meeting of Progressive Friends (1853-1940) (contributor)
1853-03-06
reformatted digital
SC 032
Joseph A. and Ruth Dugdale Correspondence --http://archives.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/resources/sfhl-sc-032
A0010631