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slander on the Society, and its institution, as an open
attack upon our civil and religious rights.
  Although we do not make a practice of answering or
even refuting the vague and inconsistent reports that are
circulated against us, yet, when our religious creed (so
called) and conduct in general, are taken under examina-
tion by men in office, and our institution publicly proscribed
as being injurious to the community at large; and when
Legislative interference is invoked to decree our punish-
ment for crimes of which we are not guilty, we feel bound
to contradict their deceptions statements, and to represent
those tihings in their true colors for which we are called in
question.
  Therefore, in answer to the charges set forth in said:
petition:-
  Firstly; They state "that the course pursued by the
Shakers, leads heads of families to violate the marriage
contract, by such a disposition of their property as to dis-
inherit wives, children, c."
  Answer, Firstly; As respects the marriage contract: If
a man or woman join the aforesaid Society, being bound by
the marriage contract, they are required by the institution
of the Society to fulfil every obligation of said contract,
both moral and religious.-They are bound to take care of
each other with christian kindness and charity. But if
they cannot live together in peace, they may separate by
mutual agreement, and divide their property according to
justice and equity. And the Society does not admit a sepa-
ration on any other condition, unless the conduct of the
unbelieving party be such, that the believer, after having
faithfully fulfilled all moral obligations, can be fully justi-
fied both by the laws of God and man in a final separation.
In the foregoing separation, there is no rule in the Society
that dictates how their property shall be divided, only to
require the believer to act according to the principles of
justice and equity as above.
  Secondly; As to the disposition of property: A husband
and wife, being both of the faith of said Society, and
having paid all just demands; and, after becoming fully
established in themselves, by an experimental knowledge
of the correctness of the institution and principles of said
Society, and feel it a conscientious duty and privilege, to,
come into a joint interest, they may inventory their pro-
perty by a mutual agreement, and make an equitable divi-
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