I think it is
sufficient to remind the people here, that whatever may be the
external form observed by the Church toward its members,
pertaining to licentiousness, one thing is noticeable, and that
is, that the marriage relation is abolished among three and a
half millions of people; and the abolition of marriage on that
frightful scale, is in the main sanctioned and sustained by the
American Church and clergy. And if this does not involve them in
all that is impure, and licentious, and demoralizing, I know not
what can do so.

As it respects the objection to our adopting the Declaration of
Independence as put forth at Seneca Falls, on the ground that it
is a parody, and that, being a parody, it will only excite the
mirthfulness of those who hear or read it in that form; I would
simply remark, that I very much doubt, whether, among candid and
serious men, there would be any such mirthfulness excited. At the
time that document was published, I read it, but I had forgotten
it till this morning, and on listening to it, my mind was deeply
impressed with its pertinacity and its power. It seemed to me,
the _argumentium ad hominum_, to this nation. It was measuring
the people of this country by their own standard. It was taking
their own words and applying their own principles to women, as
they have been applied to men. At the same time, I liked the
suggestion that we had better present an original paper to the
country; and on conferring with the Committee after the
adjournment, they agreed that it would be better to have such a
paper; and that paper will undoubtedly be prepared, although we
are not now ready to lay it before the Convention.

It was this morning objected to the Declaration of sentiments,
that it implied that man was the only transgressor, that he had
been guilty of injustice and usurpation, and the suggestion was
also made, that woman should not be criminated, in this only, but
regarded rather as one who had erred through ignorance; and our
eloquent friend, Mrs. Rose, who stood on this platform and
pleaded with such marked ability, as she always does plead in any
cause she undertakes to speak upon, told us her creed. She told
us she did not blame anybody, really, and did not hold any man to
be criminal, or any individual to b