At this time, also, the whole monikin family lived together as one people, enjoyed the same laws, and pursued the same objects.

But a political sect arose in the region, under the direction of misguided and hot-headed leaders, who brought down upon us the just judgment of Providence, and a multitude of evils that it will require ages to remedy.

This sect soon had recourse to religious fanaticism and philosophical sophisms, to attain its ends.

It grew rapidly in power and numbers; for we monikins, like men, as I have had occasion to observe, are seekers of novelties.

At last it proceeded to absolute overt acts of treason against the laws of Providence itself.