Petzelians or Poeschelians

Petzelians or Poeschelians a modern sect of a politico-religious character, who derived their name from a priest of Brennan, called Petzel or Poeschel. They held the natural and legal equality of all human beings, and maintained that they had a continual and inalienable property in the earth and its natural productions. Their enemies charged them with offering human sacrifices, particularly on Good Friday. They appear to have adopted the political principles of the Spenceans, and probably their infidelity. Congregations belonging to this sect are said to have existed in Upper Austria, but by the interference of the public authorities they have been dispersed. A similar sect seems to have taken start and spread somewhat in Switzerland, who are charged with the like enormities.