Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1837-01-18

slavery is extended, ana PeIPetuateu win
only the feeble opposition of So northern
votes whilst 63 northern and IS south .
ern members voted for its extension and
perpetuation.
In the fifth month, last, the General
Conference Of the Methodist Episcopal
Church assembled at Cincinnati. A Pc
titon was presented from the -Hamp-
shire Conference, another from ISL trav-
eIling and 40 local preachers with nu-
mecous others signed by large numbers
of ministers and lay members, praying
for an expression of the views of the Con-
ference on the sin of slavery, and for the
restoration of certain rules upon that sub
cct, which had been cxpunged from the
discipline about thirty years since. tap
pears from the history Of this denomina-
ton, that at lis organization in the United
States, some individuals were admitted in
to its communion who were holders Of
slaves; but rules were at that time adopt
ed, giving such members sufficient time
to get rid OF them, specifying the manner
In which this should be done and closing
with these words" Every person con-
ccrned, who will not comply with these
rules, shall have liberty quietly to with
draw from our society, within the twelve
months following the notice being given
him as aforesaid. Otherwise the assist
ant shall exclude him from the society,""
- No person holding slaves shall, in iu-
ture, be admitted into society, or to the
Lords table, till he previously comply
with these rules concerning slavery. -
"Thosc who buy slaves, or give them
away, unless on purpose to free them
shall be expelled Immediate ~ In 1880
the Conference declared slavery to becon-
trary to the laws Of God, man and nature,
and hurtful to society; contrary to the
dictates Of conscience and pure religion,
and doing to others as we would not that
others should do to us. And it is only
about thirty years, since the discipline
made it the duty of the Annual Confer
> ences to draw up addresses to the Lcgis-
latures for the abolition Of slavery; and
Presiding Elders, Elders, Deacons and
Travelling Preachers, were required to
procure as many proper signatures as pos
sible to the addresses, and give all the as
- sistancc in their power in ercry respect to
aid this blessed undertaking. These Pc
titions were to be renewed from year to
year. till the desired end should be accom-
plished. But as the numbers and infu-
encc OF the Methodist Church were ex-
l. tendc slavery was permitted within its
T borders, and in order to conciliate the
: slave-holding brethren, it was found ex
e pedent to expungc these salutary rules
l. from the discipline; for the restoration o.
Il which, the Petitions above referred tC
If were presented to the General Confer
e ence. The report Of the committee tc
IT whom these Petitions were referred, and
J. the circumstances of two of the delegates
y attending an anti-slavery meeting, during
s. the session of the Conference, occasioncG
IS much angry debate, in the course of which
n all interference with the subject of slavery
J. was severely reprobated, and determin
o alton was manifested by the southern
&c members, that any censure passed upor
o the system, or any action thereon, would
< be the waite h-word for a dissolution Of thu
d union with their northern brethren.
is AS might be expected, these vioIen
n proceedings produced salutary reaction
re Many of the northern members of thu
" church being unwilling to countenance s.
re fragrant dereiction Of primitive Meth
" odism, felt called upon fcarlessly and hon
OF estly to express their adherence otthe sir
2r OF slavery, and the unjustifabIe cours
:e pursued by its advocates in the Genera
Of Conference; and it is believed that wber
le the large and respectable body Of Meth
A. odlsts at the north, are fully acquaintct
.e with the denominations of slavery, hov
Mt deep Y their southern brethren are impli
d, Gated in its guilt, and with what tcnacit,
TO they are welded TO the soul witberin,
I'd SYSTEM they will take such efficient ac,io
N in the premises as willcleansethelr Who'll
r. camp from the deadly curse, or clear thej
rr own skirts by Withdrawing from com