The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-08-31
THE VOICE OF FREEDOM.
MONTPELIER, SATURDAY, AUGUST 81, 1889.
10 For the purpose of getting in the doings of
the Convention, we have. delayed the publication
of this number little beyond the usual time.
General Convention

General Convention.
The annual Convention of Congregational and
Presbyterian Ministers of Vermont was held, pur-
suant to notice, at the Brick Church in Montpe-
lier, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Of
the present week The Convention consists Of
delegates from the several clerical associations,
with "a limited number of lay delegates, and repre-
sentatives from kindred bodies in other states. l.
The number in attendance this year was unusu-
ally small, not exceeding 40.
Rev. DR.. BATES, of Middlebury, was chosen
Moderator, Rev. Mr.. STEELE, of CastIeton, and
Rev. Mr.. HoDGEs, Of Chester, Scribes.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev.
DR.. Tappan, of Maine The Introductory dis
Gal. 6, IA. " But God forbid that should glory,
save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom the world is cruci6ed unto me, and unto
the world"
After making choice Of committee. of Over
lures, and transacting some other preliminary bu-
siness, adjourned.
In the evening the anniversary of the Vermont
Sabbath School Union was celebrated. Address
es were made by Rev. MeSsrs. Cook of Lebanon,
Morgan of VerShire, and Sutherland of Bath, N. H.
On. the opening of Convention on Wednesday
morning, Mr.. Hodges called up the Memorial of
the Black River Association, on the subject offs
very. Mr.. H. moved that the prayer of the me-
mortal be granted, and that committee Of three
members be chosen to prepare circular letter, to
be addressed by the Convention to our Christian
brethren of the slaveholding states.
Dr.. Merrill called for the reading of the Black
River NJ Memorial which being done, spirited dis
cussion ensued, on the motion of Mr.. Hodges
which continued until the adjournment We can
only give an outline of the debate.
Hon. Charles Marsh of Woodstock said he was
not prepared to vote for the resolution. He urged
as reasons for his opposition that the Convention
had no jurisdiction over the question-that, ad-
hitting the question of jurisdiction, it was in his
view, neXpedient TO take any action at this time
AS further objection, he said the question Of abb
clifton was political matter. He was apprehen-
sve that the action of this body would be regard
ed as in some sense identifying the Convention
with the aboitionists-a thing which he was very
far from desiring. Ee took occasion to speak at
some length in favor of colonization and in oppo-
sition to the movements of the abolitionists. He
abolitonism as device Of the devil,
[" hard language "1-and concluded by moving
that the whole subject be Indefinitely postponed.
DIR. Merrill now moved hatmenlbers be restric-
ted to ten minutes in their remarks.
Mr., Goodhue Of Shoreham expressed himself
in strong terms against any hampering of debate
If brethren wanted harmony and union on this
subject, he counseed them not to attempt to stiAe
debate. Discussion was what we needed and
must have before. the churches would be quieted
So far from fearing the most ample discussion of
his question, in or out of the Convention, he would
say, let the mountain rock. Abiding to Mr.
Marsh, he regretted that any one should have
bought it necessary open the door for other
opics than the one before the Convention
Mr.. Marsh withdrew his motion for indefinite
'ostpopement, and the question recurring on the
ldopdon Of the resolution,
Mr., Anderson Of Manchester addressed the Con-
'enton in good spirit, in the affirmative
Mr., Parmelee of Williston followed on the same
ide, and was listened to with much Interest," He
aid he was glad to speak on this, subject before
his body, if it as.only ten minutes. Ii ought
" this time to be understood that the people who
Welt among these hills and wales were the last
o be restrained of their liberty TO talk. We were
thinking and talking people. Any attempt a.
nong us to choke free discussion on this or any
Their subject, would be like holding steam on the
alive. When let od-for it mus1 have vent first /,
r last-lhc explosion would be so much the loud
r for our combining the steam. Ia the fears which
ONE had expressed, of our getting the credit of
managing civil affairs, he did not participate He
eferred to the promptness with which ecclesiasli-