The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-08-31

heresy in churches of different denominations,
where by, common consent, the parties were in
such a position that any remonstrance, however
wellmeant, would do no good He did not think
the proposed letter to the southern churches would
do good. Yet if the measure would do no good
or even little harm at the south, and much good
amongst ourselves, he would in such case, go for
the motion. But he confessed his doubts as to its
effect here. Some brethren would want to say
certain things in their view essential, whilst
others would be partial to a. course of compromise,
and harmonious result was hardly to be expect
ed. He expressed strong adherence of slavery,
though dissenting on some points held by aboli-
toniss. He was ready to pass resolutions and
call slavery Si2---was willing to go over to the
abolitioniss so far as he could sentimentally, if
the abolitioniss would on their part come as far
as he thought they ought to come. He thought
it well to say something to apprise the COMMUNE
ty of our position for the aboitionsts were so ac-
tive, that those who did not join their ranks and
did little, seemed to be in antagonist position He
added in conclusion, that he should probably 90 a.
ganst the resolution.
Mr.. Washburn Of Connecticut, who had lived
at the south and had no sympathy for slavery said
that, if permitted to vote, he should 90 against the
resolution, on the ground that letter would do no
good.
MIR. Converse of Burlington moved an amend
ment to the resolution, in effect, that the commit
tee so frame their report as to disclaim any con-
necon with the anti-Slavery societies, or any SYM
pathy for those who indulge the use Of denuncia-
tory language, &c. But on some objections be-
ing made, Mr., X. withdrew his motion.
The question was put to the Convention
and negatived by vote of 81 to Is.
DR.. Merrill then moved the appointment of a COM
mittee of five to report what action the Convention
ought to take on the subject of slavery. This mo-
ton was also lost, and the Convention adjourned
till afternoon.
In the afternoon, the time was taken up in the
hearing ofreports of the state of religion in the
different associations. ut was interesting to no.
tice that, with scarcely an exception those church
es most signaly blessed with REVEALS the past year
have been actively enlisted in the cause of the
perishing heather of the United .Slates-a fact
which we humby commend to the notice of all
who are inveghing against abolitionists as dis
turbers Of churches.)
Not at all satisfied with the manner in which
the slavery question had been. disposed of in the
morning, several brethren, not known as technical
qbolitiopists, made movement for calling the sub
ject up again in a different shape. DR.. Merrill
accordingly gave an invitation to all the ministers
and lay delegates present to tarry after the regular
exercises Of the evening were over to consult on
the whole subject. Under this call nearly the en-
tire body of the Convention together with con-
siderable number of ministers present who were
not delegates, came together, making body much
larger than the Convention proper. AT this meet
ing DR.. Wheeler President of Vermont UNIVERSE
ty, presided, and Rev. Hiram earle ton, of Stow,
acted as secretary. A committee was chosen, Of
which Rev. Mr. Hodges was the Chairman, with
instructions TO report series of resolutions TO an
adjourned meeting early on. Thursday morning.
The next morning the meeting re-assembled at
the appointed hour, President Wheeler in the
chair. Mr.. Hodges, from the committee, reported.
& the following resolutions We're ADOPTED, the two
first unanimously, the third with only two or three
dissenting votes
ReSO1ved, That we esteem the system OF slave
ry existing in this country abhorrent to the princ-
pies of the gospel, a violation of the divine law,
and odious in the sight of that God who hath made
of one blood all nations of men.
RESOLVED, That immediate emancipation is due
to the slave and imperatively binding upon the
stakeholder and that we rejoice in the evidence
which the late events in the West Indies afford
that it is safe, practicable and advantageous, even
10 the master
ResolUed, That we recognise our own duty to
make any effort cousistent with our Christian
character and civil obligations, to procure the lib
Grafton IF cur coored brethren, as early as posi-
P4llee, from bondage.
The main body of the members of the Conven-
ton having thus openly set their seal to the
great fundamental doctrines of modern abolition
fsm it was thought desirable by some-Dr. Mer'
rlll among the number--to have the same senti-