Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-05-29
SLAVERY AND THE CHURCHES.


Ky. OF the Baptist Convention at Augusta, Geor-
sia. Both, however, have resolved TO separate feon
the Northern sections Of their respective Chsrch-
90, as far as the action Of these Conventions could
determins upon separation. 1t we understand
the matter rightly. the action of the Methodist
Convention at Louisville Is mol ttnai-the action
/. now referred to the several annual Conferences
represented ia the Convention for their ratifica.
,ion or rejection. II we are correct In this idea
then the controversy is merely opened by the Lou
isyille Convention, and, 10 all probability, will
give sise to excited and angry discussion in the
Annual Conferences who are to consider the sub
ject The majority Of the Church in the South,
both ministers and people, are decidedly in favor
of the action Of the Convention, but il is equally
clear that portion of them are opposed to the
separatioa under any and all aspects of the case,
fearing its evil tendencies upon the Of Chris
tianity and the civil institutions Of our country.
Blu, il seems to much difficulty might grow out
of this action Of the Louisville Convention, in
case, for instance, any one of the Annual Confer
ences should refuse to ratify the proceedings
which IL is thought may be the case.
There is a great variety Of opinion expressed
upon tho propriety of the Convention at Louis
Vile, and of course we have a right to express our
opinion too humble though it may be. We en-
dorse every word which DR.. Baseom has said up
on the subject of Slsyery-what he has said every
man living in the South knows TO be true-and
every one who has seen anything of tho Slave of
the South, and the Freed Negroes Of the North,
knows the picture which he has drawn of their
respective conditions TO be true to the life. But
10 this matter of contemplation for the Church
----or can any action by them settle the "vexed
question: We think not II 10 much to be re-
GREETED that this delicate relation has become a
subject Of controversy in the Churches of the Uni
Could they produce any action upon the sub.
ject which could by any possibility have any bind
ing or controlling power over the institution of
Slavery, then there might be some propriety in
their legislation. But as it is, they Cannot posi-
bly, have any control over the subject, and we res
pectfully suggest that the Church would better
serve the holy cause which it is consecrated,
by attending to the teachings of divine reli-
gon," and cultivating peace and harmony among
themselves and all mankind, than to be ned
ding with the framework Of our organic lap,
under the solemn compromises of which this Uni
on exists.
Legislation upon the institution of Slavery I'M
der the Constitution OF the United States, is clear
~ given TO the States within whose borders it ex-
lists, and bad not the ianaicism OF the Abolition.
ists and the demsgosism of the politicians of the
country, disturbed it, it would have been by
general consent still left to their decision. Had
It been left in its proper place. the cause OF
negro emancipation would have been much nearer
the end of accomplishment than il is now. We
look upon the whole legislation and controversy
Of the last ten years by Congress, and the other
bodies who have had the subject under considera-
ton, as radically wrong and truly unfortunate
Their action has produced good-on the con
trary. evil of the most direful character has been
the result. Excitement and angry controversy
ssrve only to inaame the passions of men-they
never produce conviction of the mind. Had the
voice Of Henry Clay been listened to in 1889
had his wisdom become the guiding star OF our
destiny, by this time we should have heard but
little Of the angry pickering now going on upoa
this delicate and fearful subject. Had Congress
paused upon the Threshold Of their couDtry's good
and peace and never established the famous . lst
Rule, which was repealed by the hsi House of
Representatives, we should not now be bothered
with Abolitionists. No. no, the Abolitionists
we're at first a mere insignificant band, universal
ly despised at the South, and wanting the conf
dence of the people at home--but as soon as the
issue was changed fiom abolition to the right Of
petition, thousands and thousands of people rail-
lied to the standard who under other Giro ans,an-
ces, never would have joined with them. Under
this phase Of the case, they became invested with
dignity and importance which, under other cir
eumstances they never could have attained. IL
was under this view OF the case that John Quincy
Adams and others of equal influence. character
and talent in the North came forward and battled
in their ranks. Had their petitions been received
and answer given by Congress that they had
no control over the subject, the excitement would
have died away. But as it is, the question has
now assumed shape in which it must be met
calmly, tesolutey, and finally. But let the Church
adjourn the matterto the proper authorities. We
think they would better consult their own cause,
and the the country, by dismissing its dis
cussion from their Conventions and Conferences,
and take much higher stand in the eyes OF the
world as good christians and devoted patriots.
We hope the Church will not separate, but come
together again and labor together in their proper
vacations, and leave the institutions of Slavery TO
be determined upon by the authorities to whose
care it is committed by the Constitution of the Uni
ted States.
The remarks hich ne have made above, though
directed specially TO the Methodist Convention,
are equally applicable to the Baptist Convention
and the General Assembly OF the Presbyterian
Church now in session at Cincinnati, and before
which we the subject Of Slavery is to be- intro
dused.
DR.. VIM. A. Booth, Of Sommerville, Tennessee,
one Of the Southern Methodist ministers opposed
10 ssparatioa, addressed letters to Mr.. Polk and
TO Mr. Clay, propounding to each of them the fol.
lowing qusries:--
"Will the division Of the Methodist
Episcopal church into two separate organ
.,at.nnu (aIoua.u ha,nc ~ - ..,,.. - H.,