Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-06-13

price Of mani it would be Instantly rejected, on
the ground, not of the conscience of the weak
brother who showed it. or thought il to be wrong,
but distinctly on the ground that it would be a
great sin in the sight of God; yet, the manner in
which the Illustration was given-the remark that
the questions upon the subject were "fealher-bed
questiOns''-and the statement that some of the
most pious, devoted, active members of the church
were Shareholders were all very decidedly calcu-
lated to make the impression that such proffer-
ed donation would be rejected solely on the ground
of avoiding the giving of offence to the weak bro
Their. Be that as it may, however, the following
points, touching The position of the Board upon
this subject, most fully established, viz. that
slaveholdng should he no impeachment to converts
gaming admission into the churches planted by,
and under the supervisory direction of, the mis-
sonarics-that continuance in the practice after
the supposed conversion, and connexion with the
church, should not be deemed disciplinabe of
fence, or at all incompatible with high standard
of christian character, and that it is the settled,
interchangeable policy of the Board not to disturb,
or in any way interfere with slavery at home or
brothers. blood out of its treasury.
The discussion between the Rev. l.. D. Pome-,
roy and Rev. Mr.. Stone of Waterbury, on the
question of the sinfulness ofsavehoding, especial
lily Mr.. Stones scripture argument in its favor,
drawn from the alledged fact that the STAKEHOLDER
Philemon, and his slave, Onesimus, both got into
the church, hope will be attended to by some
person better qualified for the task than myself.
And now, one word in self-defence, and ] will
close. The remarks of the returned missionary,
Rev. Mr. Spalding, just before the close of the
convention, respecting the latitude and longitude
of the questions put to him the evening before ..
and the remark of the Secretary, DR.. Anderson,
Immediately after, that he considered them feather
bed questions certainly entirely different from,
anything was looking for from this highly re-
spected gentleman. The invitation given by Rev.
Mr. Gridley, at the opening of the convention, to-
question Mr.. Spaldng, was general and pressing.
The slave question was introduced and managed,
for some time, by ministers who were known,
warm friends of the Board of Foreign Missions,
and not known as active anti slavery men; and
with the door thus magnanimously and widely O.
pened, abolltionsts would have been highly cuIpa-
BILE, if they had suffered such an opportunity 10 OBJ
tain information on SO important subject, to pass
unimproved; and as the questions were respectful
! Iy propounded, can see no jusidable reason for
these sarcastic remarks, especially at point of
time in the progress of the convention that wholly
precluded reply. | can speak but for myself; [
have been somewhat familiar with the American
Board and its operations, from its organization,
and warm friend Of the enterprize; and have al
ways, to the utmost Of my ability, and believe |
may truly say, beyond my ability, been contrbu-
tor TO the funds Of the Board: and although ain
an abotionist land thank God for t) and believe,
and have long believed this Board to stand on for
hidden ground in relation to its position upon this
subject, yet have never, to this day, ceased to
rejoice liz all the good it has accomplished,
and to do all in my power TO help forward
the good work But what shall | say more'
Never could believe, what now | am forced to
believe, relative to the position Of the Board on
the subject Of slavery will leave the subject
here, and endeavor prayerfuIy and constantly to
inquire, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do"
;, JOAB SEELEY.
Montpelier, 9TH June, ls45.