The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-06-03
PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN s.

On the fourth day of the session, DR.. Tay-
lor, from the Committee ON Bills and Over
lures, made the following report on Slavery,
which, after some unimportant discussion. was
adopted:
The committee report on memorials, from
four sources, on the subject of slavery viz No
I, from the Presbytcry of Athens No 2, from
the Presbytcry of Fort Wayne; No. 3. from
individuals; and No 4, from the Presbytery of
Franklin, Ohio. The memorials ask of the
Assembly--lst further expression of opin-
ion on the subject of slavery I'd, that it be
enjoined on the lower judicatories to bring
| every case of slayeholding under examination,
for particular condemnation or vindication !:
Sd, that the several Synods be cited to appear
before the next General Assembly, to answer
charges which it is alleged that common fame
brings against them in connection with sla-
very.
The committee are Of opinion-first that
| the General Assembly has already clearly and
explicitly defined its views on this subject that
no further expression is demanded at the pres
ent time. Second that the demand for an in
junction on the lower judicatories to take ac-
tion with respect to this subject il not in ac-
cOrdsnce with the provisions of our constitu-
tion-tSee chapter on Review and Control J
Third, that the several memorials which ask
for citation Of the Synods should be referred
to the Judiciary Committee
ain view of these reasons the committee ak
to be discharged from the further consideration
of the subject"
The principal subject Of interest under dis
cussion since our last issue, has been Church
Extension. 1t was brought up on report by
Tho,npson9. Mills from committee.
at requires each Presbytery to present the
subject 70 all the Churches and obtain AN an.
nual contribution, and to find out and sustain
suitable young men for education. Each Con.
vention is also to have q standing committee
to be responsible TO q standing committee OF
the General Assembly; and this committee
shall employ sslsried secretary to attend to
this work each Prcsbytery to apply its con.
tributions to their own candidates, and to paw
over the surplus TO tho Secretary of the As
sembly Committee. The different Theological
Seminaries are also required to send up an
nual reports toVh,e Assembly.
"Rev. Mr.. Ranney proposed an amendment
substituting plan which recommends to each
TTeSDyVoIy W upkbNus csouuiuS SofnMlUee
on Ministerial Education, who shall take
charge Of the subject and allow each to give
its funds to any education society, or disburse
its funds in lis own way, as may be deemed
most advisable
"Ths proposition, ~ presenting the forma-
ton Of general board co-e8tepsive with the
whole church. end ~ recognising voluntary
societies was opposed by the friends of the re-
port"
The report Of the committee was opposed, as
leading to Capitalization, ecclesiastical domi-
nation, and ssctarianism.
Monday evening last after protracted dis
cussion, il was Adopted, with some modiaca-
ton, designed, we believe, to conciliate the
Congregational churches.
The Committee on the Judiciary made re-
port adverse 10 the memorials on Slavery re-