Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1855-11-10
THE CINCINNATI CONFERENCE OF THE
METHODIST E. CHURCH ON SLAVERY

The following is the majority report of the Com
mttee of tho Conference to which the subject OF
slavery was referred at its last meeting in Urbaua,
and which was finally adopted by almost unan-
mous vote after full discussion. We take the
report from the Vestern Chi jstian 1drocote.
The undersigned, constituting one-half Of the
committee to whom referred tho subject Of
slavery, beg respectfully to present the following
preamble and resolutions for adoption by Confer
ence
Whereas The General rule on the subject of
slavery expressly forbds the enslaying of human
beings and whereas, the voluntary holding OF
human beiugs in slavery without reference to their
emancipation, is equal i'll moral turpitude to their
purchase for the purpose OF cnslaying them; ana
whereas, we deem it proper to express clearly ana
definitely our sentiments on this subject; there
fore,
l. Resolved, That we recommend the ensuing
General Conference to alter the chapter slavery,
that it slal read as follows:
Question. What shall be done for the extrpa
tiou of the evils Of slavery?
Answer. l. We declare that we are as much as
convinced of the great evil Of slavery, as it
is contrary to the law of nature, the law of God,
and just human laws and inasmuch as our Gen
cral Rule expressly forbds It's initiation and prdc-
ticc, by buying selling, and by necessary impl-
cation, fUrbds, also, its peIpeuaton.
Therefore no person who shall buy, sell, receive,
give away or retain as slave, any human being,
for any other than mercful purposes to the ensav-
ed for the purpose of emancIpating them, shall be
eligible to membership in the Methodist Episcopal
Church
Answer 3 Such of our members as may at any
time have slaves under their care, shall he requir
ed to teach them as far as it is in their power, to
read the Word of God, to encourage them to at
tend upon the public worship of God, and to in
struct them in regard to the sacredncss and invi-
olability of marriage-and the duties Of the pa
rental relation.
2. Resolved, That the General Conference make
such other changes in the chapter on 81 av Cryas
will make it conform with the preceding declara-
ton of principles.
All Of which is respectfully submitted.
GANvlLLE MOODY,
CYRUS BRooKs,
w. p STRICKLAND.
WM. ]. FEE,
b. BRowMnLER.
The following is the minority report of the same
committee:
Your committee have had the subject assigned
them under consideration, and respectfully submit
the following to Conference:
l. Resolved, That we are as much ever i'm
pressed with the deep and unuherdCte UTont@t-
ness of slavery.
9 Resolved, That we cannot resist the conyc-
ton that to extend Christian fellowship to slave-
holders, by admitting them into the Church, as al
lowed by our Discipline, is to sanction the UPRIGHT
eous acts of slaveholdng.
! g. Resolved, That neither the Bible nor apostle
lie example justifes the existence of slayeholdlng
in the American sense, in the Church.
4. Resolved, That we recommend the next Cen
era Conference to take such action will effectu-
ally and speedily exclude slaveholding from the
Church.
5. Resolved, That our delegates to the next
General Conference be, and are hereby instructed
to use their influence to secure this end.
A. LowREY,
81. DUSTIN,
j. KRE:nBIEL,
G. Il. LOWELL,
Thomas ID. CROW"