The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1856-04-15

way to remove the evil we so much dislike
But what is actually tho. position of the
Presbyterian Church on the subject Of Slave
ry9 Is she pro-slsvery, or anti-slavcryl---
We answer unhesitatingly, anti-slavery, as
church there can be no doubt on this point
We submit our public testimony as evidence.
This has been borne at various times and un-
der varied circumstances and it is unequivo-
cal.
In ls4s, the General Assembly said, "We
consider the involuntary slavery of one part
Of the human race by another as a gross vio-
lation of the most precious and sacred rights
of human nature; as utterly inconsistent with
the law of God, which requires us to love our
neighbor as ourselves; and as totally ifrecon-
cilablo with the spirit and principles Of the
gospel Of Christ which enoins that ss al y Mat,
snaun- -, ~
so TO them"
Slavery creates paradox in the moral sys-
tenn it exhibits rational, accountable and i'm
movable beings, in such circumstances as
scarcely to leave them the power of moral ac-
ton. 1t exhibits them as dependent on the
will Of others, whether they shall receive re-
ligous instruction; whether they shall know
and worship the true God; whether they
shall enjoy the ordinances of the Gospel;
whether they shall perform the duties and
cherish the endearments of husbands and
wives, parents and children, neighbors and
friends; whether they shall preserve their
chastity and purity, or regard the dictates of
Justice and humanity. From this view of the
consequences of slavery, it is manifestly the
duty of all christians who enjoy the light of
the present day to use their honest, earnest
and unwearied endeavors to correct the errors
Of former times and as speedily as possible to
efface this blot on our holy religion, and to
obtain the abolition of slavery throughout
christendom and if possible throughout the
world.
In 1s4e, the General Assembly after a
discussion of seven days, came to the follow
ing decision: "That the system Of slavery as
it exists in these United States, viewed
either in the laws of the several States which
sanction it, or in its actual operations and re-
suits, is intrinsicalIy and unrightcous and
oppressive system, and opposed to the pre-
scriptions Of the law of God, to the spirit and
precepts of the Gospel, and to the best inte-
rests of humanity.
The testimony of the General Assembly
from 1897, to 1918 inclusive, has condemned
it, and it reviews still the recorded testmony
of the PRESBYTERIAN Church of these United
oIares OF f1nIerIra yrUHs aHsrt we uo "0s '0-
cede. We cannot therefore withhold the ex-
preston Of our deep regret, that slavery sho'd
be continued and countenanced by any Of the
members of our churches; and we do earn
cstly exhort both them and the churches a
monc whom it exists to use all means in their
power to put it away from them.
In 1850, the General Assembly by large
majority say, "That we exceedingly deplort
the working of the whole system of slavery
as it now exists in our country and is inter
woven with the political institutions of The
slave-holding States as fraught with many
and great evils to the civil, political and nor
nj interests of those regions whore it exists"
"That the holding of our fellow-men in tn
condition of slavery, except in those case
where it is unavoidable by the laws Of tn
State, the obligation of guardianship, or tn
demands of humanity is On offence in tn
proper import Of that term as used in th
book of discipline, chap. lst, sec. Sd, an
should be regarded and treated in tho sam
manner as other offences"
That the sessions and Presbyterics are b
the Constitution Of our church, the courts
primary jurisdiction for the trial of offences
Such is position only Of the "testimon
of the Presbyterian church against the sin
slavery. 1t is decided, strong and right.
Your committee would therefore recon
mcnd that all our churches hold together an
annually send up their strong memorials
gainst this sin and urge the Assembly TO CO..
tinuc their remonstrances against this systc
of iniquity.
Another reason for this recommendation
| the fact that an able committee has been a
pointed to report on the constitutional powe
| of the General Assembly at the next mcctil
| in May. ~
|
DEcrpEp.-The case which we noticed
few days since, before the Genesec Circuit
0 Flint, involving the title to property wor
: 100000, has been decided in favor Of Chau
cey s. Pavne defendant The Investigate