The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-07-08

I
holders themselves, were representatives Of
Presbyerlans in which were churches whose
members were Shareholders. We regard this
action of the General Assembly as paIpable
violation of the spirit and letter of the consti-
tuition Of the church. The principle involved
in it, if carried into practice, would convert
tho highest judcatory OF The church into an
ecclesiastical despotism as tyranical as that
which has distinguished the Church OF Rome.
II makes the Assembly moi only the interpret
er of law in an irregular way, but also tho
supreme Legislature of the church-a position
which has been always lepudialed by tho
( Presbyterian Church. - fff
Apart, therefore, from the disastrous con.
sequence resulting from The agitation of the
subject of slavery in the General Assembly,
destroying, as il does, our peace. keeping US
in a state of excitement unfavorabs 10 spirit
ual growth, and paralysing our efforts 10 adj
vance the cause of the Redeemer through
the channel oil our admirable system OF Gov.
ernm ent-we consider that the Assembly
has so far departed from the Constitution Of
| the Church as TO render our adherence TO it
undesirable and impossible. Having protes,
ted repeatedly against this agitation, and
, finding that our breihern are determined 10
continue it, we have deliberately and prayer
fully come 10 the conclusion that however
painful ii may be TO us, the good fthe Church
aud of the country required separation from
them. We shall hold our brethren who have
disturbed our peace, By the introduction of
this vexed question 10 our judicatories, as
alone responsible for the consequences oflhis
division.
With these ctlons as to the necessity
loved Zion, the only question that remains
for us now 10 settle, pertains 10 the mode of
separation. The undersigned are satisfied
that but one course is left to us-and that is
| 10 invite all Constitutional Presbyterans in
the land, who are opposed 10 the agitation Of
Slavery in the General Assembly, 10 unite in
an organization in which this subject shall be
utterly eschewed. We do not restrict our in
vitation to the Southern Churches. We wish
TO have National Church-thal Is, Church,
the constituent parts OF which will come from
every section Of the Union. Holding 10 the
same confession of Faith, we shall have a
! common bass as 10 Doctrine and Govern
mcnt; and an understanding that, however
we may differ ia our views respecting Sa
very, the subject is never 10 be introduced
into the Assembly either by Northern or
Southern men, unless, indeed, judicial cases
are brought up regularly from the lower
courts. In the Judgment of the undersigned,
this course is our only alternative. There is
so much Of the same abolition spirit pervad'
| ing other Churches that adhere TO the same
standards of faith, that we could lot expect
peace on this subject by uniting with them.
We are persuaded that, although this ques-
lion may be suppressed in their judicatores
for while, the abolition spirit exists 10 such
ment. The result may be that the disturbing
| elements of the different branches of the
Presbyt erian church may be united in one
BODY, and that the conservative portion oil
the same may ultimately be brought logeth-
er, and thus prove more efficient in promo.
ting The cause Of the Redeemer, and in diff.
fusing through The lard truly national spirit.
At present, however, the union of these
Churches would not afford relief 10 those who
are wearied of this slavery agitation. We
are desirous Of forming an organization where
we shall not be liable 10 anoher division from
this exciting subject.
The undersigned, therefore, would invite
all Presby yterans, from all sections of the
country, 10 meet in Convention in the city o.
Washington, on the 9th day Of August, Isl
for The purpose of consultation, and of organ
izing General Assembly in which it will be
distinctly understood, the subject of slavery
will not be introduced. We propose this
course, instead of organizing an Assembly al
once, as being due TO the Presbyterians we
present. We would suggest that the Pres.
byterians be called together as soon as posi-.
BILE, and that, whilst the Presbyterians ap-
point their delegates TO the Assembly IN the
usual proportion, it is desirable that as many
ministers and elders should attend the Con-
vention as can do so. We suggest also, lha,
in case any fthe Presbyterians desiring to
be connected with this new Assembly, should
find it impossible TO be represented in the
Convention, ii would be important that the
Convention should be informed OF their ac-
ton.
Praying that God may override the disrac-
tions of Zion for His own glory and that we
may be guided in this crisis Of our history BY
his unering counsel, we subscribe ourselves
your brethren in Christ.
Fred. A. Ross, D. D., Michael S. Shuck,
George Painter, isaac w X. Handy. VIM,
Z. Caldwell, James 6. Hammer, d. D., John
B. Logan Henry Matthews, Robert 2. Rhea,
Peachy X, Grafton, Archer c. Dickerson, G,
w. Hulchins, Thomas H. Celand, Elijah A.
Carson, F. r. Gray.
The undersigned, though not members Of
the General Assembly now in session in
Cleveland, have been present during IFS dis