Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-06-10
Presbyterian General Assembly,.

question OF slavery formed The leading
subject of discussion. Although exeit
ing deep interest, both in the opposers
and defenders of the system, it was dis
cussed with great good temper. and for.
b~earance.
The FINAL action of the Assembly; The
resolutions passed by the majority, ant
the protest Of the minority, we give be
low, taken from the Cleveland Leoder.
TIE FINAL ACTION OF THE ASSEMBLY.
The General Assembly, in view of thC
memorials before them and of the pres.
ent relations Of the Chuch to the subject
of Slavery, feel called upon to make the
following exposition of principle and
duty.
The Presbyterian church in these
United States, has, from the beginning,
maintained an attitude of decided oppo-
siIion 10 the institution of Slavery.
The Synods of New York and Phila-
delphia, in 1877, two years before the
organization of the General Assembly,
declared That they did "highly approve
Of the general principles in favor of uni
versal liberty hat prevailed in America,
and the interest wi ich many of the
States had taken in promoting the aboli-
ton of Slavery" and 'fthey recommen-
ded it to all their people to use the most
prudent measures consistent with the in
lerest and state of civil society in the
counties where they lived, to procure
eventually the final abolition of slavery
in America.
Ia 1898, while the Constitution of the
Presbyterian Church was in process of
formation and publication, the action of
the Synod Just referred to, was approved
by the General Assembly and republish
ed by its order.
The Assembly of 1895 declared "that
although in some sections of our coun.
Try under certain circumstance the trans
fer of slaves may be unavoidable, yet
they consider the buying and selling Of
slaves by way of traffic, and all undue
severity in the management of them as
inconsistent with the spiIit of the Cos
pei. And they recommend it to the
Presbyteries and Sessions under their
care TO make use of al prudent meas
ures to prevent such shameful and IN
righteous conduct"
The Assembly of 1915, expressed
their regret hat the slavery Of the Afri-
cans and Of their descendants still con-
tinued in so many places, and even
among those within the pale of the
church." and called particular attention
to the action of 1895 with respect to the
buying and selling of slaves.
In 1918 the Assembly unanimously
adopted a report on this subjecl, prepar-
ed by DIR. Green, of Philadelphia, DR..
Baxter, of Virginia, and Mr.. Burgess of
Ohio, of which the following is a part:
1--WE consider the voluntary enslaving
of one portion of the human race by a
mother as a gross violation of the most
precious and sacred rights of human ma
ture; as utterly Inconsistent with the law
of God, which requires US 10 love our
neighhors as ourselves, and as totally
irreconeilable with the spirit and princi-
pies Of the Gospel Of Christ which en-
join tia! "all things whatsoever We
would that men should do to you, do We
even so Il them" Slavery creates a
paradox in the moral s-stem, it exhibits
accountable, and immortal
in such circumstances as scarce
ly to leave them the power of moral ac-
ion. 1t exhibits them as dependent on
will of otheIs whether they shall re
ceive religious instruction; whether they
shall know and worship the true God;
whether they shall enjoy the ordinances
Of the Gospel; whether they shall per-
form the duties or cherish The endear-
of husbands, wives, parents and
children, neighbors and friends; wheth-
they shall preserve their chastity and
or regard the dictates of justice
and humanity. Such are some Of the
consequences of slavery-consequences
not imaginary, but which onnec them
selves with its very existence. The evils
10 which the slave is always exposed Of
-en take place an fact and in their very
degree and form; and when all of
hem DO not take place, as we rejoice 10
in many instances, through the
influence of the principles of human
ty and religion on the minds of masters,
hey do not-still the slave is deprived
his natural right, degraded as a hu-
nan being, and exposed to the danger
IF passing into the hands of a master
Rho may infict upon him all the hard
ship sand injuries which inhumanity and
may suggest.
From this view of t e consequences
resulting from the practice into which
christian people have most inconsistency !
of e%nslaving a portion of their
brethren OF mankind-for God hath
made of one blood all nations of men to
lwell on the face of the earth-it is
nanifestly the duty of all christians who
the light of the present day, when
he inconsistency of slavery, both with
he dictates of humanity and religion,
las been demonstrated and is generally
'een and acknowledged, to use their hon
st, earnest and unwearied endeavors to
the errors of former times, and
IS speedily as possible TO efface this blot
IN our holy religion, and to obtain the
abolition of slavery throughout
,~hrislendom, and if possible throughout
he world.
The Assembly also recommended "fo
III the members of our religious demon.
nation, not only to permit but also to IA
..illilate the instruction Of slaves in the
and duties of the christian re-
and added, "we enioin on all
Church Sessions and Presbyteries under
he care Of this Assembly 10 ~discounie-
rance, and as far as possible TO prevent
cruelty-of whatever kind in the treat
nent of slaves. especially the cruelty OF
ieparaling husband and wife, parents
md children, and that which consists in
slaves TO those who viii either
themselves d.DriVe these unhspnv men,