Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-06-12

the land who are opposed to the agitation OF slavery
in the General Assembly to units in III organization
in which this subject shall be utterly eschewed. we
do not restrict our invitation to the Southern
Churches We wish to have National Church-
that is, Church the constituent paris OF
which will come from every section OF me
Cnion Holding 10 the same confession of faith, We
shall have a common basis 10 doctrine and govern
rnent, and ali understanding that, however Wa may
differ IN our views respecting Slavery, the subject
never 10 be introduced into the Assembly either by
Northern ar Southern men, unless, indeed, judicial
cases are brought up regularly from the lower courts
lu the Judgment OF the undersigned, This course Is
our only alternative. There is go much of the snme
Abolition spirit pervadng other Churches that I'D
here 10 the Same standards of faith, that could
not expect peace on this subject by uniting with them
We are persuaded, that although this question may
os suppressed IN their judcaior,es for while. TIL
Abolition spirit exists TO iuch extent to threaten
their disnembermeur. The result may Do that the
disturbing elements of the different branches Of the
Presbyterian Church may be united in one body, and
that the conservative portions of The same may ul-
tImately be brought together, and thus prove more
efficient IN promoting the cause of the Redeemer,
aud in dhuslnS through the land truly national
spirit. AT present, however, the union of These
Churches would not afford relief to those who are
w-arsd of this Slavery agitation. We are DESTROYS
of forming organization where we shall not be-
liable to another division from this exciting subject.
The undersigned, therefore, would invite all Press.
byterans, from all sections Of the country, Id meet
n Convention in The city of Washington, on the 9th
day of August 1851, for the purpose of consultation
aud organizing 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 1T once az being due to
tho Presbyreries VIZ represent. We would suggest
that the Pesbyteres BIZ called together as soon pos
sbe; and that, while the Presbyteries appoin, their
delegates to the Assembly in the usual pro portion, it is
desirable that As many ministers and elders should at
tend the Convention as car DO so. We suggest, also,
that in of the Prrsbyterias desiring IL BIZ con
nected with this new Assembly. should find it impos
sible TO BIZ represented iu the Convention it would
bs important that the Convention should be informed
of the action.
Praying that God may overruls the distractions Of
Zion for Lis own glory, and that may be guided
in this crisis OF history by Ills unerrng counsel
wa subscribe ourselves brethren 10 Christ:
Frederick A. Ross u. d. Michael Suck
George Painter, Isaac w. X. Handy,
VIM <. Caldwell, James G. Hammer, u. D.,
John b. Logan, Henry Matthews,
Robt p. Rhea, P-achy K. Grattan,
Archer c. Dlckerson, George w. Hutchins,
Tnvs. II. Cleland, Elijah A. Carson,
Fncsius K. Gray.
The undersigned, though not member. Of the Gs
neral Assembly now in session in Cleveland, have
been present during its discussion of slavery. Bsing
fully convinced that there IL prospect OF the ces
satlon of this agitation in The Assembly and that the
action il violation OF the Constitution of the
Church, We cordially unite in tbs above invitation.
II 81 p,yd G.orp. n rr.vS,rd