The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-04-22

SLAVERY AS RELIGIOUS lssUE-THE METHo-
DIST CHURCH RESOLUTIONS The annual con-
ference of the New York (East) Methodist Epis-
copaI Church, in session for sore days past IN
Brooklyn, has been taking strong abolition
ground on the slavery question. The Committee
on Slavery (msjori'y report) submitted the fol
loving resolutions
Resolved That we regard slavery great moral and
social evil, violation OF the rights OF man. ana opposed 10
the spirit and progress of the Christian religion.
Resolved That will what influence we possess TO
prevent it, extension into regions and communities in
which II does not al present exist and will use all
that may with proprley be used by ChrStn minister's 10
effect IL eAt!rIa!on from the world ','. -.
The Rev. MI. Grove, acting under broader
principle Of Christian philanthropy, offered the
following minority report =
: Resolved That we regard slavery great evil threat
tnnc peace and prosperity of this republic the perina
nencc of the Union and the stability Of The government
Resolved, That the Methodist Episcopal Church has been
from commencement anti slavery IN spirit both by pre-
cept and example
Resolved That the action had by the late General Con
ference Of church the question OF slavery furnishes
us with cause for gratitude and thanksgiving TO God for
favorable results to the church. giving her peace and pros
pefity in all her labors.
have sympathy with the institution, at the same time
equally opposed to the radical measures and reckless
policy pursued by many Of the proeSed friends OF the
slave for his emancipation, and that have sympathy
whatever with their revolutionary movements.
Resolved That ministers OF the gospel we will do
what we can no, inconsistent with calling, for the
trpaton Of the great evil OF slavery and that while we
endeavor "o break every yoke and let the go
Free" will pray for the master and slave as well a,
for kings and all that in authority that we may lead
quiet and peaceable life in all goodness and honesty
One would naturally think that these lstterreso-
lutions would be strong enough for airy reasonable
professor Of the principles of the Christian faith
who believes African slavery to be an evil, but not
so with the overwhelming majority Of this New
York Methodist Conference. They Ibid not be-
lieye in the policy Of letting the matter rest"
but they "beIieved in sgitatng it till the last Of the
accursed system should be driven from the land.
Accordingly tie brief, explicit, nocompromise,
and roqusrter resolutions Of the majority were
almost unanimously adopted.
This is but another Of the numerous straws in
the wind al tending to show that the religious
element Of the slavery agitation In tie next Pre-
sicent.al election viii be ss furnace seven times
heated compared With the Northern crusade Of
the campaign of '56. 1t is but week or tEo
since that the Young Meas Christian Union of
this city, (Which had excluded the agitation of
slavery from its councils last fall notwithstard-
ing tie universal excitement upon the subject)
receded from this neutral ground, sud subsssr-
italy volunteered Its services in support Of
the great Northern coalition already mastering
is legionE for the terrible battle Of 1860. Men
are deluded who say there viii be peace. Stimuli
taneous.y with these religious movements the
proceedings Of the New York, Ohio and other
Northern Legislatures On the bred Scott case,
give abundant warning of what is before US.
Mr.. Buchanan, We are assured, 10 fully alive to
TIE tremendous import of these signs Of the trles
is fully resolved TO adhere to the landmarks of
TIE constitution; and Is in position to act con-
sistently, steadily and independently regardless
of factions, sec.s or sectiors but who is there to
ride tie rtorm Of sectional late, party frenzy,
financial rssoalisy, and religious fanaticism Of
1850: Let pruden. men prepare to take in sail.
BmGHAM YOUNG AND THU ADMNIsTRAros.-