Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1858-05-29
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.

This church like is episcopal sister is q slave
holding church, tolerating shareholders among it,
members. Its general conference recently met a
Lynehburg Virginia where the question of slave
ry has been under discussion as appears by the
following account of its proceedings:
LYNcuBuRc, Va, May 18th. 1858.
The Conference was opened with the usual relir
gous services, conducted by Rev. VIM Collier
a dense crowd of spectators assembled at an early
hour, expecting to hear discussion Of the slavery
question,
Rev. Wm Collier, from the Committee on Me,
MORALS and Petitions, presented minority report
respecting theCncinnati Memorialists recommend
ing concurrence IN their wishes. Laid on the
table.
The report Of the Committee signed by j. j
Murray and George Nickers, touching the memo
rial of the Cincinnati Convention, was taken up
The report was very lengthy 1t states that the
memorial 10 question after setting forth certain al
ieged grievances, which in the opinion; of men,
moralists involve them. in their Irrespective dis
tricts, in serious embarrassments proposes sew,
eral notifications of the Consti tuition and Disci,
pline, which they say 1--WE deem indispensable to
our success a church, in the districts which we
represent" and which the Committee regret to
say, the memoralists set forth indispensable to
continuance in the Methodist Protestant Church.
or to quote their own language: "lf this General
Conference should not see good to adopt the action
necessary to remove our difficulties, we cannot
conscentiousy consent to further continuance
of our ecclesiastical connection"
The memOralsts ask
First. That the word "wbte" should be
stricken from the Consultation, art. XII, sections
and 2 establishing invdous distinction
not in accordance with the principles Of the gospel
of Him who made Of blood all nations of
men to dwell together on all the face Of the
earth"
Second. That the third item and annexed
provso embraced in the fourth section of art. VII
should be stricken from the Constitution, because
it is understood and used to protect ministers and
members Of the church in the practice Of slave
holding and save-trading."
Third. That clause should be inserted spe
officially setting forth that the practices of volun'
tary slavohodng and of slavetrading will be
henceiorth barrier to membership in the Meth
odist Protestant Church"
The report is adverse tc the memorial as is the
minority report. A division being called for, it
was laid on the table to receive the report oD the
same su ject signed by 4. kidweli and Il. S. Bibb
Preliminary to this, Rev. George Clancy took the
floor, and made long speech in vindication of
the action of the Cincinnati Convention and ex
planatory of the condition of public sentiment
relative to the question Of slaveay in the North
west.
The Rev, gentleman was cool and deliberate,
and whilst candid in expressing his own views OF
the policy which the General Conference ought to
pursue with regard to accommodating the preiu-
dces of the Northern wing of the Church, spoke
respectfully and kindly Of the South disclailning
any intention OF imposing conditions that would
emharrass that portion of the Church. lie refer
red to the state of excitement which he imagined
existing in the community upon the question
pending before the Conference, alleging that in.
formation had been received to that effect. lie
assured however, that he need apprehend no
danger that the community were perfectly calm
and unconcerned, desiring only to hear a discus
sion of the subiect-aud that his brethren were
pleased to see him here.
lie was listened to with attention and respect