Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1859-10-15
THE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE AND THE
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
MR.. JAYS REMARKS PRESENTING THE PETITION
AGAINST THE SLAVE TRADE, IN THE EPISCOPAL
CONVENTION. .--

Mr.. JAYS REMARKS ON PRESENTING THE PETITION
AGAINST THE SLAVE TRADE, IN THE EPISCOPAL
CONVENTION. .--
Mr. PRESIDENT: / rise to present a petition ad-
dressed to this convention by members Of the Di-
ocesan Church petition respectful in its tone
and legitimate in its prayer and as it is short and
xplains itself more briefly than could do by an
oral patation, l will read il. Before reading il
will remark that do not propose now to dis
any Of the questions it may bring before US,
but simply to refer it to committee of three cer-
gYmen and three laymen, With instructions to re-
port thereon to the next Conven ton, the lateness
of the hour allowing no opportunity for q proper
examination of the matter at our present session.
The petition reads thus; ...-- .-a . q. ....
To the Diocesan Convention Of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church in the Diocese Of Ne,o York:
The Undersigned members of the said church
in the said diocese, respectfully show to your hon
orable and reverend body that it hath recently been
made matter of public notoriety, by the proceed
ings in courts of law, the avowals of prominent
statesmen, and the developments Of the American
press, that in defiance of laws of God, and of the
ancient statutes Of this republic. the African slave
trade bats been re-opensd. sndi Is now being pros
ecued from the port Of New York. within the linn
its and jurisdiction of this diocese.
The undersigned further show, tina. so powerful
is the influence exerted in favor Of the said trade,
and so vtiated is the moral sense of part of the
community in regard to the same, that the ega!iz-
ing of the said traffic is openly advocated, and the
laws that denounee the same as piracy are Knocked
at and tram pied upon with impunity.
Your memorialists do therefore earnestly and
respectfully pray your honorable and reverend
body to take such steps as, on deliberation, To
your wisdom shall seem most to encourage sound
Christian sentiment on this subject and to stay
this growing evil, to the intent that by the voice
and influence of our Church, truth and justice
may be more and moie firmly established in
Diocese, and especially that the city Of New York,
where the Church of England was early planted
and so literally endowed, and where our Diocesan
Convention holds its slttings, may be purEed of its
present participation in this stupendous crime.
(Signed) J. F. Batterworlh, j. B. Silkman.
j. A. G. Gray, W. II. Robertson,
c. S. Bourne, j. g. Ho!brooke,
j. Butler Wright.
move, sir that this petition be received and
referred TO a committee of six clergymen, and six
laymen, to report thereon at the next Convention
and l had not proposed to make any further
remarks on this motion, beyond observing that the
subject is grave and relates SO clearly to mat
ters within our Diocesan limits, and the oogniz-
ance and jurisdiction of this body, that trusted
whatever differences of opinion might obtain
among gentlemen in regard to the best course for
g., ,ha ,ba ol, pf tba
ton would be unanimous in their determination
that their action upon it should be SO calm. de-
liberate and so judcious, as to meet the just ex-
pectations of their petitioners promote the sound
morality of the diocese and enhance the dignity
and usefulness of the Diocesan Church.
But. sir, am advised by one or two gentlemen
who profess to know the temper of this body, that
| am too sanguine in my expectation that .his
petition will be treated with contempt and laid up-
on the table, by vo,e cutting off dehale and that
this course will be adopted the plea of preserv-
ing the tranquility of the Diocese. Upon this
question of reference therefore will say word.
trust. for the honor and peace Of the Church
that my advisers are mistaken. hope that this
Convention will pause before it commits itscif TO-
such course If there is one lesson clearly taught
US 10y the woeful experience during recent years,
of legislative bodies aad religious councils in this
country, it is that the very surest method of arous-
in and ntensifying agitation, is to gag debate and
trampe on petitions; and / firmly believe tha'
this Convention, by treating this petition with con-
tempt, will! produce the very result they wish tol
avoid. and raise new issues in regard to the laity.
and the propreties of legislation. upon which they
will be beaten as inevitably have been the sec
tartan assemblies whose exploded and wretched
policy in regard to the treatment Of petitions
understand this Convention is to be asked TO imi-
tate.
need scarcely say. sir, that these petitioners
men Of high character and position among us.
and, we'll known for their moderate views and con-
serya,ive iples-have no wish to disturb the
tranquility Of the Church. They are men Of COM