Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1861-01-24

tracts NAV be relied on "a correct presentation
of principles. There are several other papers,
but all in harmony with the principles here
presented
J. A. CAMPBELL.
1--WE consider the voluntary cnslayng OF one
part Of the human race by another, as i gross
violation of the most precious and sacred rights
of human nature; as utterly inconsistent with the
law of God, which requires Us to love our
ne .hbor az ourselves, and as totally rreconcia
BILE with the spirit and principles of the Gospel
From this view it ia manifestly the duty of
all Christians TO their honest, earnest
and UNIV carried endeavors, to correct the errors
of former times, and as speedily as possible to
/ eifacc this blot on our holy religion, and TO OBJ
tain the complete abolition of Slavery through
out christcndom, and if possible throughout the
world
! We tenderly svmpathze with those portions Of
the Church and country wherethe evil of Slavery
/ fave been enta;led upon them; a. the same
! time We earnestly cxhort them to continue, and
If possible to increase their exertons to effect q
total abolition of Slavery.
We cxhort them to suffer greater delay to
take place in this most interesting concern than
a regard to the public welfare truly and lndls-
pensably demands.
As our country has inflicted a most grievous
injury on the unhappy Africans, by bringing
them into slavery, cannot indeed urge that
We should add second injury to the first, by
emancpating them in such a manner.as that
they will he likely to destroy themselves or
others. But we do think, that our country ought
to be governed in this matter by no other con
sideration than honest and impartial regard
for the happiness Of the injured party, unin-
! fuenced by the expense or Inconvenience which
such a regard may involve. We, therefore, warn
all who belong to our denomination of Christians
against unduly extending this plea of necessity
against making it a cover for the love and
practice of Slavery, or prctence for not using
efforts that are lawful and practicable, to ex-
tinguish this evil.
And we, Mt tie same time, cxhort others tC
forbear harsh censures, and uncharitable rciicc
tons on their brethren, who unhapply live
among slaves whom they cannot Immediately SCI
free; but who, at the same time really using
all their influence, and all their endcayours, t
bring them into a state of freedom, as soon as
door for it can be safely opened"
Here follows a recommendation to colonz,
and to afford them religious instruction and prvi
lcgcs, which we omit.
ave enion it on all Church Sessions an,
Prcsbvtcrcs, under the care of this Assembly, I,
discountcnance and fur possible TO proven
all cruelty of whatever kind in the treatment o
slaves; especially the cruelty OF separating hus
Dand ana WIG, liaItuts anu CHluIcil, anu tnl
which consists in selling slaves to those win
will either themselves deprive these unhapp
people OF the blessings of the Gospel, VIII
, will transport them to places where the Gospel i
not proclaimed, or where il is forbidden to slave
to attend upon its institution. And if it shall
ever happen that christian professor in on
t communion shall sell a. slave who is also in com
. munion and good standing with our Churc,
contrary to his or hci will, and inclination,
ought Immediately To claim the particular attcIi
ton of the proper Church judicature and unlcs
!. there bc such peculiar circumstances attcndin
the case "a can but seldom happen, il ought To b
followed without delay, by n SUSPENSION Of th
offender from all the privileges of the Church
D till he repent and make all the PREPARATION in hi
= power to the injured party
: ~ win Mr.. Campbell be SO good to in
Il form the readers Of the JOURNAL when and
9 what Synod or Assembly the foregoing declar'
= ton of sentiments was pronounced and whcth'
h or not the Old School Presbyterian Church doc
n now &c, on these principles in reference I
II Slavery II En-. Journal.