The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-06-04
SYRACUSE, n. Y. Nav 22I 1851.


SYRACUSE, n. Y. May 22I 1861.
EDITORS OF THE HLLsDALE STANDARD: l
send you a copy Of some resolutions passed by
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church, now sitting in this city. | should be
glad to see them published in your paper
| would only add that they were passed unan.
imou'Iy-thc Assembly voting standing.
ours DC,
JAMES KNOX.
The Committee to whom it was referred
TO inquired what action by resolution or 9th
erwiSe it is meet for the Assembly to take in
view Of the present condition of our country,
beg leave to recommend the following:
WHEREAS, A portion of the people of the
United States of America have risen up against
the righlfu authority OF the. Government; !;
have instituted what the call they "Confeder.
ate States of America" in the name and de-
fence OF which they have mado war against
the United States have seized the property
of the Federal Government; have assailed
and overpc wercd its troops in the discharge
OF their duty; and are now in armed rebel
lion against it; the General Assembly Of the
! Presbyterian Church of the United States of
America, cannot torbear to express their
amazement at the wickedness OF such pro-
ceediugs, and at the bold advocacy and de-
Tense thereof, not only in those States in
which ordinance Of Secession have been
passed, but in several Others; and
Whereas, The General Asscmbly-in the
language of the Synod Of New York and
Phiadelpha, on the occasion Of the revolu
tohary war-''being met at time when pub
re affairs wore so threatening an aspect, and
when (unless God in his 5 vereign Provi-
deuco speedily prevent III all the horrors OF
civil war are to be apprchcnde1, arc of opin-
ion that they cannot discharge their duty TO
the numerous congregations under their care
Will out addressing them at this important
crisis; aud As firm belief AID habitua rec.
objection of the power and presence Of the
living God, ought at all times to possess the
minds of real christians, SO in seasons Of pub.
lie calamity, when the Lord is known by the
judgement which he executeth it wonuld be
an Ignorance or Indifference highly criminal
not to look up to Him, with reverence, to i'm
plore his mercy by humble and fervent pray
er, and, if possible, to prevent his vengeance
10y unteigned repentance, therefore
Resotred, That inasmuch as the Presby-
teran Church, in her past history, has fre.
qncntIy lifted up her voice against oppression;
has shown herself champion of constitution.
al Liberty, as against both despotism and an.
archy, throughout the civilized world We
should be rccrcant to our high trust were we
to withhold our earnest protest against all
such unlawful and reasonable acts.
g. ReSolped, That this Assembly and the
Churches it represents, cherish an undimin.
ished attachment to the great principles Of
civil and religious freedom, on which our ma
tional Government is based; under the iuflu.
cnce Of which our fathers prayed and fought
aud bled; which iS.ucd in the establishment
Of our independence and by the preservation
of which We believe that the common inter
est, of evangelical religion and civil liberty
will be more effectively sustained.
3. ReSolred, That inasmuch as wo believe
according TO our Form Of Goyernment that
God the Supreme Lord and King Of all the
world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be
under him over the people for his own glory
and the public good, and to this end hath
armed them with the power Of the sword for
the defense and encouragement of them that
are good and for tho punishment of evil do
o's"-therc is, i'll the judsemnet Of tho As
semby, no blood or treasure too precious to
be devoted to the defense and aud perpetuity
OF tho Government in all lis constitutional
authority.
4. Resolred, That all those who are en-.
deavorins to uphold the Constitution ard
maintain the Government of these United
States in the exercise of its lawful prercga.
tiycs are entitled to the sympathy and sup.
port Of all christians aud law-abdng citizens.
5. ReSolgcd, That it bo recommended to
all our pastors and churches 10 be instant and
fervent in prayer for the President Of the Uni
ted States and all n authority under lin,
that wisdom and strength may be given them
in the discharge Of their arduous duties for
the Congress of the United States; for the
Lieutenant General commanding the Army
in. Chief and all our soldiers, that God may
shield them from danger in the hour Of per
il d., and BY the outpouring of tie holy Spirit
upon tie Army aud Navy, renew and sane
tiiy them, 20 that whether living or dying,
they may be the servant Of the Most High.
9. Resolecd That ia the countcnance
which many ministers of the gospel and 9th
er processing christians are now giving TO
treason and rebellion against the Govern
ment, we have great occasion TO mourn for
the injury thus done 10 the Kingdom of the
Redcemer; and that, though We have moth
ing to add to our former significant aud eI
p'icii testimonies on the subject Of slavery, we
yet rccompend our people to pray more fer
yently than ever for tho removal Of this evil
and all Others both social aud political which
lie ut the foundation Of our present national
difficulties.
7. Resolved That copy Of the Resolu.
tions, signed BY the officers Of tho General
Assembly, be forwarded to his EScelleucy,
Abraham Lincoln, President Of the United
States.