Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-08-01

MIR. SEWARD IN REPLY TO THE RES
OLUTIONS OF THE CONGREGATION.
AL CONVENTION.
Our readers will remember the resolutions
passed by the General Congregational Con-
vention Of Vermont, at Norwich last month
rendering to the President and his associates
The hearty support and confidence Of the Con-
/ grcgatoual Ministers and Churches Of the
States, approving the course Of the Govern
mont in freeing itself from completely with
slavery, and desiring the President and Con-
gress 60 use all their constitutional powers
for the removal Of that as the principal excit-
ing causc Of this wicked rebellion. The re-
solutions were duly forwarded to Washing
ton, aud the Presidents reply, by the Secre-
tary of State. has been received by Rev. G.. +.
Ferriu, the moderator of the Convention. We
commend Mr. Seward's reply to those who
are SO strenuous for changing the issue Of the
war, from that Of restoring the Union and
maintaining the Constitution. into a crusade
against slavery. In reply to the desire ex-
pressed in the resolutions that slavery may
be done away as the cause of the rebellion
Mr. Seward, 10y the direction Of the Presi-
dent plainly tells the Congregational Conven-
ton 0f Vermont that " Il IS the Union and
The ConstuGon of Ibis country ha, are at
s'o' 10 he present unhappy drife," aud that
" q, Constitution /, he art Of cicd and re-
byion hi0'y FOR Atn CLASSES ANp coNnt.
rroNs or NeN, and that it has exerted an
influence "m mei'orot,ng me- condition of
mnitd' Mr. Seward Is very modest in
hi. reply, but The rcproof is none the les,
pointed. Hero itist
DEPARTMENT or Sr'rr
WAsHNorns. July III. 1852
20 ne H-raftll DIaik Ferrn Hodera,. r &c. Aa
er -l have ihc honor TO acknowledge the reception
of your note n uc "a OF June accompanied by copy
OF resolutions which unanimously adopted by the
General CONVENTION of the Congregational Ministers and
Churches recently assembled at Norwich.
'h c'mphALcr win your request these resolutions
Sta'cs
am instructed % express bis cordial thanks for the
aesuia ces uf confidence and support thus rendered
him Oy body dcservedly respected and widely in
hucuuli as the Congregational Church " Vermont The
President deeply impressed hy the feryent and hopeful
patriotism and hcncyulcncr which peryades the resulu
uons u is the Union and the Constitution of this
iy which are al stake n the present unhappy strife but
mat lhuu Dot mere stringent political band, nor s
that Constitution eless NJ spifitlpss political BODY
he Union is the guaranty Of perpetual peace and pros
pcliu 90 hc American people, and the Constitution is
The rk Of civil aud religious liberty Tor all classes and
duous 90 men.
Who that carefully reads the history Of the nations for
ihe period that this Republic has existed under this Con
suution and This Union. can fail TO and apprcci-
ate ihe inhumce u has cxerted ia mrloratug the condi
ton uf mankind Who that justly apptcciltcs that in
hutuce al undertake 70 firctc the misortuues and &
spondnc which must occur on every continent should
this tepuhio desisi a from its auspirous ca
fccf tud Doe resolved into confused medley of small
disonrdant anu contentious Statesf The duty of the
Chrsutn ncdes with that Of The Patriot the duty
VI he Priest with that OF the Soldier 10 lvertng sad
aad fearful "a contamination.
be pleased sir, 20 express these sentiments Of the
President TO the Reverend Grncmen in whose behalf
you have addressed together with assurances Of the
profound respect with which haye the hnrnr 10 be
Their humble Servant.
WM. II. SEWARD.