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The Hillsdale Standard
Hillsdale, Hillsdale County, Michigan
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At the Delaware Conference, the Committee on Slavery submits a report with eight resolutions condemning American slavery as a sin, urging the Methodist Episcopal Church to intensify anti-slavery efforts, including making slaveholding a membership test, and expressing optimism for its eradication through Christianity.
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The Committee on Slavery beg leave to report as follows:
Whereas, American slavery is and has always been an unmitigated sin against God and humanity; and
Whereas, The aim and design of pro-slavery men is to nationalize it and settle it like a deadly incubus, all over this fair and happy land; and
Whereas, We, as a church, stand intimately associated with the weal or woe of this Nation. Therefore,
1. Resolved, That we deeply deplore the prostitution of both civil and ecclesiastical power to the propagandism of the "peculiar institution."
2. Resolved, That while the civil authority is chiefly responsible for the existence of the evil, and it may not be abolished or continued at the pleasure of the church, yet we believe a high degree of responsibility rests upon her, which can only be met by prompt, consistent and unceasing effort for its extermination.
3. Resolved, That while the M. E. Church is, and has ever been anti-slavery; there is much she can and ought to do to place her in an unequivocal light before the world.
4. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Conference, the General rule ought be so amended, as to make slaveholding a test of membership.
5. Resolved, That simply holding a slave or slaves, ought, in every case to be considered prima facie evidence of sinful or mercenary slaveholding; and that the "onus probandi," rest in every case upon the holder, to show that he or she holds for merciful purposes only.
6. Resolved, That we cordially approve the action of the last General Conference, in electing a uniform corps of Editors of acknowledged anti-slavery sentiment against slavery.
7. Resolved, That we rejoice at the increasing public sentiment of slavery.
8. Resolved, That we entertain the full expectation, that the diffusion of the spirit of Christianity will drive slavery from the face of the earth.
C. W. Ketcham,
Lemuel Herbert,
Committee.
H. L. Nickerson,
J. R. FORD,
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Delaware
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The Committee on Slavery reports to the Delaware Conference, declaring American slavery a sin, deploring its nationalization efforts, and passing eight resolutions: deploring the use of power to promote slavery; asserting church responsibility to eradicate it; noting the M. E. Church's anti-slavery history and need for clearer action; recommending amending the General rule to make slaveholding a test of membership; considering slaveholding prima facie evidence of sin unless proven merciful; approving the election of anti-slavery editors; rejoicing at increasing anti-slavery sentiment; and expecting Christianity to end slavery worldwide.