ur views of
duty constrain us to adopt the following resolutions:

_Resolved_, That the political institution of domestic
slavery, as it exists in the South, is not a lawful or
constitutional subject of discussion, much less, of action by
the General Assembly.

_Resolved_, That so soon as the General Assembly passes any
ecclesiastical laws, or recommends any action, which shall
interfere with this institution, this Presbytery will regard
such laws and acts as tyranical and odious; and from that
moment will regard itself independent of the General Assembly
of the Presbyterian Church.

_Resolved_, That our delegates to the approaching Assembly
are hereby enjoined to use all Christian means to prevent the
discussion of domestic slavery in the Assembly; to protest in
our name, against all acts that involve or approve abolition;
and to withdraw from the Assembly and return home, if, in
spite of their efforts, acts of this character shall be
passed."

From the official account of the proceedings of the Synod of Virginia,
I take the following

REPORT ON ABOLITION.

"The Committee to whom were referred the resolutions, &c.,
have, according to order, had the same under consideration:
and respectfully report that in their judgment, the following
resolutions are necessary and proper to be adopted by the
Synod at the present time.

"_Whereas_, The publications and proceedings of certain
organized associations commonly called Anti-slavery, or
Abolition Societies, which have arisen in some parts of our
land, have greatly disturbed, and are still greatly
disturbing the peace of the church, and of the country; and
the Synod of Virginia deem it a solemn duty which they owe to
themselves and to the community, to declare their sentiments
upon the subject; therefore,

"_Resolved unanimously_, That we consider the dogma fiercely
promulgated by said associations; that slavery as it actually
exists in our slaveholding States, is necessarily sinful, and
ought to be immediately abolished, and the conclusions which
naturally follow from that dogma, as directly and palpably
contrary to the plainest principles of common sense and
common humanity, and to the clearest authority of the word of
God.

"2. _Resolved unanimously_, That in the deliberate judgment
of the Syno