The Synod of New-York and Philadelphia, in 1787, two yeartf
before the organization of the General Assembly, declared that they
did " highly approve of the general principles in favor of universal
liberty that prevail in America, and the interest which many of the
States have taken in promoting the abolition of Slavery ;" and did
" recommend it to all their people, to use the most prudent measures,
consistent with the interest and state of civil society in the parts
where they live, to procure eventually the final abolition of Slavery
in America."



402 unruTKB of the [Jane 3d,

In 1793, while the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church was in
process of formation and publication, the action of the Synod, just
referred to, was approved by the General Assembly and republished
by its order.
The Assembly of 1815 declared, " that, although in some sections
of our country, under certain circumstances, the transfer of slaves
may be unavoidable, yet they consider the buying and selling of slaves
by way of traffic, and all undue severity in the management of them,
as inconsistent with the spirit of the Gospel. And they recommend
it to the Presbyteries and Sessions under their care, to make use of
all prudent measures to prevent such shameful and unrighteous con-
duct."

The Assembly of 1815 " expressed their regret, that the Slavery of
the Africans and of their descendants still continues in so many
places, and even among those within the pale of the Church ;" and
called particular attention to the action of 1795, with respect to the
buying and selling of slaves.
