In South Carolina. 497 



the matter for which he has suffered, so, with them, we affectionate- 

 ly assure him of our approbation of his course, and receive him as 

 not the less worthy, or less to be honored in his episcopal character 

 for the action which has been had in his case. 



7. Resolved, That we recognize in the wisdom and prudence, the 

 firmness and discretion exhibited in the course of Bishop Soule, 

 during the General Conference — as well as in former instances 

 wherein he has proved his devotion to the great principles of consti- 

 tutional right in our Church — nothing more than was to be expected 

 from the bosom friend of Asbury and McKendree. 



8. Resolved, That, in common with the whole body of our people, 

 we approve of the conduct of our delegates, both during the Gen- 

 eral Conference and subsequently. 



9. Resolved, That we concur in the recommendation of the late 

 General Conference for the change of the sixth article of the Re- 

 strictive Rules in the book of Discipline so as to allow an equitable 

 pro rata division of the Book Concern. 



W. Capers, 

 N. Talley, 



S. DlJNWODY, 



W. Smith, 



C. Betts, 



H. A. C. Walker, 



H. Bass, 



S. W. Capers, 



R. J. Boyd. 



As early as February, 1836, in view of the general 

 aspect of the times and the excitement which had 

 sprung up, threatening alike the public peace and the 

 successful prosecution of the spiritual work of their 

 faithful and laborious missionaries, the South Caro- 

 lina Conference felt called upon to declare frankly 

 and without reserve its opinions on the subject of 

 Abolitionism : 



1. We regard the question of the abolition of slavery as a civil 

 one, belonging to the State, and not at all a religious one, or appro- 

 priate to tbe Church. Though we do hold that abuses, which may 

 sometimes happen, such as excessive labor, extreme punishment, 

 withholding necessary food and clothing, neglect in sickness or old 

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