Student Anti-Slavery Rebellion 1835

Of so much importance was it olecmed to the A.S. cause to gain over the Theo. Semin to it, that the most gifted and effictive men were sent there. Under such influ ence, is it to be roor[?] out. About in a school of 135 students, a large portion of them [?] with of earneast Christian character, defering to know their duty and how best to perform it, their ardent minds should have been as tinder to the spark, and kindled into a storing flame of inthesration? Would it not have been more wonderful if they have not been?

A Slavery Rebellion 1878 Newton Center June 1st Rev. Mr. E. Park My Dear Sir, the friend Dr. David Thayer of Boston a few days [?] read to the a narration of [?] which decreed at Andover in the year 1835 in [?] connec tion as students in Phillips Academy - Dr. T requested me to unite you, who is to be the annalist of the coming Centennial Celebration of this venerated Insitution, Share nothing of any importants to supplement to which Dr. Thayer has written, but hearted testify to the Correctness of the facts

he narrates - I was a member of the Academy from May 1834 to July 1835. I was in one of the classes which Dr. Sam. H. Taylor instructed. He was one of the Junior teachers - The Principal was Mr. Osgood Johnson 1st Asst mr. Mc? Junior Teachers Sam - H - Taylor E. Dr. S[?] Dr. J [?] I left Phillips and went to Leicester in consequence of the lessons on the Anti Slavery question growing out of the lectures

of Rev. Amos A. Phelps and Geo. Thompson Esp. My sentiments and sympathies were with the Abolitionists. Time has shown which was right. Principle or Policy

Of Dr. Taylor I wish to say that he was the most servicable instructor I have ever been under. The year I start under him I have always look'd back to, as the most proftable year of my student life. From that time until his lameuto death, I [?] his friendship, and [?] his [?] with dear affection. I hope to be present at the Centennial. Your trult [? Wood]

of slavery; nor do we feel caled upon to express an opinion with regard to the different plans which are now before the public for the removal of this evil.

Mr. Thompson, while here, was treated with Christian courtesy; & we saw nothing in him which could justify us in withholding such courtesy. By his visit & addresses our attention was drawn with some interst to the subject which he advocates but [?] the effects of deep excitement on this absorbing topic, we have with [?] [?] among ourselves & the full [?] of our respected Instructors, concluded to refrain for the present from all action in any associate capacity. The Committee on Colonisation has been voluntarily dissolved. The Anti-Slavery Society above referred to, has been given up. The formation of a new society which was commenced

has been cheerfully relinquished. The students are united in the conviction that it is [?] for them at present to organize any society in relation to this subject.

We subjoin to the above statement the following resolution adopted at a general meeting of the members of this Institution.

Resolved that while connected with this Seminary, our duties as Theological Students have the first claim upon our attention; & fearing that the agitation of the subject of Slavery might interfere with the vigorous prosecution of our studies & with that harmony which ought to prevail among us,-- We therefore disapprove for the present of all associated action on the subject in this Institution.

In behalf of the Students

Committee

P.E. Edwards A.R. Baker James L. Thompson W.S. Tyler Samuel Wolcote

The faculty being fully acquainted with what the students had done sent the following communication to be published in the same Recorder in connection with the above.

Dear Sir:-- Permit me in behalf of the Faculty to say a few words expressive of the cordial satisfaction we feel in the conduct pursued of late by the members

of this Institution and in the position which they have arbitrarily taken, relation to the subject of Slavery. They have felt & we trust, ever will feel, a lively interest in this subject & a readiness to do what they can for the present & eternal welfare of the enslaved & oppressed. But when, at the suggestion of the faculty, they took the matter into serious consideration, they soon came with entire unanimity to the conclusion that they could not form associations and agitated the common questions in relation to slavery without encouraging the spirit of piety & brotherly love among them & essentially interfering with that intellectual & moral improvement which it is grand object of the Institution to promote. We are gratified at the frank statement above made of what they have done

sacred office can consistently take an active part, at present, in any existing association formed with reference to slavery or in any way intermeddle with it except so far as Christian benevolence may require to such the highest good of those in bondage after the example of the apostle Paul & other primitive ministers of the gospel.

We have, with deep regret, noticed events which have occurred in some Seminaries of learning & religion when slavery has been made a subject of special discussion & associated capacity action; & we must say we have been unable to avoid the conviction that this absorbing subject on which the community is so divided cannot be introduced into our public institutions as a subject of special discussion at the present time without interfering more or less with

the duties of the Instructors, & without essential injury to the improvement and future usefulness of the students.

And we have little doubt that this [ere?] long be the judgement of ^{who are entrusted with} the great interests of our literary & theological students seminaries.

In behalf of the faculty, Leonard Woods Theological Seminary, Andover, feb 4 1835

These transactions are followed by a very desirable state of things in the Seminary. There was diligence in study, freedom from strife, & the prevalence of brotherly love & harmony. There was moreover an uncommon degree of sympathy for the slaves & much fervent prayer for their present & eternal welfare.