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    law , be denied that : if the ^ ComThittee of Overtures chose , . they could introo % ce any measure , and then it miglitimnie k diately be passed . As the code contains a lawdeclaring the belief of this Synod founded on the Westminster Confession

    of Faith , so the present was only a declaratory one arising out of the law of the code , and not a new law . The object was to shew to the world of what complexion that body was , and that the Arians might be distinctly known .

    Mr . Montgomery , in explanation , observed , that the Synod had repented of its conduct in its hasty procedure against Dr , Dickson , at the instance of Dr . Black . He acknowledged that the feeling in the public mind was , that they were a Calviuistic body ; yet it never was the practice of Synod to enforce a subscription of faith . The code was also opposed to it .

    [ The Moderator remarked , that in 1724 , a law had passed the Synod , which enacted a Code of Faith ] Mr . Morell conceived , that as Synod had passed a declaration in 1813 , on a political subject , it would in no way be objectionable to do the same now , ou a religious one . Mr . Porter said , that the declaration passed in 1813 , on a political subject , had come throuuh the Committee of

    Overtures . He implored the Synod not to be so hasty in the passing of a measure which must inevitably divide the body . Dr . Wright agreed with the doctrines contained in the Declaration : but other

    members might not yet have made up their minds on this matter . The pressing of this measure would inevitably split the Synod , whereas the course he would pursue might open the eyes of their Arian brethren , as some men ' s had been opened . Mr . S . Dill pressed the motion .

    Mr . Carulk was satisfied that something should be done to clear them of the charge of Arianism ; and with this view he had himself prepared a motion . The statements made abroad regarding the Synod , demanded an immediate disavowal ; but as to making it

    imperative on eyery member to sign—[ No , no , said Mr . Cooke , it is free for any member to refuse . ] Mr . Carlile requested the Clerk to read Mr . Cooke ' s motion ; after which , he objected to the wording of it . He objected to the word * ' essence" being in it , as an unscriptural phrase ,. and , also to some other parts . Mr . Reid ( Kathmelton ) was of oui-

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    liifln , in the early part of } he present Syuod , that such a declaration was not at present lifeessary . ' He had since changed that opinion , and therefore supported the motion . Dr . Hanna felt that from the nature of the proceedings which he had

    witnessed since the meeting of the Synod , its members were called on to put on record a declaration of their disapprobation of Arian principles ; yet he would have much preferred to have seen such a measure brought forward agreeably to the established rules of this body—he meant , through the Committee of

    Overtures . Mr . Park ( Ballymoney ) contended , that as a charge of Arianism has been made against this body , and as such a charge was so decidedly opposed to the belief they professed to entertain , and the religion they taught their

    congregations * , they ought uot to lose a moineut in disclaiming the truth of the assertion . A charge of hypocrisy had been made agaiust the members of Synod ; and their usefulness amongst their respective flocks must be destroyed , unless the unfounded charge were distinctly rebutted .

    Mr . Porter begged to be allowed to correct , once more , some misrepresentations of his printed testimony , which he had again and again been obliged to correct since the commencement of the present meeting . " It has been asserted by Mr . Stewart ( said Mr . P . ) aud others , that I charged Presbyterian ministers with preaching

    doctrines which they do not believe , in order to ingratiate themselves with their people . I merely stated , that ministers were so dependent on the people for support aud comfort , that they were under a temptation to follow , rather than to lead , the religious opinions of their hearers . Is there a man in this house , who will stand up and say , under the

    sanction of a solemn adjuration , that he does not believe that such a temptation exists ? L have stated in my testimony , that in my opinion we have more real than professed Arians amongst us . This has been represented as a charge of hypocrisy against the ministers alluded to —as an intimation that they preached

    contrary to their conviction . All I said , or meant to say , was , not that they preached what they themselves did not believe , but that they did uot preach all they believed ; and I vindicated them by adding , that they did not consider the points in dispute essential to salvation : therefore , they did not wish to perpkx

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    Infelti gdnce . ^ -Synod of Ulster 769

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1827, page 769, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1801/page/57/