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of a previous compact . Now , the pro * jeeted overture would be . a direct in- ? fringement of those liberal regulations under which we entered the Synod of Ulster ; and if you take from us any power or privilege which we then
enjoyed , you are guilty of a gross breach of faith . So much for your power of making laws affecting those already in your body ; and now a few words respecting those who claim admission . On this point I assert that you have na power to make any laws , but such as are in accordance with the clear and
express word of God . The Lord Jesus Christ is the King of his Church , the Bible is its constitution , and we are subjects bound to obey the laws of his kingdom . Our sole business , therefore , is , to regulate our conduct by the laws contained in the Statute-book ; for it is evident that we have no right to alter any law , either to benefit ourselves or to injure others . Upon this principle
I shall amply prove , that you have no right to refuse admission to any individual of sufficient attainments , and irreproachable life , who holds such relir gious opinions as I entertain . " To the law and to the testimony , " I bring the matter for trial ; and I refer you to the Acts of the Apostles , viii . chapter , and 37 th verse . You will there find the
terms on which the Ethiopian , was admitted to baptism by the Apostle Philip . " And Philip said , If thou believest with all thine heart , thou mayest be baptized : and he answered and said , / believe that Jesm Christ is the Son of God : and Phi - lip baptized him . " Now , does not every Arian believe this with all his heart , and will you dare to refuse admission into the Synod of Ulster to men who would have been admitted to the holy
ordinance of baptism by an inspired follower of the Lord ? I refer you farther to the 1 st Epistle of John , iv . chapter , where you will find explained the manner in which we are to try the spirits of men . " Beloved , believe not every spirit , but try the spirits whether they be of God . Hereby know ye the Spirit of God : every spirit that confesseth that Jesm Christ is come in the flesh , is of God ; and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the
flesh , is not of Qod : and this is that spirit of Antichrist whereof ye have heard that It should come into the world . " But where Is the Arian who does not most joyfully and most gratefully confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh ? Vet , in direct opposition to God ' s word , and to their own know-
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ledge , some of our brethren have had the hardihood to brand us in a public journal with the appellation of ' * Antichrists , and Men of Sin . " I now call upon those ministers and that journal to retract the groundless calumny which they have circulated against men , to say
tiie least , as respectable and as Christian as themselves ! I shall only refer to one passage more , ( though I might easily multiply quotations , ) to prove that , according to Scripture , we are entitled to the same privileges as any other members of this church . The passage is 1 John iv . 15 : "Whosoever shall
confess that Jesus is the Son of God , God dwelieth in him , and he in God . " Could language be stronger than this ? And yet , although holding my opinions , solemnly confessing that Jesus is the Son of God , the Spirit of God may dwell in me to enlighten my understanding and sanctify my heart , Mr . Elder and Mr . Dill have the modesty and good feeling
to allege , that I am not holy enough to associate with them ! 1 put it to you , " fathers and brethren , " is it honest , is it seemly , is it Christian in you , to prescribe stricter terms of communion than those appointed by the Spirit of God , or to put men to inconveuience for maintaining opinions which would have gained them free admission into the churches
of the apostles ? But it has been asked by Mr . Morell , " Where shall we stop ? Shall we admit all professing Christians , Socinians , Catholics , &c ? " I answer : We should just stop with our guide , —with the Holy Scriptures . If we go one step farther , we shall be involved in the mazes of
conjecture ; and , endeavouring " to become wise above what is written , " we shall be lost in endless perplexity and doubt . Upon this ground I would refuse to hold communion with those churches that have * ' decreed rites and
ceremonies" not prescribed in the word of God ; because these are " the inventions of men , " and I know that woe is denounced upon those who add to the Scriptures or detract from them . To shew that my opinions on this subject are countenanced by eminent authority , I shall give a short extract from two distinguished writers . In proposing to do this , I know that I shall subject myself to the sneer and cant of modern
times , which would represent learning and talent as incompatible with a knowledge of Divine truth . In one of those miserable inflammatory productions , with which the country is inundated at present , the author says , " He would
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mtelUgence ^ Synod a / UUter . { $ 4 7
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Sept. 2, 1828, page 647, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2564/page/63/
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