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    much less chance is there of truth being ascertained where ignorance , prejudice , or dishonesty is concerned ! The press , in its present state , will not be more effectual . The multitude of trashy , virnleut , and unprincipled pamphlets that are put forth , aud which are read only by partizaus , have no tendency but to

    inflame the passions and mislead the mind . That calmness , seriousness , and deliberation which are necessary for the investigation of truth , can never be attained under such a system . The contending parties must have the means of deliberately comparing their opinions with each other and with the Word of

    God , and also x > f correcting any mistakes or misrepresentations' that may occur , befbre justice can be dbne' to both sides ' . Such an investigation might shew us that we do not differ so much as we now imagine , and thereby bring us nearer to each other ; and , at all events , it would make our respective systems better understood . In order to accomplish this most desirable end , I propose , seriously

    and affectionately , That a Monthly Publication shall be issued , at the mutual expense , and under the mutual management , of Calvinists and Unitarians , in which each party shall occupy the same number of pages ( say 30 or 50 ) with articles in support of their peculiar opinions , either original or selected , as they may deem expedient . Such a work would be eagerly

    read by all parties ; the sparks of truth would be elicited by collision , and the ancient piles of error would be consumed . Faisehood is only dangerous when she walks forth alone ; having a bold air and confident demeanour , she awes the timid and imposes upon the weak : but she cannot long appear in the presence of her lovely rival , Truth , before the counterfeit is detected .

    To my Calvimstic brethren such a proposal : must be peculiarly acceptable , as it will afford them free admission into what they call the dominions of error : for I here pledge myself , that we will place the publication within reach of all our hearers , provided they will do the same with regard to theirs . We will most sincerely thank them , if they can

    convince us , by sound argument and the Word of God , that we are . wrong . In the triumph of truth , we shall most heartily rejoice : it is all our aim : and if they prove her to be on their side , we shall instantly desert the ranks of her enemies , and join the cohorts of her friends . '/^ cari have < no motive for clinging to erro * i the applause of the world , the fashion of the world , the in-

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    terests of the world , are ail upon the opposite side . And I can assure you , that we are not so destitute of the ordinary feelings of men as to prefer , without good cause , an angry sky and barren rocks to bright and fertile regions . On

    the voyage of life , we would much prefer sailing before the gentle breeze of popular favour to being " tost by the tempest of evil tongues ; " but we know that ' * favour is deceitful , " and whatever may befal us , we shall not , at least , " make shipwreck of our integrity . "

    I am confident my proposal will not be declined by our opponents , upon the futile pretext of not desiring to circulate what they are pleased to call " poison .- " f # they'know l h ^ t thetf ' powerful antidote will go along with tt . »» W 6 might with just as much reason call their opinions " poison , but we are so confident of the efficacy of our own remedies , that

    we have no fear of its effects . If , in bringing our separate systems to the standard of the Word of God , the comparison should be in our favour , no doubt we shall be gratified : but should the result be against us , we shall still be pleased ; we shall cheerfully confess our error , and heartily embrace the truth .

    I do , therefore , most earnestly entreat this Synod to pause , and to adhere to its own established and salutary laws . Delay , in so important a case , cannot be dangerous ; but precipitancy may involve the most deplorable consequences . Whatn ever may be the result of my appeal , however , I shall never cease to be sincerely grateful for the patience , the kindness , and the attention with which 1 have been heard , through so tedious and desultory an address .

    Mr . R . Stewart ( Broughshane ) said —Moderator , although 1 am fully aware that professions of respect for those with whom in religious opinions we differ , generally go for nothing , and that your time at present is very precious , I cannot deny myself the opportunity of disclaiming all personal hostility towards my Arian brethren . For all of them I entertain

    good-will , for many of them high respect , and for those with whom I have been more intimately acquainted , the most affectionate regard . I am truly sorry , Sir , that any thing like personal abuse should liave been resorted to , either on the one side or the other .

    Truth can never be advanced by invective , nor is it a likely way to banish error to apply degrading epithets -to - the' persona who are under iw influence . This grievance , however , is not . all on the side of

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    720 Intelligence ^—Synod of \ Ulster .

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1828, page 720, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2565/page/64/