On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
to which I request permission to advert . We make do claim to infallibility : our opinions , however sincere , may be erroneous ; but even on the supposition of their being ^ o — surely we cannot be considered as deserving the obloquy and opprobrious appellations with which we have been loaded by some of our
fellowchristians . We may be vastly inferior to our orthodox neighbours in judgment , talents , and information ; but our purity of intention can hardlybe disputed ; and , on this ground alone , instead of merging reproach , we think ourselves entitled to esteem . Instead of reviling us , the advocates of orthodoxy ought to compassionate our involuntary error , and
endeavour to convert us by mild persuasion . It is impossible—morally impossible , that we can be actuated by any other principle than that of conscientious conviction . Does the profession of Unitarianism contribute in any one way to our worldly advantage ? Does it contribute to our temporal ease and comfort ? Does it contribute to the augmentation of our professional emoluments ? Does it
contribute to the augmentation of our popularity ? Does it cod tribute to the augmentation of our influence in society ? No , Sir , instead of promoting , it injures our interest in all these respects . I ask , then , what selfish or sinister motive can we have for adhering to a cause which , whatever may be its concomitants in other countries , yields neither profit nor popularity in this ? We cau have no other inducement than a desire to obtain
the testimony of a good conscience , unless it be supposed that we expose ourselves to persecution in this world in order to secure perdition in the next . If we are not honest men , we are mad men . That there arc very few evils which are not attended by some good , is an observation as well founded as it is
comtnbu . The present theological a citation has excited a spirit of inquiry which must ultimately terminate in the advancement of evangelical truth . If the doctrine which we have been led to espouse , is of men , most fervently do we pray that it may soon come to nought ;—hut if it is of God , human strength will not be able to prevail against it , and
every attempt to suppress it will only contribnte to its propagation . One word , Mr . Chairman , relative to a matter of personal concern , and I shall no longer occupy your time . Let the result of certain recent proceedings be what it may , I owe to the Synod of Ulster a debt of gratitude which I will always be ready to acknowledge . The only lucrative si-
Untitled Article
tuation which its members hare , the power of bestowing , they bestowed oo me . Tine emoluments connected with that situation , J will not affect to disregard ; at the same tinae , I can safely say , that it was principally valuable , in my estimation , as being a testimony of the
kindness and confidence of my brethren . But , however highly I may prize this token of esteem , it shall be respectfully returned to the donors , the moment it can no longer be retained with honour ; and my friends may rest assured , that I shall surrender the appointment with feelings not less comfortable than those with which I received it at first . I
received it with a feeling of gratitude to others—I shall surrender it with a feeling of respect for myself . " Expectations had been entertained that the members who are styled ** orthodox and moderate , " would have come forward at Cookstown to oppose the proceedings of the more violent Calvinists . Had they done so they possessed strength enough to carry the decision as they professed to wish ; but , with the characteristic irresolution of moderate
counsellors , their courage failed when it was put to the trial , and no effectual opposition was offered . The meeting took place , according to appointment , on Tuesday , August 18 . After the transaction of some routine business , memorials from several congregations were presented , on the
subject of the Overtures of last year , and the division of the Body ; most of them praying for the adoption of this measure . The Remonstrance against the Overtures was also read . A desultory discussion succeeded , respecting the conduct of the Committee for Theological Examination of Candidates for the
Ministry ; in the course of which several members took occasion to deliver their sentiments on the general question of the late regulations . Mr . Elder expressed his respect and esteem for Mr . Porter , but could not hold ministerial communion with him , as he in an enemy to the Lord Jesus . Mr . F . Dill thought it was more deplorable that Arians should be over the people , than that a few ministers should be spoiled of their goods .
Mr . Richard Dill , Sen ., said , ' An unsound minister is a poisoned fountain , sending around noxious exhalations and death . I would rather leave a hundred ministers and their families to starve , than put an unsound minister over a congregation . Arianism is not Christianity . I will not say that an individual Arian is not a Christian ; but I say Arian-
Untitled Article
\ 40 Intelligence . —Synod af Ulster .
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1830, page 140, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2581/page/68/
-