imiij I 'in I i_ irii^ii'|»i^;Jww>rit»,-. tihvavy of irhe theological ^eminar^ PRINCETON . NEW JERSEY PRESENTED BY E. A. Richards sec THE LIFE OF THE REV. HENRY MONTGOMERY, LL.D, VOL. I. a Flau'dTs sc EduC ^^ ■czt^ yy. J^.^. /^4^: i MAR 26 1965 THE LIFE ^-^^iilB^jS^ OF THE REV. HENRY MONTGOMERY, LL.D, DUNMUERY, BELFAST; WITH SELECTIONS FEOM BY HIS SON-IN-LAW, THE KEY. JOHN A. GROZIM, A.B., NEWRY, IRELAND. \A/^ITH PORTRAIT AND ENGRAVINGS. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. f. LONDON : E. T. WHITFIELD, 178, STRAND ; SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, & CO., STATIONERS' HALL COURT. BELFAST: W. H. GREER. 1875. [A II Rights Reserved. ] Printed by MARCUS WARD & CO., Royal Ulster Works, Belfast. TO QCfje Stetifast aittj ffitmer0U0 JFrfentJS, STILL LIVING, OF THE LATE DR. MONTGOMERY, STfje iiHcmarg of ©timers tol^o Ijaljt ^assetn ^tuag, THIS WORK IS, WITH SENTIMENTS OF GRATEFUL EESPECT, INSCRIBED BY Efje ^uti}or. PREFACE THE distinguished place which the talents and labours of Dr. Montgomery secured for him in public estimation, his intimate association with the progress of Civil and Keligious Liberty in Ireland for more than half-a-ceutury, and his eminent personal qualities, have caused a natural desire on the part of many friends to possess a record of his life. To meet this desire was the original purpose of this work. The Author's connexion with the family of Dr. Montgomery, his intimacy with him during his latter years, and his having come into possession of his voluminous papers, as well as being a minister of the same church, have induced him to undertake the duty of preparing his life — a duty pressed upon him l)y many whose opinion he valued. It is to be regretted that an interval of nine years should have elapsed from the date of Dr. Montgomery's death till the publication of this volume ; but circumstances beyond the Author's control have prevented him, until recently, from enter- ing on its preparation, and many unavoidable causes have hitherto delayed its completion. The task was one of no ordinary magnitude, and the needed leisure for its fulfilment only such as could be spared from professional engagements. The miscellaneous literary accumu- lation of a public life of nearly sixty years, entirely unprepared for the press, required in itself a considerable period for selec- tion and arrangement; while as to information from external sources, those ever active harvest-men — Time and Death — had been meanwhile so busy, that the gleanings in the field of Dr. Montgomery's earlier life, of those personal traits and reminiscences that add so materially to the interest of biography, have been necessarily few and brief. Another generation has arisen, " which knew not Joseph." vm. PREFACE. Consequently — save in the record of liis childhood and yonth, carefully gathered from the recollections of a few still surviving relatives, and from certain well-authenticated traditions of his early home — the greater part of this first volume is rather a compilation from public records descriptive of his public career, than a relation of his personal or social life drawn from more familiar intercourse. In this the Author's constant aim has been, from all available and reliable sources, to supply, not a fancy sketch of an ideal hero, but a real portrait of a man of no common mould, the noble proportions of whose outward fame truly betokened alike the capacious mind and heart residing within — to describe him as he lived and acted amidst the diversified " scenes and stirring events in which his lot was cast. He has not sought to write that unmeaning, and to him impossible thing, called an " impar- tial " biography ; but he has endeavoured, he would hope not without success, that it should be a faithful one. Anticipating the possible objection that the delineation of Dr. Montgomery's character is much too partial, and that no mention has been made of faults to which, like other men, he must have been liable, it may be replied, that in regard to those earlier portions of his life to which this volume is confined, of the various autliorities which there have been opportunities of consulting, the uniform testimony has been found to be, not of faults to be censured, but of eminent abilities to be admired, and virtues to be praised. Whatever may have been the faults observed by his contemporaries, they seem to have been forgotten in admiration of his genius, and respect for the uprightness of his intentions ; and even his bitterest antagonists, while smarting under the lash of his indignant eloquence, not only bore repeated testimony to his powers, but asked to be allowed to call him " friend." So universal is this testimony both from friends and foes — as to his commanding worth and influence, and his potent sway over the minds and feelings of those around him — that in pre- paring this book, the Author feels that he has enjoyed the rare privilege of recording the life of one formed by nature to be an ava^ dvSpm' — a veritable king of men ! The work was originally designed simply as a memoir of PREFACE. IX. Dr. Montgomery, prefixed to a publication of his speeches and writings ; but his connexion with ahnost all the important public events of his day, and the leading part he took in them, rendered it impossible to confine it to the bounds of a mere personal narrative. Hence numerous incidental notices of per- sons and events became necessary; so that this volume has assumed in some measure the form of an historical sketch of the religious and political condition of the North of Ireland, for a period of forty years from the date of his birth. Such are the notices of the Irish Volunteers and Rebellion of '98, Early Presbyterianism in Ulster, the Belfast Academical Institution, Catholic Emancipation, Parliamentary Reform, and O'Connell and Repeal. But second only in importance to the main purpose of the work, it has been the Author's special aim to furnish a detailed history of the entire Non-Subscription Controversy in the Gene- ral Synod of Ulster, the consequent separation of the Synod, and the formation of the Remonstrant Church. Of these events, so interesting in themselves, important in tlieir principles, and vital in their bearings upon religious freedom, no adequate and reliable record has hitherto been published — Dr. Montgomery's " Outlines of Presbyterianism," equally graphic and faithful so far as they go, having terminated abruptly with the close of the Strabane meeting. It is to be hoped that the narrative in the following pages may be found to supply the ounssion. In order to do justice to the subject, and at the same time avoid undue partiality, even at the risk of being considered tedious, copious extracts have been given from the speeches of the leaders on both sides of the great controversy; while an extensive use of foot-notes has enabled the Author, without break- ing the course of the narrative, to supply descriptive sketches, not only of many Remonstrant ministers and other distinguished Non-Subscribers, but also of the more prominent men of the Synodical party. Frequent references will enable the reader to verify the information furnished. Should any apology be deemed necessary for the prominence given in these pages to the Rev. Dr. Cooke, it must be borne in mind that, had they been really brothers instead of opponents, X- PREFACE. the public lives of the two great men during the eight years of their continuous conflicts could not have been more inseparably associated ; while it is believed that no more than justice has been done to the leadership and talents of Montgomery's brilliant antagonist. With the exception of ■ occasional letters given in the present volume, most of the extensive correspondence (referred to in the Prospectus) between Dr. Montgomery and many leading public men, eminent ministers, and others, belongs to a later date, and will appear in Volume II. Extracts from many of his speeches and discourses have been introduced in the narrative ; while others, requiring to be given at greater length, are pub- lished in their order as Appendices to this volume. The remainder of those meant for publication will appear in a similar form in the succeeding volume ; in which it is also intended to supply, amongst other important matters, an interest- ing and authentic record of proceedings in connexion with the Dissenters' Chapels Act. The Author desires to express his thankful acknowledgments to those friends who have aided him by their valuable informa- tion in the preparation of this work, which is now committed to the candid consideration of an indulgent public ; and, in trustful reliance on an overruling Providence, he humbly places the present result of his labours— an imperfect, but faithful offering — on the shrine of Civil and Eeligious Liberty. Newry, Febniary, 1875. CONTENTS. Chap. I. — Parentage and Childhood. — 1788-1799. Parentage and Household — Locality — Descent — Montgomery F;\mily — Grand- father and Grandmother— Father — Mother — Campbell Family — Brothers and Sisters — Birth — Baptism — Incidents of Childhood — Early Destination to the Ministry — Kebellioa of '98— Previous State of Ireland— Contrast with the Present — The Volunteers — The Society of United Irislimen — The Outbreak— Brothers Engaged— The Battle of Antrim — Pursuit and Escape of Brothers — Arrest, Imprisonment, and Release of Eldest — Father's House Burnt — Incidents — Influence on Mind and Character, Chap. II. — School and College Days. — 1799-1809. School at Lyle-Hill — Books— Master — Rev. Isaac Patton — The "Shorter Catechism"— Sports — Crumlin Academy — Classical Seminaries in the North of Ireland — Mr. and Mrs. Alexander — Glasgow College — Study — Professors — Drs. Milne and Young — College Life : Associates and Friends —James Carley — Extracts from Memoir by Montgomery — David Whyte — William Finlay — Patrick White — His Letters — Friendly Discus.sions on "Endless Punishment," "Total Depravity," &c. — Letters of D. Whyte and Rev. N. Alexander — Tuition at Seapark — Second Letter of D. Whyte — Degree of M.A.- — Divinity Course — Letter of William Finlay — Return to Seapark — Preparation of Discourses — First Sermon — Licence by the Templepatrick Presbytery, . • . . . . . Iti Chap. III. — Commencement of Ministerial Life and Settle- ment IN DUNMURRY. — 1809-1817. Pulpit Services — Invitation to Donegore — Sketch of Congregation — Trial Sermon — "New Light" Discourse — Rejected by the Elders — Reception at Home — Invitation to Dunmurry— History of Dunmurry Congregation — Place and People — His own Account of his Arrival and Reception — Call and Settlement — Early Ministrations — Doctrinal Views — Marriage in 1812 — Mrs. Montgomery, her Family and Connexions — First Years of Married Life — Residence— Birth of Childien — Teaching — Ministerial and Social Progress— Early Appearances in Synod — Debate in 1813— Aids the Rev. William Porter in defending Dr. Steele Dickson and defeating Dr. Black — Proposed for Clerkship in 1816, but declined Nomination, . . 32 Chap. IV. — Appointment to the Belfast Academical Insti- tution. Its Early History and Objects. Becomes Candidate for Appointment in Belfast Academical Institution — Origin and early Proceedings of Institution — Government — Original Oflicers — Suhscriptions — Buildings — Opening of Schools — First Masters — Opening of College — Resolution of General Synod — Parliamentary Xll. CONTENTS. PAGE Gfant — Early Success — Grant Withdrawn — Independent Support— Reso- lutions of Duiunurry Congregation — Letter announcing Appointment — Invitation to Killileagh — Archibald Hamilton Rowan — His Letter to Montgomery — His Replies, declining the Invitation — Rev. W. D. M'Ewen — His Letter recommending Rev. H. Cooke — Montgomery's Removal to the Institution — His Success — Report of Parliamentary Commissioners — Letter from W. J. C. Allen, Esq. — List and Notices of Assistants : Messrs. J. S. Porter, P. S. Henry, Jas. Simms, B. Stannus, George Hill, John Montgomery, D. L. Blakely, Jas. and A. G. Malcom, William Hamilton, William M'Cready, kc, . . . . .45 Chap. V. — The General Synod of Ulster— its Early His- tory. Subscription and N'on-Subscription. — 1818-1821. Elecled Moderator of Synod (1818)— Synodical Sermon (1819)— The Gospel Ministry — Constitution of General Synod — Origin, Character, &c. — First Presbyterian Settlers in Ireland — Non-Subscribers— Their Varied For- tunes— First General Synod of Ulster (1692) — Subscription First Enacted (1705)— The Seven Years' Conflict— Disruption of Synod (1726)— Presby- tery of Antrim— Old and New Light — Renewal of Friendly Feelings — Causes — Continues till Beginning of present Century — Montgomerj-'s Description of the Synod in 1810 — Political Principles of Ministers and Laity — His Moderatorship ends in Peace — Objections to such Synodical Calm— Refuted — Synodical VV^ork sufficient to the Time and Circum- stances— Agreement to differ, no Compromise of Doctrine— Sermon of Dr. Malcom (1821) on the Holy Scriptures, the Rule of Faith— The Principle of the Reformation — What broke the Peace of the Synod ? — Ap- proach of the Storm — Events immediately preceding the Synodical Con- flicts— Death of Dr. Wm. Nelson, Professor in the Institution — Four Candidates for the Appointment — Excitement of Parties — Rev. William Bruce elected — Theological element introduced— Opinion of Sir R. Bate- son — Of Rev. E. Reid, Moderator of Synod— Outcry of the Orthodox — Rev. H. Cooke comes to the Front — Montgomery's subsequent Reference to the Election in 1841, , '. . . . . .62 Chap. YL- — Commencement of the Institution and Arian Controversies — The Rev. Henry Cooke. — 1822-1824. Synod in Newry, 1822 — Cooke's Declaration of War — His Attack on the In- stitution— Debate — First Encounter of Montgomery and Cooke — Defeat of the latter— Thunderstorm — Sketch of Rev. H. Cooke — His Early His- tory— Religious and Political Views — Character — Talents — Personal Appearance — Oratorj' — Description of him by Montgomery — Becomes a Party Leader — Synod in Armagh, 1823 — Debate Renewed — Two days' Discussion — Opponents of Institution again Defeated — Synod in Money- more, 1824 — Cooke appointed Moderator — Compromise by Opponents of Institution to secure Government Grant — The Code of Discipline — Its Nature, History, and final Adoption — Compromises the question of Sub- scription— Described by Montgomery — Cooke's parting blow at the Arians — His Evidence before the Paiiianientary Committee in 1825 regard- ing the Institution — And before the "Commission of Irish Education Inquiry, " as to number of Arians in Synod — Refutations of the former by Institution Authorities and Students — Actively promoted by Montgomery — Contradictions also by Newspapers and Correspondents — Cooke's Re- joinder— His Appeals to the Orangemen, who support his cause — His Popularity and Influence, . . . . . . .80 CONTENTS. xiii. Chap. VII. — Synodical Conflicts — Coleraine and Bally- MENA.— 1825-1826. Synod in Coleraine, 1825 — Packed Congregation — Cooke's violent Sermon — He carries Eesolutions against Institution — Attacks the Armagh Presby- tery— His War-cry against the Arians — Montgomery's successful Apj)eal — Cooke's Overture against the Presbytery of Antrim — Committee ap- pointed to confer with Proprietors of Institution — Meeting of Proprietors in Belfast — Montgomery's Speech — Resolutions — His Speech at Linen Trade Dinner in Belfast — Synod in Ballymena, 1826— Sermon of Mode- rator, Rev. J. Carlile, in advocacy of Non-Subscription— Attempt to prevent Debate on Institution opposed by Montgomery — Cooke's Speech and Resolution — Carlile's able and successful Defence of Institution —Montgomery's Conciliatory Measure — Moderate Resolutions adopted — Debate on Subscription — Mr. Elder's Motion — Cooke's Speech and Amendment — Carlile's Reply — Synod rejects both Motion and Amend- ment— Prospects of Peace delusive — Publication of Royal Commission Report — Growing Excitement— Preparations for next Cumpaign— Selec- tion of Strabane as place of Meeting, . . . . .97 Chap. VIII. — Meeting of Synod in Strabane — Debate on Subscription. — 1827. Place and People — Crowded Meeting— Moderator's Sermon — Planned Attack on Clerk of Synod — Motion for his Removal as an Arian — Montgomery's immediate Defence— Mr. Porter follows — Warm Discussion — Cooke assails the Arians— Synod adjourns — Debate resumed next day — Rev. R. Stewart's Amendment — Combated by Mr. Porter — Rev. J. Morell's Amendment— Opposed "by Cooke — Passed by a Majority— Protest of Cooke and Party — Third day's Proceedings — Beginning of Real Contest — Cooke's Opening Speech— Proposes Compulsory Test— Seconded by Stewart — Montgomery speaks to " The Previous Question" — The (Ortho- dox persistent — Debate proceeds — Mr. Porter's Address — Rev. G. Hay — Synod adjourns— Debate resumed on Friday morning— Speeches of Ortho- dox Members— Mr. Carlile — Dr. Hanna — Discussion among themselves as to Terms of Test — Montgomery's subsequent Description of Scene — Compares with Council of Nice — Mr. Morell to the Rescue — Declare or Sign? — Rev. R. Campbell— Cooke's "Ulterior Measures" — Rev. John Mitchel — The Scene presented — Montgomery rises to speak — His Per- sonal Appearance — Manner — Voice— Oratory — Sketch fi-om "Synodical Portraits" — His Speech on " Christian Liberty^' — Its Effects — Agitation of the Assembly — Synod obliged to adjourn, . . . .108 Chap. IX. — The Strabane Meeting (Continued) — Applica- tion OF the Test. — 1827. Debate on Subscription resumed — Cooke's Reply to Montgomery — Rev. F. Blakely— Rev. N. Alexander— Stewart closes Debate — -The Division — "Believe or not" — The Numbers — Protest of Minority — Montgomery's Account of the Scene and Circumstances — Aspect of the House — He avows himself an Arian, and retires before the Division — Private Visit from a "Believer" — Adveiiti;re at Urney Meetin^z-house — Calvinistic Expecta- tions not realised— Heart against Creed — Liberal and New Light I'rogress — Interest excited by Montgomery's Speech — Reprints and Circulation — Complimentary Publication — Public Testimonial — Presentation ol Service of Plate— Report of Proceedings— Address and Reply, . . . 134 XIV, CONTENTS. PAGE Chap. X. — Review of Domestic and Social Life. — 1817-1828. Domestic Circle — Children — Letter to Eldest Daughter — Prosperity of English School and Institution — Contemporary Head Masters — Dr. Nelson — Dr. Hincks — Dr. Thomson, &C — Montgomery as a Teacher — System of Instruction — Composition and Elocution — His Pupils — Their after Pursuits — Varied Lives — Distinguished Careers — His Social Quali- ties and Position — Belfast Society— Hospitalities — First Visit to Eng- land—Political Principles — Early Advocacy of Catholic Emancipation — County Meeting in Belfast (1828) — The Dinner— Dr. Crolly— Mont- gomery's Health and Reply — Dr. CroUy's Complimentary Remarks on Institution — Charity Sermon for House of Industry — Collection, . 159 Chap. XI. — Continuation of the Arian Controversy — The CooKSTowN Meeting. — 1828. Cookstown — Meeting of Synod — Position of Parties — Old and New Modera- tors— Discussion on Clerkship — Analysis of Numbers for and against Strabane Test — Absentees required to vote — Rev. John M'Cance — Rev. "William Finlay — Discussion on Arianism — Morell's Resolutions — Their Strategical Character — Seconded by Carlile — Cooke's Speech and Amend- ments— Messrs. Dill, Campbell, Elder, Brown, Johnston, M'CuUough, Dr. Wright, Messrs. Barnett, Jj^g, &c. — Speeches of N. Alexander and F. Blakely — Montgomery addj^Rs the Synod — Difficulties of his Task — His Speech described — Eulog«la by Stewart, Cooke, and Dr. Porter, "Northern Whig," and "Belfast News-Letter" — Stewart's Reply — Described by Montgomery — Close of Debate — Division — Vote virtually decisive — Comparison of Strabane and Cookstown Divisions— Numerical Strength of Non-Subscribers, Apparent and Real — True Causes of Dis- crepancy— Synod adjourned, ...... 170 Chap. XII. — Conclusion of the Cookstown Meeting. — 1828. Synod re-assembles — Protest against the Overture — Signatures — Discussion regarding Fisherwick Place Congregation — Cooke defeated — His "Keply to Montgomery" — The "Authentic Report" — "Aladdin's Lamp" — His Arguments against "Private Judgment" — Montgomery's Answer— Their Fallacy demonstrated — " Notes of the Synod" — Opponents of Cooke not allowed a Hearing — The Case of James Simms — Congregational Memorials — Extraordinary Proposal — The Meeting concludes — Publication of Mont- gomery's Letter in Reply to Cooke — Its Character and Power, . . 199 Chap, XIII. — JSTotes of a Tour in the Highlands of Scotland. — 1828. Compagnons du Voyage — The Passage — The "Saints" — The Curate — Scenery of the Clyde — Rothesay — The Kyles of Bute — Loch Fine — The Glasgow Merchant converted — An Admiring "Compatriot" — Inverary Castle — Highland Inns and Charges— Tarbert — Loch Lomond — Inversnaid — The Provost and his Daughters — Highland Generalship — Loch Katrine — A Contrast — "Ellen's Isle" — The Trosachs — The Inn — A Disappointment — Irish Generalship — A Morning Walk — Loch Achray — Benvenue — The Guide — The Ascent and Return, . , . . , . 2\i CONTENTS. XV. PAGE Chap. XIV. — Visit to Manchester and London — Catholic Emancipation. — 1828-1829. Letter from Eev. D. Wliyte — Preached in Bailee, &c. — State of Ireland — A(;itation for Catholic Emancipation — The "Catholic Association" — " Rente " — O'Connell, &c. — Brunswick Clubs — -Exasperation of Parties — Encounter at Ballibay— Apprehended Outbreak— " Northern Whic" — ■ "Times" — Montgomery's Visit to Manchester — Anniversary Services — Sermon on "Unity of the Spirit" — His Tribute to Dr. Channino- — Speech on Catholic Emancipation — Complimentary Dinner in London — The Company — The Chairman's Remarks— His Speech — Newspaper Notices — Eminent English Unitarians— Presentation from Greengate Con- gregation, Salford — Sermons published: "Religious and Moral Educa- tion;" "Christ the Saviour" — Belfast great Catholic Meeting— Mont- gomery's Speech from the Altar — The Dinner — Dr. Crolly's Eulogy — Enthusiastic Reception — Addresses — Passing of Roman Catholic Relief Bill — Absence from "Conciliation Dinner" — Charity Sermon for Poor Weavers — Newspaper Notices — ^Its Effect on a Methodist Hearer de- scribed, ......... 22t) Chap. XV. — Progress of the Non-Subscription Controversy — Presbyterian Meeting in Belfast. — 1828. Encounters of Montgomery and Cooke — Meeting of Theological Committee — Character of its Examination — Preliminary Meeting of Non-Subscribers — Advertisement for Presbyterian Meeting — Letter of Cooke and Stewart — • The Meeting — Synodical Overtures and Protests rea