LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON. N. J. PRESENTED BY Library of Dr. A. A. Hodge BX 9060 .R44 1853 v. 3 Reid, James Seaton, 1798- 1851. A history of the Presbyterian Church in ^: ...«^ Ny HISTORY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND, COMPRISING THE CIVIL HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE OF ULSTER. FROM THE ACCESSION OF JAMES THE FIRST: PBELIMINAEY SKETCH OF THE PEOGRESS OF THE EEFOEMED EELIGION IN lEELAND DXJEING THE SIXTEENTH CENTUET. gill Jipnilri^", aiisistiiig 0f fnpital |a^crs. BY JAMES SEATON EEID, D.D., M.R.I.A., PROFESSOR OP ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIL HISTORY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OLASOOW, CONTINUED TO THE PRESENT TIME BY W. D. KILLEN, D.J)., PROFESSOR OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY AND PASTORAL THEOLOGY FOB THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND. " Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase. For inquire, I pray thee, of the fonner age, and prepare thyself to the search oi their fathers : — shall not they toach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart !" — Boot of Jolt- VOL. III. SECOND EDITION, WITH AN INDEX. LONDON: WHITTAKEE AND CO. EDINBURGH : OLIVER &, BOYD. GLASGOW : MAURICE OGLE Popularity of Dr. Cooke . . 491 Happy results of the Unitarian secession .... 492 The Rev. J. S. Reid elected clerk of the synod of Ulster . (7(. Establishment of Fisherwick Place congregation, Belfast, and labours of Rev. James Morgan . . . .49.1 Controversy respecting the na- tional system of education . 49t» Adoption of unqualified subscrip- tion to the Westminster Con- fession . . . .502 Renewal of intercourse witli the Established Church of Scot- land ..... ib. Equalisation of the Regium Do- num ..... 503 Efforts to promote a union be- tween the Secession Synod and the Synod of Ulster . . 5 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxii. commendations : — " Tliat all ministers continue as formei'ly to marry sucli as call them thereunto, the purpose of marriage being thrice published beforehand. That in case any ministers be cited to the official court, they appear by their proctor, and demand a copy of their libel. That some counsellor, learned in the law, be consulted whether our assisting at our people's marriages be contrary to law, and what is the most proper method for us to defend ourselves,"^ These resolutions indicate the diffi- culties with which they were now beset on this point. At a subsequent meeting, it was resolved to bring the whole subject before the notice of the new lord-lieutenant, and entreat the in- terposition of the government to stop these harsh proceedings. They embodied their case in a memorial, wliich was laid before his excellency in the beginning of October, and which, as it has never been printed, and supplies important information, to which the recent discussions on the same subject impart additional in- terest, may be inserted in full.^ It commences thus : — " That whereas his sacred majesty and royal consort of ever- blessed memory, from their princely clemency and pious affi3ction to their peaceable and loyal svibjects, were pleased to grant your petitioners full assurance of their protection in the free exercise of our religion, which has not only been repeated since by his ma- jesty, but faithfully performed and continued by all in chief authority under him in this kingdom, your excellency also being pleased of late to strengthen our hopes of its continuance. And, tho' we are not conscious to ourselves of forfeiting the favour allowed us, we are surprised to find some officials in this part of the kingdom endeavouring to deprive us of what we have so long 1 MS. Minutes of the Presbytery of Antrim. 2 Taken from the Wodrow MSS. in the Advocates' library ; Jac. v. 1, 2Y, folio, vol. li., No. 48, p. 63. No date is given, nor does the name of the lord-lieutenant appear in the document ; but there can be no doubt it was presented at this time to the Earl of Rochester. The discussions on this sub- ject, -which issued in the Irish Marriage Act of 1844, have induced me to preserve this early testimony of our fathers to these facts — that they had celebrated marriage from their first settlement in Ireland, and that tho validity of these marriages had never been questioned in the civil courts. A.D. 1701. CHURCH IN IRELAND. .'J peaceably enjoyed ; as appears by their pursuing both ministers and people in their courts for their nonconformity to the rules and ceremonies of the Cliurch — ministers for solemnising mar- riage clandestinely as they please to call it, and making void such marriages by obliging persons so married pubhckly to confess themselves guilty of the damnable sin of fornication, to the no small grief of your petitioners who are hereby made infamous, their children incapable of succeeding to their effects, and of divers other privileges as being bastards : All which we are per- suaded is done without the knowledge or consent of the govern- ment. Wherefore we, being necessitated to fly for refuge to your excellency, humbly beg your patient consideration of these few things. " 1. Your petitioners having been a considerable body of Pro- testant subjects in this kingdom now about eighty years, who, tho' tlissenting from the Established Church in some things, yet in all revolutions continued loyal and peaceable, suffei*ing for our loyalty in the time of usurpation to that degree that King Charles II. observed it, protected your petitioners, and gave the ministers a royal pension : And we cannot think our late active zeal for the preservation of this kuigdom can be forgotten by those who found our assistance so heartily granted and useful. 2. As the Established Church doth, so we profess marriage to be a holy ordinance of God, and an honourable state by Christians reli- giously and publickly to be entered into, with pious exhortation and prayer suitable to the occasion by a minister of tho Word. Wherefore it hath been and is our ordinary practice, and through God's assistance our resolution so to do when thereto called ; not being free in conscience to conform to what the service-book re- quires in this matter, whereof we are Mailing and ready to give our reasons when required. 3. As no minister of our profession hath tUl now of late ever been troubled on such account, so the civil magistrate hath never made void such marriage, or denied to your petitioners the privileges proper to lawful marriage. 4. All official courts have hitherto granted administrations, probate of wills, &c., to the widows and children of such marriages, as VOL. III. r$ 4 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxii. they did to others in the like case : the parish minister also con- stantly receiving his accustomed dues, as if they were married by himself ; -whereby we believe they have judged such mar- riages lawful, else we do not understand how they could demand so much money as they have received for many years from your petitioners. " Wherefore may it please your excellency to consider how gi'ievous it may be to a great part of his majesty's subjects, if all marriages not solemnised according to the rules of the Esta- blished Church should be declared void, and their children there- by bastardised ; seeing hereby not only Presbyterians, Papists, and Quakers, must be great sufferers, but also many of the con- forming clergy and laity descended from parents so married, of whom we are well assured there be several in this kingdom. Nor can it escape your wise consideration how unseasonable at this time it is to move such debates, which cannot but create ani- mosities and disunite the affections of Protestants, Avhen not only the consciences of some but the reputation and civil interest of many must be deeply engaged. We hope therefore Grod will direct your excellency to put a speedy stop to such proceedings as are not only a present grievance, but may prove of evil con- sequence to our posterity." The lord-lieutenant appears to have been so embarrassed by the proceedings against the Presbyterians, as detailed in this petition, that he immediately wrote to London for instructions how to act, and stated his determination to observe, in the mean- time, the utmost prudence and caution. Mr. Vernon, the secre- tary of state, was unable, in the absence of the king in Holland, to furnish him with the necessary directions. He consulted the Archbishop of Canterbury on the subject, but he, too, was unprepared to give an opinion, viewing it " as a matter of weight that may have great consequence either way." Mr. Yernon also called to his aid the Bishop of Clogher, then in London ; and, as was to be expected, he appears to have defended the proceed- ings against the Presbyterian marriages, assuring the secretary of his having heard, from one of the primate's officials, that the prosecutions in the bishops' courts had produced "this good AD. 1702. CHURCn IN IRELAND. 5 effect already, that some of the Presbyterian ministers had ap- peared, and submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of tliese courts ; and having promised they would forbear for the future this practice of marrying, they were discharged." Mr. Vernon not only distrusted this piece of news, but lamented these harsh proceedings against the Presbyterians, " I cannot but think it very unfortunate," he writes to the lord-lieutenant, " if in our present cu-cumstances people of any profession should come to extremities one with another. I am very confident his majesty will approve of your excellency's resolution to proceed in this matter -with great caution. When he comes to England I shall desire to know his pleasure as to what he would have signified to your excellency about it.''^ When the subject was brought under the notice of King William, his majesty, as was to be expected, disapproved of the proceedings against the Presbyterians, and ex- pressed a wish that some expedient might be found for putting a stop to these prosecutions, without interfering with the rights of the Established Church.* Whether the lord-lieutenant made any eftbrt to comply with the wish of the king does not appear.^ He soon after returned to England, entrusting the government to the same lords-justices that had been employed before his arrival, with the addition of two others, who were sworn into ofiice in the end of the year 1701, and who, with an archbishop at their head, were not likely to do anything to befriend the Presbyterians. And, in fact, the prosecutions in the bishops* courts against marriages continued to multiply to such a degree, that the synod was compelled, in less than half a year, to renew " Singer's "Correspondence of Henry, Earl of Claroiulon, ■■xnrlof the Earl of Rochester." Lond. 1828, 4to, vol. ii. p. 404. * Ibid, vol. ii. p. 421. * Bishop Burnet, in his " History of his Own Time," says of Lord Roches- ter, while in Ireland at this time, that " he used much art in obliging people of all sorts, dissenters as well as Papists;" but that, notwithstanding, "such confidence was put in him by the High Church party, that they bore everything at his hands ;" Oxford edit,, 1823, vol. iv. p. 524. It might bo inferred front this passage, that the lord-lieutenant had done something to favour the Prcsbytrrians, but I can discover no trace of any sucii proceeding vn his part. 6 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxii. their complaints to the Irish government, but with diminished hopes of redress. For their great protector, King William, died in the month of March 1701. No heavier blow could have fallen upon the cause of toleration, and the interests of the Presby- terian Church in Ireland, than the death of this truly great man. By no party in Ireland was his loss more sincerely deplored than by the Presbyterians. Though the paramount influence of an intolerant faction defeated most of his plans in their favour, yet his very name was felt to be a tower of strength on their side, of which their opponents now rejoiced to see them deprived. In proportion as the Presbyterians were grieved for the death of the king, the High Church party were filled with hopes that the time had now at length arrived, when they would be able to tread under foot the dissenters, by not only depriving them of their right to hold ofiice, by means of a Test Act, but by with- holding that legal toleration which they professed themselves so ready to grant, the moment such an act were passed. This was a crisis, of which their vigilant and jealous foe. Bishop King of Deny, was sure to avail himself, in order to push forward his schemes against them. He had scarcely heard of the king's death when he wrote to the Bishop of Clogher, who was still in London, urging him to move the government, either to withdraw altogether the grant of Royal Bovnity, which he alleged had been abused, for the purpose of erecting new congregations where they were not required ; or, if continued, to place it on such a footing as might render the ministers subservient to the government, and might introduce, at the same time, divisions among them. The bishop's proposal was, " The government ought to keep the dis- posal of the fund in their own hands, and encourage those only by it that comply as they would have them. By which means every particular minister would be at their mercy ; and it might be so managed as to be an instrument of division and jealousy amongst them." So anxious was he for the adoption of this moan and disgraceful plan for weakening the Presbyterian cause, that a few days afterwards he pressed it on the notice of Sir Robert Southwell, the secretary for Ireland, in a letter which is too A.D. 1702. CHUKCII L\ IRELAND. 7 characteristic and instructive to be withheld. He thus wrote in the end of March 1702 :— "As to the dissenters of Ireland, they seem to be in great fear, and nothing could show more clearly the interest they thought themselves to have in his late majesty's favour, than the dejection that appears amongst them at px'csent. I believe good use might be made of this if rightly ^managed ; and that right methods now used might bring in many of them. I find that they are now in most places come to that pass, that they do not I)lead conscience for their nonconformity ; but say they can't do it [i.e., conform to the Episcopal Church] safely, their depen- dence being on that party who are able to ruin them if they do not stick to them. The acts by which they keep up their party are, to take no apprentices that wiU not engage to go to the meet- ing with them ; to employ none nor trade with any that are not of their own sort, if they can help it ; to plant their land ■with such ; and on all juries and other occasions to favour such more than justice. In all those they have been supported and coun- tenanced, and he was looked on as disaffected to the government that formerly complained of them. You may remember that they had £1200 per annum settled on them out of the treasury. Some of the most eminent of their ministers were trustees for it, which created a sort of dependence of the press [rest ?] upon them, and enabled them to manage their affairs by joint coun- cils ; for these [trustees] were a general committee and centre of unity for their whole body. They employed this money to settle meetings through the whole kingdom ; and by this they maintained their emissaries, till they had seduced enough to support their teachers ; by this means the most busy factious persons had the best shares. But I hope this will fail them for the future ; or, if it be continued, it will be jDUt in good hands that wUl give it [to] the most humble, peaceable and complying; and some good use may be made of such contrivance if it must be continued. 1 may tell you their insolence has much in- creased. They have insulted both the clergy and laity, and made our ecclesiastical offices more and more [despised ?] every day; particularly assuming to themselves the privileges of cele- y HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxu. bratiug marriages. Nay, there is cue instance very remarkable of their confidence. A clergyman had purchased a lease on which there was a meeting-house ; he refused to let them enjoy it gratis ; on which they came in a body, broke it ojien, preached in it, and then pulled it down and carried away the materials. The clergyman brought a constable and a justice of the peace's warrant to quiet the riot. But they slighted both, and when examinations were taken against them, they puffed the justices of the peace that took them, and gave out that they cared not what they did against them, for they had employed their agent in England to obtain from his majesty an order to stop pro- ceedings. We hope that such actions as these will not be coun- tenanced ; for though, I believe, they were not approved before, yet they believed they were, which had much the same effect."^ * King's MS. Correspondence. It is not a little curious to observe how every piece of scandal to the discredit of Presbyterians found its way to the cars of Bishop King, no matter where it occurred. The incident to which he refers in the above letter, of the pulling down of a meeting-house, took place at Cookstown, in the diocese of Armagh, in the middle of the previous October. The following is a correct version of this affair, as re- coi'ded at the time, by William Stewart, Esq., of Killymoon, the magis- trate alluded to by the bishop ns having granted the warrant to quiet the alleged riot. It appears that the meeting-house in question had been built by the congregation, under the Rev. John Mackenzie, soon after the Revolu- tion, partly on commonable land, and partly on a piece of ground recently taken off the common without authority, by a tenant of the above Mr. Stewart. This person, in 1695, surrendered his holding, and Mr. Stewart let it to one Logan ; and, in his account of this affair, he declares that, iu his lease to Logan, he never intended to include any right to the gi'ound on which the meeting-house stood, which he considered as part of the common, and for which the Presbyterians had never been asked for any rent by either of his two tenants. In the year 1701, the Rev. John Richardson, then rector of the parish, and a very violent High-Churchman, as appears by letters of his which I have seen, bought Logan's interest in the lease, evidently for the purpose of getting rid of this obnoxious conventicle. Having got possession of Logan's holding, he claimed the house and ground as his; and if wc are to credit Bishop King, for Mr. Stewart does not mention the fact, he had laid a rent on the house, which it is probable the congregation had refused to pay. Accordingly, selecting, with malicious perversity, a week-day, on which there was Divine service in the house, he closed up the doors, and prevented all ingress. When the people assembled for worthip, they very AD. 1702. cr^URCH IN irp:land. 9 The wretched spirit of jealousy and intolerance displayed in this letter now betyan to exhibit itself more openly against the Presbyterians, and continued steadily to increase among the clergy during the whole of Queen Anne's reign. In the mean- time, the former prosecutions against their marriages, so far from being checked, were encouraged, while indications appeared of a design to suspend the payment of the Royal Bounty grant. On both these matters the synod of this year, 1 702, were compelled once more to lay their complaints before the lord-lieutenant. But no redress was to be expected, when the advisers of the government were two bishops, and, one of these, King of Deny. These prelates, when consulted " about the complaint by the Presbyterians in the North of a fresh prosecution against their ministers on account of their marriages," took upon them to assure the lords-justices, that so far from that complaint being well-founded, those prosecutions had been less vigorous since the Iving's death than previously, " because the bishops would not uaturall}' felt indignant at this summary eviction out of their own property ; and breaking open a passage through the side-wall, they entered, and having held their worship as usual, they immediately proceeded to unroof tlic house, which would be only thatched, and were removing the materials for the purpose of erecting it elsewhere, when the rector obtained a warrant from Mr. Stewart to apprehend tlie people as rioters, which was granted, and about twenty of them were afterwards bound over by the bench of magis- trates to be tried for the riot at the next assizes. On the same day, Mr. Stewart examined the place, and declares that, according to the evidence of some of the oldest inhabitants there, who pointed out the mearings, the meeting-house was manifestly built altogether on the common. I am in- debted to the kindness of the late Colonel Stewart of Killymoon for a perusal of the original memorandum relative to this matter by his ancestor, who died in 1705, and who concludes it thus — "The great noise of tliis affair, and various reports of it, made me think fit to give this account thereof; leaving to the judgment of the more understanding if the taking down and removing the house in manner as aforesaid will amount to a riot." I have not been able to ascertain the issue of the trial ot these alleged rioters. The widow of Mr. Stewart, who was a daughter of Mr. Shaw of Ballygelly, in the county of Antrim, and a decided Presbyterian, had the meeting-house rebuilt in the Killymoon demesne, out of roach of the in- tolerant rector, wliere it continued till tlio year 17G4. 10 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHAP, XXII. give the dissenters occasion to believe the expectations they [the bishops] had from her majesty's favour to the Church induced them to be more severe than otherwise they would be to these people." But they added, that such prosecutions were absolutely necessary, lest the Presbyterians " should be encouraged to make further encroachments on the Church, and their own clergy be too much discouraged by it.'"^ With regard to the Eoyal Bounty grant, the synod had also complained of its payment being suspended; but the lords -justices, in the beginning of July, reported to his excellency in England that this complaint was vnafounded, though the only evidence they had was, not the pro- duction of the proper vouchers, but the bare assertion of a subor- dinate official in the treasury, afterwards proved to be un- worthy of credit, who assured them, that out of three quarters' salary then payable, the ministers had received two quarters ; which, if paid at all, had probably been remitted after the com^ plaint had been laid before the lord-lieutenant in the beginning of the previous month.^ The govermnent found it would be inex- pedient to suspend this grant at the present conjuncture. The last patent had been made void by the death of King William, and Queen Anne was advised to issue a new one as formerly. Her letter or warrant, addressed to the Irish government, was dated in the month of December after her accession, and in the follow- ing March, letters patent were issued, inider the great seal of Ireland, constituting thirteen ministers trustees for the distribu- tion of the grant,^ But though the Royal Bounty was thus con- ' Singer's "Correspondence of Clarendon and Rochester," vol. ii. p. 447, 448. 8 Ibid, p. 449. This under officer in the treasury was one Thomas Put- land, who, fire years aftewards, was convicted by the House of Commons of having " notoriously betrayed the trust reposed in him," and declared " unfit to servo in any public employment." Journals of Irish Commons, vol. iii. p. 494. ^ This third sot of trustees consisted of the Rev. Messrs. Craghead and Hutchison, the only survivors oiiho first trustees ; the Rev. Messrs. Bruce, Iredell, M 'Bride, Malcome, and Hutchinson, of the second set, (see page 7 of this volume), with the following new trustees, the Rev. Andrew Ferguson, minister of Burt, the Rev. William Holmes of Strabane, the Rev. John Stirling A.D. 1702. CHURCH IN 'IRELAND. 11 tiiiuod, it appears that Bishop King's ungenerous suggestion to change the mode of its distribution, in order to render its recipients more directly dependent on the government, was not forgotten. The power of allocating the amount among the ministers was now Avithdrawu from the trustees, and transferred to the lord-lieutenant, who was empowered to distribute it iu such portions, and to such ministers, as he pleased. The Rev. Mr. Iredell, who had been comuussioned to correspond with friends iu London on tliis matter, produced to the synod " a letter from the Rev. Daniel Williams of London, showing that the Royal Bounty is secured, though to be distributed after another manner ;" and he added, he had written to Mr. Williams, who had heard that the grant had been paid in unequal portions, to assure him that it had always been equally divided by the trustees among their brethren.^" The grant was accordingly no longer entered on the Irish establishment in this form, " To Presbyterian ministers," as it had appeared during the previous reign. It henceforth stood thus : — " To be distributed among such of the nonconforming ministers, by warrant fi'om the lord- lieutenant or other chief governor or governors for the time being, in such manner as ho or they shall find necessary for our service or the good of that kingdom."^! There is no reason to believe, however, that any real change in its mode of distribution took place, or that any attempt was made to interfere with the in- dependence of individual ministers by means of this alteration. It appears to have been distributed in equal portions to all the ministers as before this change ; the government declining the of Ballykclly, the Rev. Robert Haltridgo of Finvoy, the Rev. Thomas Orr of Comber, and the Rev. James Kirkpatrick of Templepatrick, and afterwards of Belfast. lo To corroborate Mr. Iredell's statement, I find that there was sent over to Mr. Williams, to be laid before the government, the affidavit of Mr. Thomas Crawford, sworn before one John Humphrey, a public notary in Belfast, in August 1703, stating that, since the first grant of the Royal Bounty by King William, he had been agent for its distribution, and that he had uniformly divided it, share and share alike, among the ministers. State Paper Office, I,ondori. ' Liber Ilibcrnia-. 12 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxii. invidious responsibility which was sought to be imposed on it for the base and sinister purposes suggested by Bishop King. Meanwhile, the Presbyterian cause continued to prosper, and the number of ministers and congregations was steadily in- creasing. Some of the presbyteries had now grown too large for the proper discharge of their duties ; and it became neces- sary to reduce the number of members in each by the formation of new presbyteries, in order to secure a more efficient oversight of the various departments of the Church. Accordingly, tlie synod, in this year, constituted two new presbyteries out of the overgrown presbytery of Tyrone, and one out of that of the Lagan ; at the same time, an additional sub-synod was formed, // / and appointed to meet statedly at Monaghan, so that there were now nine presbyteries, distributed into three sub-synods, the superintendence of the whole being under one general synod, which continued to meet annually at Antrim in the first week of June.i- There were still great difficulties in obtaining an ade- quate supply of ministers for the increasing number of congre- gations. The Church, however, never relaxed her effijrts to secure the services of pious and educated men. To prevent any candidates being admitted to the ministxy, save those who wore sound in the faith, the synod, in 1698, had enacted, in confor- mity with the law of the Established Church of Scotland, that no young man should be licensed to preach the Grospel, unless " he subscribe the Confession of Faith in all the articles thereof, as the confession of his faith." But it was not deemed suffi- cient to have provided for the orthodoxy of ministers — efforts were now also made to elevate the standard of their professional education. The synod in this year resolved not to enter any one on trials for license to preach, unless he had studied diAonity for no less than four years after having completed his course of philosophy.12 By these means the ministry of the Presbyterian 1" The names of the presbytorios at this period were, Down, Belftist, Antrim, Coleraine, Armagh, Tyrone, sometimes called Cookstown, Monaghan, or Stonebridge, Derrj', and Convoy. The sub-synods were now styled, Bel- fast, Monaghan and Lagan. " It was afterwards resolved by the synod, in IT'^T, that all young men A.n. 1702. . CHURCH IN IRELAND. 13 Church became every year more and more respectable in literary and theological attainments. They were all sincerely attached to the system of Divine truth, as set forth in the standards of their own and their mother Church of Scotland, where most of them had I'cceivcd tlieir education. ^^ To these standards the fathers of the Church in Ulster had steadfastly adhered ; and they had uniformly required, from those about to be ordained, either a verbal assent to them, or, as enacted a few years after- wards, a written, and subsequently a recorded subscription, to the Westminster Confession of Faith. No departure from the doctrines of this admirable confession had yet appeared among tlic ministers in Ulster, or elsewhere in Ireland ; and when, in June of this year,~the Rev. Thomas Embyn, one of the ministers /\ on trial for tho ministry "should be able to interpret tho Hebrew psalter, ad aperturam Ubn ;" and, in 1709, the synod appropriated £10 per annum out of the general fund to the Rev. Fulk White, minister of Broughshane, in the county of Antrim, " to encourage him in teaching Hebrew." MS. Minutes of Synod. '* I find the names of very many ministers in Ubtcr in the matriculation- books of the university of Glasgow, from the Revolution downwards. Several also studied in the universities of St. Andrews and Edinburgh. The num- ber of students from Ireland who frequented the university of Glasgow was very considerable. Thus, I may state, that in this year (1702), 43 Irish students matriculated, the total number of matriculations being 134. Many of these students were not designed for the Presbyterian Church, several of them were for the Episcopal Church, and many such continued to receive their education at Glasgow down to the close of this century. I have seen a private diary, kept by tho Rev. Robert Gordon, who was minister of Rathfriland from 1711 to 17G2, from which itappears that he studied theology in Edinburgh, where, in 1.704, he paid " fourteenpence weekly for his cham- ber." The session closed in June. Mr. Gordon was a native of Donaghadee, and we learn that, in summer, public worship was usually held at eight o'clock, at ten o'clock, and in the afternoon, and in winter twice each Sabbath ; there was also public worship regularly every Wednesday. On Sunday, July 2, 1704, he was at tho administration of the Lord's Supper at Killileagh ; the service began about seven o'clock in the morning : there were seven tables. The next Sabbath ho was at the Cumber com- munion, where there were ten tables and a half ; worship began at eight o'clock. I may add that this truly patriarchal minister, of above lialf a century's standing, was thrice married, and was the father of twenty-six ^'hildren, comprising thirteen eons and thirteen daughters I (/ / 14 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cnAP. xxii. of Wood Street, in Dublin, was suspected of denying the deity of the Saviour, the other Presbyterian ministers of the metro- polis were greatly alarmed at the prospect of so vital an error creeping in among their congregations. They instituted an in- '• quiry into the matter, and Mr. Embyn having avowed himself an Arian, he was immediately deposed by them from the ministry, as " holding a doctrine which struck at the foundation of Chris- tianity, and was of too dangerous a consequence to be tolerated among them."i° In the spring of the following year, he pub- lished a defence of his doctrinal views ; and for this work, which was fairly and temperately written, he was most unjustly indicted for blasphemy, but not at the suggestion of any of the ministers ; he was tried in the Court of Queen's Bench, and found guilty, and suffered a cruel and unjustifiable imprisonment of above two years. In the North, no similar departure from the doc- trines of the Gospel had occurred ; ministers and people were \ firmly imited in maintaining the same faith, and the Church in Ulster was enjoying a remarkable degree of prosj)erity just at I this crisis, when political changes were prejiaring new trials for her members. Queen Anne, immediately after her accession, placed herself under the guidance of the High Church Tories. That party now gained a complete ascendency, and the baneful effects of the change were soon felt by the Irish Presbyterians. The Earl of Rochester, uncle to the queen, was continued in the office of lord-lievitenant, but he resided in England, and the government was administered by lords-justices. The first English parliament in this reign met in the end of this year, and, early in the fol- lowing year, 1703, they passed a bill which, by a clause added /O /' to it in the House of Lords,!" and afterwards adopted by the commons,!'^ extended to Ireland, the provisions of an act of King 15 " The Difference between Mr. Enijoyn and the Dissenting Ministers of Dublin, truly represented, " quoted in M.tthews' ' ' Recount of Embyn's Trial .' ' Dub. 1839, 8vo, p. 17, 18. 1" Journals of the English Lords, vul. xvii. p. 2G9 ; 4lh Fob. 1' Journals of the English Commons, vol. xiv. p. 194 ; 13th Feb. It received the royal assent on the 27th of February 1703. ^ A.D. 1703. CHURCH IN IRELAND. J'> William's last parliament,!*^ by which all persons in office, civil, military, or ecclesiastical, were required to take the oath of ab- juration. By this oath it was declared, that the person pretend- ing formerly to be the Prince of Wales, and now to be King of England, by the title of James III., had no right or title what- soever to the crown. By the first clause of the bill, the 1st of August following was declared to be the last day for taking this oath ; and by the fourth clause, which extended the opera- tion of the act to Ireland, it was enacted, by a solecism in legis- lation, that the oath should be taken by " all preachers and teachers of separate congregations," though such parties in Ire- land had as yet no existence in the eye of the law, but were positively prohibited by statute, under severe penalties, from having any standing in the kingdom.!^ To carry out the pro- visions of this English statute, and to prepare for a new elec- tion, and the subsequent assembling of a parliament in Ii-eland, the queen was anxious that Lord Rochester should return to his government. But he positively refused to leave England ; and in his room the Duke of Ormond was appointed lord- lieutenant, in the month of February. The oath of abjuration was almost uni- versally taken by the Presbyterian ministers in Ireland. The only exceptions were the Rev. Mr. M'Bride of Belfast, the Rev. Alexander ISI'Cracken of Lisburn, the Rev. John Riddel of Glenavy, or Ballindorry, and the Rev. Thomas Stirling of Der- vock : the Rev. Gideon Jacquo, and the Rev. Patrick Dunlop, formerly minister of Stonebridge, also joined with these minis- ters, but they did not at this period hold any pastoral charges in 18 13 & U Will. III., chap. C 19 1 Anne, stat. 2, chap. 21, in the authentic edition of the English statutes, published by the Record Commission in 1821; it is chap. 17 in the previous editions. The anonL-xlous provision respecting Irish dissenting ministers had been inadvertently copied from King William's act, in which it was quite correct, for English dissenting ministers were duly recognised and protected by their Toleration Act, whereas in Ireland they wore still beyond the pale of the law — a fact probably not known to the new advisers of her majesty. Irish Presbyterians have, down to very recent times, found Eng- lish ministries, whether Whigs or Tories, very ignorant of their history and position in Ireland. 16 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERTA.N chap. xxir. Ulster.20 These non-jurors, as they were called, while they gave every assurance of their loyalty and allegiance to Queen Anne, and to the Protestant succession in the house of Hanover, scrupled to take the oath, for these, among other reasons — ^be- cause they conceived it required them to swear that to be a fact of which they were not fully convinced, namely, that the Pretender was not the son of the late King James II.,2i and because they conceived the terms of the oath bound them to conform to, or at least to protect and defend, the English Church. The High Church party eagerly seized on their refusal to brand them as Jacobites and disloyal, and to cast the same reproach on the Presbyterians generally, while many of their own friends la- mented this unseasonable scrupulosity. Some unpleasant pro- ceedings took place in the jiresbytery of Belfast, owing to certain observations which the Rev. Mr. Malcome of Dunmiu-ry had made, on the refusal of his neighbour, the Rev. Mr. M'Cracken of Lisburn, to take the oath. This case was carried by appeal to the subsequent synod, who found both parties to be more or less culpable. At the same time, an overture or resolution was unanimously adopted by the synod, inculcating mutual forbear- ance, and exhorting ministers to avoid all personal reflections on one another, whether in public or in private, which might intro- duce divisions among them, and thus impair then- influence as a body. The non-juring ministers were in the first instance unmolested. Efforts were indeed made, without loss of time, to put the law in execution against them, but happily without effect. Mr. M'Bride of Belfast, who afterwards suffered so much for refusing to take the oath, has given the following account of these unsuccessful at- tempts : — "Although there was a warrant appointed by the lord- lieutenant to be written, and was also by the sub-secretary writ- 20 Jacque was a member of the presbytery of Tyrone, but without a charge. See chapter xx., note 33, p. 18, and Wodrow's MS. Letters in the Advocates' library, Edinburgh, vol. vi., No. 59. 21 The reader may see the reasons assigned by these brethren, or at least by one of them, for refusing the oath, in " Tlie Wodrow Correspondence," vol. i. p. 15S, - CHURCH IN IH1:LAND. 49 elurgy will find it perlia|).s no difficult matter to bring great num- bers over to the Church ; and in the meantime the common people, without leaders, without discipline, or natural courage, being little better than hewers of wood and drawers of water, are out of all capacity of doing any mischief, if they were ever so well inclined." On the other hand, he illustrates the danger to bo apprehended from the Presbyterians, as contrasted with the Romanists, by this striking, but not very complimentary metaphor: " 'Tis agreed among naturalists that a lion is a larger, a stronger, and more dangerous enemy than a cat. Yet if a man were to have his choice, either a lion at his foot, bound fast with three or four chains, his teeth drawn out, and his claws pai-ed to the quick, or an angry cat in full liberty at his throat, he would take no long time to determine." Scarcely had this cle\er and plausible pamphlet appeared, when another clerical controversialist, but of far inferior talent, has- tened to attack the Presbyterians with the most offensive scur- rility, and a total disregard of candour and of truth. This was the Rev. William Tisdall, D.D., the vicar of Belfast."^* A few years previously, he had endeavoured, by a suit at law, to bring that town under the operation of the " Act for the provision of ministers in cities, corporate towns," &e.,''^ by which a heavy house-tax would have been imposed, in all time coming, on the inhabitants, in order to provide a higher salary for the legal in- cumbent. All parties in the to^vn, whether churchmen or dis- senters, resisted this illegal attempt ; and the rapacious vicar was defeated by a judgment of the Court of Queen's Bench, in the year 170G, which he in vain endeavoured to have reversed by the privy-council.'''' This mortifying result he was pleased to attri- bute to the influence of the Presbyterians, and from that period he became their implacable and unscrupulous assailant. His first publication against them was anonymous, and appeared in the spring of 1 709 under this ironical title — " A Sample of True- blue Presl)yterian Loyalty, in all changes and turns of Govern- '♦ Is this Swift's rival and correspondent ? " 17 & 18 Chas. II., chap. 7- '" Sec a full account of tliis case in " Presbyterian Loyaltv," ])p. 184, 185. 50 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxn. ment, taken chiefly out of their most authentic records.'"^'' His professed object is to refute their claims to " untainted loyalty," put forth both in their address to the queen in the previous year, and in De Foe's pamphlet, called " The Parallel," formerly men- tioned ; and by the grossest perversion of the facts and docu- ments of history during the preceding century, he labours to prove them wholly unworthy of relief or toleration. In the midst of these attacks on the Presbyterians, the new lord-lieutenant reached Dublin, and was sworn into office in the end of April.'''^ On the oth of May he opened the parliament ; and in his speech on that occasion, after alluding to the prepon- derance of the Romanist population over the Protestant, and urging stiU further severities against the former, he reminded both houses of " the necessity of cultivating and preserving a good understanding amongst all the Protestants of this king- dom ;" and added, " What the most proper methods are to com- pass so desirable and so necessary an end, you yourselves who have the opportunities of knowing the uneasiness that any of your fellow-subjects may lie under, are fittest to judge."''^ This obvious reference to a repeal, or, at least, a modification of the Test Act, was conveniently interpreted by the commons as a re- commendation of a toleration act, whicli, so long as the test was unrepealed, the Presbyterians were not anxious to obtain, Ac- " Dublin, 1Y09, 4to, pp. 31. He annexed to it a copy of the "Declara- tion of the presbytery of Bangor in the year 1649," as a pregnant proof of Presbyterian disloy.alty and treason (see chap, xiv.note SO), and he placed upon the title this complimentary text of Scripture, "She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness." Prov. xxx. 20. '8 Lord Wharton brought over with him the celebrated Joseph Addison as his private secretary, but I do not find it stated in any of the biographies of this eminent writer that he was a member of the Irish House of Commons. Yet this was the fact ; he was elected for the borough of Cavan, and took his seat on the 13th of May 1Y09. His name occasionally appears on the jour- nals of the commons during this, and more frequently during the subsequent session of lYlO. In the autumn of that year, he returned with Lord Whar- ton to England, though his seat for Cavan was not vacated until the general election in 1713. I found several official letters of his, in his neat, lady-like handwriting, in the State Paper Office, London. '9 Journals of the Irish Commons, vol. iii. p- 567. A. p. 1700. CHURCH IN IRELAND 51 cordingly, in their address to the lord-lieutenant, the commons willingly admitted the claims of the Presbyterians to receive ample toleration, " a liberty," they say, "enjoyed by our most dangerous enemies ;"^*' but they preserve a profound silence with regard to the Test Act, which they well knew was the only point referred to by his Excellency. The House of Lords, in tlieir ad- dress to Lord Wharton, would not consent even to offer tolera- tion to the Presbyterians. In a house of only ten lay lords, but comprising no fewer than twelve bishops, headed by Archbishop King, always at his post to prevent any relief to dissenters, they summarily rejected an amendment to that effect ; and, in contempt of notorious facts, they boldly assured his Excellency, that " all our fellow-subjects are treated with so much tendeiniess, that we hope they never will liave just reason to complain of any un- easmess f"81 It was not to be expected that any modification of the test would be conceded during this session, which had opened so inaus- piciously. The subject, indeed, does not appear to have been brought before the commons in any shape during this session. The house had very frequently under their consideration "heads of a bill for explaining and amending the act to prevent the further groAvth of Popery ;" by one of the clauses^^ of -which it Avas proA^ded, that no convert from Eomanism, nor, by unplication, any other person, shoidd be deemed in law a Protestant Avho had not taken the sacrament in the Episcopal Chin-ch.^^ But though the commons had frequent debates on this bill, in some of which the merits of the general question relative to the Sacramental Test may have been involved, no trace of any such discussion having taken place occurs on the journals of their proceedings ; yet Swift, in one of his controversial pamphlets, asserts that an ^'> Journals of the Irish Commons, vol. iii. p. ")73. 8' Journals of Irish Lords, vol. ii. p. 247. ^- 8 Anne, chap. 3, sect. 11. ^' There was another clause in this bill (sect. 23), which, two years after- wards, was productive of renewed trouble to the few non-juring ministers in Ulster. By it, any two justicas of the peace wore empowered to summon any persons above si.xteen years of age to take the abjuration oath, and on refusal to commit them to prison, and inflict on them other severe penalties. VOL. III. • K ^2 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuAr. xxii. attempt was uiaile in the commons to repeal' the test during the government of Lord Wharton, and that it was defeated, " to the great confusion of the Presbyterians."^* But however this may- be, the lord-lieutenant appears to have been somewhat chagrined that his recommendation had not proved more effectual. In his speech at the close of the session, he once more called the atten- tion of parliament to the subject of the test in these pointed terms : — " I make no question but that you iniderstand too well the true interest of the Protestant religion in this kingdom, not to endeavour to make all such Protestants as easy as you can, who are willing to contribute what they will be necessary to give a full narrati\e of the i)roceediiigs. It appears that there had been a nonconforming congregation in the tpwn of Drogheda, enjoying an almost uninterrupted succession of ministers, from the time of Cromwell in J G.50 to the eve of the Revolution in 1688. During the lengthened occupation of the town by King James's forces, the congregation was in a great measure dispersed ; and after security was re-established by the victories of King William, the Presbyterian inhabitants who still remained had aj^plied first to neighbouring ministers to \'isit them occasionally, and latterly to the synod in the North to send some of their members to preach and dispense Divine ordmances among them, luitil they should be able to support a stated minister. Pursuant to this aj)plication, the presbytery of Armagh, whose bounds approached nearest to Drogheda, were empowered by the synod in 1708 to send ministers to this people, amounting to about two hundred in number. The Rev. James Floning, minis- ter of Liu'gan, was sent to preach there for two Sabbaths in the end of August ; but on the Monday after he had preached his first sermon, at the instigation of Dean Cox, the rector of the parish, he was summoned before the mayor and town council, and in- formed, that if he persisted in officiating there, the law would be put in execution against him. Undismayed by these threats, he preached on the following Sabbath, and on the Monday he was again brought before the council, and he and three of his audience were bound over to stand their trials at the next assizes for a riot and unlawful assembly, although the sole offence con- sisted in preaching peaceably in a pri\ate house to the Presby- terians resident in the town and neighbourhood. At the same time, some persons who had been present at these meetings were indicted for tra\elling on the Lord's-day as they were returning from worship, and obliged to pay a fine to prevent being set in the stocks, while multitudes, with impunity, were really profaning the day by following secular business. The next minister who N isited this people was the Rev. William Biggar, now loosed from liis former charge in Limerick, who experienced here the .same treatment he hfid met with on a .similar occasion in (»ahvay ten years before.'- Having preat'hed to a congregation in tin' house -' Sec cliap. xxxi., note 3^ nm\ text. 56 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiii. of one Thomas Siddall, on Sunday, the 3d of October, Dean Cox lost no time in proceeding against him under a clause in the Irish act of uniformity, which had never before been applied to dissenting ministers. On the Tuesday following, a certificate was obtained from the ordinary, the Archbishop of Armagh, to the effect that Mr. Biggar was not licensed to officiate in his dio- cese ; upon which the mayor, one William Patoun,committed hira to prison for three months, and obstinately refused to release him except on the condition, to which Mr. Biggar would not ac- cede, that the attempt to form a Presbyterian congregation in Drogheda should be abandoned. ^ A memorial was then drawn up, detailing the facts of this case, and urging the necessity of passing an act of toleration without the Sacramental Test, which was presented by Messrs. Boyse and Iredell to the lords-justices. These were the lord-chancellor, Freeman, and the primate, Dr. Marsh, to whom the Earl of Pembroke had committed the go- vernment of Ireland on his return to England the previous year. It was proposed to their excellencies, in order to an amicable set- tlement of the aftair, that on Mr. Biggar's engaging not to preach any more in the town, and not to prosecute the mayor for false impi'isonment, they should use their influence with the mayor to release Mr. Biggar, and to have the information against Mr. Fleming and his hearers quashed, and the trial at the assizes pre- vented. This proposal was accepted, and they exhorted both parties to mutual forbearance, and hoped they would henceforth live amicably together. After having been confined for six weeks in the common gaol, Mr. Biggar was accordingly released, with- 3 While Mr. Biggar was in prison, the grand jury of the county of the town, at the October sessions, 1708, passed a presentment against tolerating Pres- byterian worship in Drogheda, and desired the magistrates to "discourage such meetings or conventicles by putting the laws into execution." The names of these worthy and enlightened jurors deserve to be recorded. They were — "John Ffriend, merchant, Richard Lucas, merchant, Richard Saun- ders, merchant, John Barron, chandler, Henry Smith, merchant, Tarol Ren- cher, merchant, John Sawkill, brewer, Thomas Bodington, clothier, Tliomas Clark, chirurgeon, Adam Sweetolow, merchant, Edward Credden, cordwainer, Michael Smith, merchant, Hugh Douglass, fcltmaker, Peter Gaynor, mer- chant, John Souch, cordvvainer." A.i). 1709. CHUIICII IN lUKLANl). 57 out even the payment of the customary fees, and he returned no more to the town. His i)hice was supplied by the Rev. Hugh Ramsay, minister of Clough, in tlie county of Do^^^l, and by other ministers who were unmolested by the magistrates. It was there- fore confidently expected that no further proceedings would have been taken on the indictment against INIr. Fleming ; but, at the spring assizes in 1709, the prosecution against him and the three inhabitants who had heard him preach was revived, a true bill was found by the grand jury of the town, being a county within itself, and the usual steps were taken to pro- ceed to trial. But the cause was removed to the Court of Queen's Bench in Dublin ; and as the magistrates persisted in de- fending the indictment, application was at length made, in March 1710, to the lord-lieutenant, the Earl of Wharton, praying him to put a stop to these harsh and irritating proceedings. His ex- cellency had obviously this case in view when, at the close of the last parliament, he had so emphatically declared it to be the {pieen's determination " that dissenters should not be persecuted or molested in the exercise of their religion." In conformity with this declaration, in April he directed the lords-justices to issue the writ. Nolo prosequi ; the eft'ect of which was, that the prose- cution was arrested, and no further proceedings could be taken in the matter. These ettbrts of the rector and his High Church abettors to crush the congregation of Drogheda were ineftectual. The members of that congregation soon after presented a call to the Rev. Hugh Henry to become their minister ; and, in the fol- lowing ^larch, he was ordained to that charge, and continued to officiate tliere for above thirty years. ^ Soon after Dean Cox had raised all this commotion in Dj-oglieda, a few ill-advised Episcopalian clei-gymen did their utmost to re- vive a controversial spirit in Ulster. In the end of the year 170!>, the Rev. John Campbell, who was \icar of Killead, near Antrim, and rector of Sego, in the comity of Down, so overflowed with zeal in defence of the hierarchy, that he sent a challenge to all the * I have inserted in the Appendix the following original papers relative to this singular case, all hiilierto unpublished: — (1.) The mittimus of the mayor of Drogheda committing Mr. Biggar to prison ; (2.) llemarks on this document ; and (3.) The memorial to the lords-justices in November 1709. 58 HISTORY OF THE PllESBYTERIAN chap, xxiii. Presbyterian ministers Avhom he knew to be authors, such as Mr, Boyse of Dublin, Mr. M'Bride of Belfast, and Mr. Craghead of Derry, as well as to several other ministers, to produce a war- rant from Scripture for presbyters ordaining or ruling with- out a bishop.5 About the same time, the Rev. George Wilkins, another clergyman in the diocese of Down, addressed a letter to Mr. M'Cracken of Lisburn, and probably to other mmisters also, challenging him to defend from Scripture the practice of extem- pore prayer.^ This latter challenge does not appear to have drawn forth a combatant, but the former one was not treated with the same indifference. In the end of April, Mr. Campbell sent a copy of it to the Rev. John Abernethy of Antrim ; and, though the muiisters to whom it had been previously sent did not consider it their duty to answer it, he immediately gratified its author by a reply in a private letter. Not content, however, with having at length found an adversary, Mr. Campbell took the ex- traordinary step of sending, with great ostentation, by the hands of three Episcopal ministers, as he himself relates, a formal copy of his challenge to the moderator of the synod at Belfast in 1710, to be laid before the assembled ministers of the province. The synod veiy properly disregarded this piece of presumption and vanity, though they deemed it advisable, under their circumstances, to record its reception, and their reasons for declining to enter- tain it.'^ Shortly afterwards, hoAvever, several answers were sent 3 The following is a copy of this redoubtable challenge : — "I desire you to produce some place of Holy Scripture whei-e there is a command for presbyters (without a superior) to ordain a presbyter, or to exercise ecclesiastical juris- diction over a presbyter, or an example of either." " The Wodrow Correspondence, vol. i, p. 157. ' This letter was addressed, in the usual contemptuous style of the High Church party, to " The Dissenting Teachers of the Presbyterian persuasion assembled in Belfast," and was submitted by the moderator to the committee of overtures, by whose recommendation the synod adopted the following reso- lution : — " That it is below the character of the ministers [of this synod] as a body to answer such a challenge, being [sent] to us by a particular person only, and not by any society ; and withal there has been an answer given it by a brother to whom it was directed. And as we gratefully acknow- ledge the favour of our queen and subordinate rulers in permitting us the exercise of our ministry according to our conscience, and as, especially in the present circumstances of the nation, it would be vei'v unreasonable to^do A.o. 1711. CHURCH I\ IRELAND, .39 to the re\'eroiKl (.lisputaut by ministers wlio had received copies of his letter ; iu July, by the Rev. Thomas Gowau, M.A., minis- ter of Drumbo, near Belfast ; in the following month, by the llev. John Malcome of Dunmurry ; and in October, by the Rev. James Kirkpatriek of Templepatrick. But it was not until the very end of the year that this officious polemic, swift to challenge, yet slow to answer, had concocted a reply to the communication from the iirst of these ministers, to whom he sent it in a private letter. This reply ho published under the title of " Mr. Campbell's Letter to a Parishioner,"^ which was little more than a copy of his letter to Mr, Gowan. The latter, therefore, felt bound to meet him before the tribunal of the public, and he forthwith published an elaborate examination of the whole question in a pamphlet, which he entitled, " The Power of Presbyters iu Ordination and Church Government ^vithout a Superior, asserted and pro\ed from Holy Scripture : or Mr. Campbells Letter to a Parishioner Examined, being a Vintlication of a Letter occasioned by his Query.'"-' In this work, Mr. Gowan gives copies of all the letters which had been previously sent to Mr. Campbell by himself and the other brethren mentioned above ; and he then proceeds to review the various passages of Scripture usually reKed on in this controversy, and to prove how inadequate they were to sustain the argument for the supremacy of diocesan bishops which liis .nnything which niiyht further inflame the unhappy divisions among Protes- tants, we do therefore resolve that any particular brother may, in his own name, do what he judges proper for us in this matter ; but that the synod shall take no further notice of said letter ; and particularly that no answer be given to the same by them." MS. Minutes of Synod. * Belfast, printed by James Blow, in the year 1711. 4to, pp. 8. "Printed in the year 1711. -Ito, pp. 48. It is observable how cautiously Mr. Blow, then the only Belfast printer, continued to suppress his own name, and even the place of printing, in all the pamphlets he issued against the Established Church. Mr. Gowan was ordained in Drumbo on the 29th of March 1706, and in 1716 ho had a unanimous call from the Scots' Church at Leyden, in Holland, to become their minister, which the synod permitted him to accept, and he resided there till his death in 1758. I have not been .•ible to ascertain whether he was related to the minister of the same name mentioned in chap, xviii., note 43. lie may have been his so:t, and probably was so. 60 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN ciiai'. xxiii; opponent had deduced from them. Mr. Campbell appears to have retired discomfited from the field into which he had so eagerly rushed. Happily this controversy spread no further, and the ministers of both Churches were not turned aside by the irritat- ing distractions of polemical strife from pursuing those higher and nobler objects to which their energies were now directed. In the previous year, the convocation of the Established clergy, sittiiag in Dublin at the same time with the parliament, were en- gaged in maturing a scheme for employing the Irish language in the instruction of the Roman Catholics. After many years' neglect of this indispensable means of communicating religious knowledge in Ireland, it is pleasing to find its value and importance once more recognised. Since the days of the revered Bishop Bedell, little had been done by the Irish clergy in this sphere of duty. Bishop King of Derry had, indeed, employed for a time two Scottish Episcopalian ministers from the Highlands to preach in Irish in the barony of Ennishowen ; but this was principally for the benefit of Highland Protestant families who had settled there after the Revolution, and appears to have been soon relin- quished. Another Highland minister was employed for a similar purpose in the northern parts of the county of Antrim, who had succeeded in bringing over to the Established Church several Roman Catholics. A very few of the beneficed clergy in other parts of the kingdom had also, in the beginning of this century, applied themselves to this good work ; and an attempt was made in 1703 to engage the convocation of the Irish Church in promoting it, but without success. The subject was now resumed in 1709 with more earnestness by some members of that body ; and though several important measures were recommended for instructing the native population through the medium of their vernacular tongue, yet, practically, little was achie\'ed.i'' These measures, it may be '0 Among the causes which obstructed this project in the convocation of 1709, one was the abrupt prorogation of that body by the crown, in conse- quence of the unseemly debates and personalities of the lower house, and their violent assertion of rights which were deemed encroachments on the royal pre- rogative. It appears that two of their members, the Rev. Wm. Perceval], archdeacon of Cashel, and the Rev. Fi'ancis Higgins, proctor for the diocese A.D. 1711. CHURCH IN IRELAND. roving their talent in labouring for the conversion of those poor people. And we assure ourselves, all who have regard for the invaluable interest of our common Christianity, will approve and countenance this good work ; therefore it is oveftured — that this is a noble enterprise, and now it is expedient to set it on foot."^^ They state that seven of their ministers and three probationers were able to preach in Irish,^"^ and they proceed to settle the details of the plan for employing them immediately in this work, and for providing a suitable supply of Bibles, Confessions of Faith, and Ca- techisms, all in the Irish language. But the troubles in which they were subsequently involved by the High Church party, during the remainder of this reign, impeded very much the vigorous pro- secution of this " noble enterprise." This year saw the foundation laid in Dublin of another bene- ficent scheme for supporting and propagating the Grospel and 1' Cliaps. xii., xiv., and xvi., note 53. 12 MS. Minutes of Synod. 13 These ministers were the Rev. Messrs. Archibald Maclaine, minister of Markethill, James M'Gre!;or of Aghadoey, Humphrey Thomson of Ballibay, Samuel Dunlop of Letterkenny, John AVilson of Narrow-water, or Carling- ford, and Archibald Boyd of Maghei'a, with Messrs. Robert Uiginbotham, afterwards minister of Coleraine, Patrick Plunket, afterwards minister at Glasslough, and grandfather of Lord-ChanccUor Plunket, and John Dunlop, afterwards minister, I believe, of Dcrg. A. D. 1710. CIlUIlCll IN IRELAND 03 the principles of Presbyterianism in the South of Ireland. This was the establishment of Avhat has been since styled '•' The Gene- ral Fund." The foundation deed, dated on the 1st of May 1710, states that it was instituted for the following purposes — " For the support of religion in and about Dublin and the South of Ire- land, by assisting and supporting the Protestant dissenting interest against unreasonable prosecutions, (some of which they have lately been exposed to, contrary to her majesty's sentiments publicly declared), and for the education of youth designed for the ministry among Protestant dissenters, and for assisting Protestant dissent- ing congregations that are poor and unable to provide for their ministers."!* The trustees of this valuable fund consisted of the subscribers and of the ten ministers of thg live Protestant dissent- ing congregations then existing in Dublin, all being coUegiate charges, with two laymen from each; and the xacaucies occurring among these official trustees were to be filled up by the appointment of the successors of these ministers, and by laymen chosen by ballot out of these congregations respectively. Large sums of money were contributed to this fund, or placed luider its management, by Sir Arthur Langford, Bart., Ladj-Loftus, Joseph Damer, Esq., Rev. Daniel Williams of London, and other benevolent members of the Presbyterian Church in and about Dublin ; and for many years, by means of this fund, the preaching of the Grospel was introduced and maintained among many dissenting communities in the southern parts of the kingdom. While the Presbyterians, both in the Xorth and South, were thus occupied in providing for the extension of their principles, and suppl^'ing their brethren with religious ordinances, another change of administration was in course of being effected, which ultimately plunged them into new and more serious troubles. In the meantime, however, their patron and })rotector, the Earl of Whar- ton, retiu'ned to Ireland, and resumed the reins of government in the beginning of ^lay 1710. At the reassembling of parliament in in the middle of that month, he once more recommended union among Protestants, and both houses once more carefully evaded under- '* Armstrong's "Short .\ccoiint of the (Jcncral Fund, "Ac, p 0. 04 HISTORY OF THE PllESBYTERIAN chap. xxin. standing this recommendation in the sense in which his Excellency wished it to be taken. The parliament sat to the end of August, but in none of its proceedings v.^as there any reference to the Sacramental Test, or the claims of the Presbyterians. Imme- diately after the close of the session. Lord Wliarton returned to England, where he found the meditated change of ministry already begun. The queen had removed a few of the leading- Whigs from some of the less important parts in the administra- tion so early as the month of June, and, in August and Septem- ber, additional appointments of high-flying Tories took place. At length, in the following month, the government of Ireland was taken from Lord Wharton, and committed once more to the Duke of Ormond, who appointed the primate and the commander of the forces to be lords-justices luitil affairs in England should permit him to return to Dublin. The Tories now regained that complete ascendency in the government which they retained during the remainder of this reign. In Ireland, as well as in England, this revolution was the signal for a fresh outburst of High Church zeal against dissenters. It had no sooner commenced than that party resumed hostihties against them, by once more endeavouring to bi'ing the penalties of the law to bear on the few non-juring ministers in LUster, who had for some time been peace- ably discharging their pastoral duties in their respective congre- gations. Two violent High Church magistrates in the neighbour- hood of Belfast, Mr. Westenra Waring, and Mr. Brent Spencer of Lisburn, acting under the clause of the recent supplementary act for preventing the further growth of Popery,^^ issued their warrant in the beginning of the month of August for apprehending the three non-jurors in that neighbourhood, Messrs. M 'Bride, Riddel, and M'Cracken. The former tAvo concealed themselves for a time, and were ultimately compelled to leave the country. Mr. M'Cracken, by the connivance, it is said, of Dr. Smith, the bishop of Down and Connor, escaped from the constables who had him in custody,!^ and succeeded in once more reaching Scotland '•' See chap, xxii., note 83. i" Wodrow's "Analecta," vol. i. p. 291. "They tell a story that Mr. M'Cracken was taken by the messengers, and as they came by the bishop's AD. 1711. CHUllCFI IN IRELAND. 0,5 in safety. He took refuge at Castle Kennedy, in Galloway, where he was joined by his wife and family in the end of the year. In the month of March 1711, he proceeded to Lon- don to lay his case before government, and endeavoiu* to ob- tain protection against these unjust proceedings. The indefa- tigable annalist of the Scottish Church has preserved the follow- ing account of Mr. M'Cracken's reception there, which he hae important items — " After this we burned jMr. IJoyse's book of a Scriptural bishop. 1 forgot to tell you wo agreed to another address against dissenting 70 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiii. The example of bigotry and malevolence whicli was thus set by the House of Lords was studiously imitated, and even ex- celled, by the convocation of the clergy, which, happily for Ire- land and the peace of their own Church, has never been per- mitted by the crown to hold another meeting. In the last week of their session, they drew up a paper on the state of religion, in the form of another address to the queen. They considered this subject under the four heads — infidelity, heresy, impiety, and Popery. Under the head of " heresy," after attacking the Quakers, and calling for " some effectual methods of restraining them and stopping their progress," they direct all their ingenuity of misrepresentation to blacken the characters of the Presby- terians. They repeat most of the charges brought forward by the lords, and embellish them with fresh touches of a pencil dipped in the bitterest gall. Among these. Archbishop King did not fail to secure a prominent place for his darling project — the abolition of the Koyal Bounty, This grant, they allege, " hath been applied to the considerable increase of the number of fanati- cal and dissenting teachers, and to the support and promoting of faction and schism among us ;" and they very significantly re- mind her majesty, that " the body of the nation, in this honour- able House of Commons, were so sensible" of the evil results of this grant, " that they voted it an unnecessary branch of the es- tablishment;" so that, if the queen would but concur, there was now no obstacle to its long-desired abolition. This violent and most prejudiced paper, the upper hovise of convocation afterAvards published for distribution, in the form of a pamphlet, entitled, " A Representation of the Present kState of Religion with regard to Infidelity, Heresy, Impiety, and Popery : drawn up and agreed to by both Houses of Convocation in Ireland, pursuant to her Majesty's command in her Royal license."^! These publications, from the peers and the clergy, added much to the flame of party spirit, ^5 and of political bitterness, which ministers and their twelve hundi'ed pounds per annum." Swift's " Works," vol. XV. p. 454. -* Second edition, London, 1712, 8vo. pp. 23. " The Rev. Mr. Lang of Loughbrickland, writing to Wodrow, Jan. 23, A.n. 1711. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 71 had already been kindled by the change of ministry in the pre- vious year. With this revolution in the councils of her majesty, the reverend convocation were so overjoyed, that, in their address to the queen, they presumptuously announced it to have been " visibly brought about by the hand of God, who, in the usual course of his providence, loves then to interpose when affairs come to such extremity that they are apparently out of all human powers;" and they profanely declare that her majesty had acted under the inspiration of Ood when she turned out the "Wliigs, and thereby preserved '• the whole constitution in Church and State." The Presbyterian ministers and their people saw the storm that was rising, and made all the preparation in their power to break its violence. Eai-ly in December, the committee of synod prepared an ample and elaborate vindication of them- selves and then- Church against the caliuuuies and misrepresenta- tions of the House of Lords, and despatched Mr. Iredell of Dub- lin to lay it befoi-e her majesty. He had scarcely set out on his mission wdien the convocation's adtkess, which had been purposely kept private for nearly two months, was at length published. To this paper a separate answer, drawn up on the 1st of January by the sub-synod of Belfast, in conjunction with the committee of the general synod, was soon after forwarded to Mr. Iredell in London. To meet the charges respecting the mal-appro]>riation of the Royal Bounty, there was also sent over, to be laid before government, an affidavit by Mr. Bryce Blair of Belfast, who had succeeded Mr. Crawford as agent for the distribution of that grant, ^^ stating that, since his appointment to that office, he had paid the Eoyal Bounty quarterly, in equal shares, among the ministers, and expressly denying that he had ever expended any portion thereof " in setting up or maintaining seminaries, mis- sionaries, law-suits, or agents, or in any other ways than to the said ministers."-" 1712, snys : — " Almost all the clergy, and very many of tho laity, are more bitter than over against us, and miss no opportunity of aspersing us, and making us odious to the government." Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xx.. No. 95. ™ State Paper Office, London. -" Mr. Tiiomas Crawford of Belfast liad been agent for tiio distribution of 72 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chaf. xxin. Ml". Iredell was detained a considerable time iii London, en- deavouring to protect his brethren against the formidable efforts now made to involve them in fresh troubles. He laid the ad- dresses entrusted to him before the queen, through the secretary of state, the Earl of Dartmouth, and received from him the usual acknowledgment, that they had been graciously received by her majesty. He had also interviews with the Earl of Oxford and other members of the administration, but he was unable to ascer- tain how far the misrepresentations from Ireland had influenced their views towards the Irish dissenters.^s The two replies from the ministers and gentlemen of Ulster, with other pajjers, were soon after published in a valuable tract, entitled, "The Present State of Religion in Ireland."-^ These apologetic addresses are most judicious and satisfactory, calm, dignified, and firm, while, at the same time, the unfounded charges so violently urged by their opponents are refuted most the Royal Bounty, from its first grant by King William to his death in 170s, (see chap, xxii., note 10), and j\Ir. Blair was appointed his successor by the synod in June 1708. At this timo, the stoppages in the exchequer amounted to £9, and his commission of one percent., postages, &c., amounted to £5 more, being a deduction of £li from each quarterly payment of £300. -8 Mr. M'Cracken, writing from Lisburn, Feb. 6, 1712, says — "As for Mr. Iredell, who went to London, all I know is, that the reply sent by him was lodged with my Lord Dartmouth, but he knew not if he himself would have access to the queen ; that he has been once with the lord-treasurer [Oxford], and was to be with him again, and that he had ground to believe the queen would not withdraw her bounty of the £1200, mentioned by the convocation. But whether she will fall in with any other of the proposals is not yet known." Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xx.. No. &3. -^ liOndon [1712], 8vo, pp. 46. This rare and valuable publication con- t.'iins the two hostile representations from the lords and the convocation, the two addresses from the Presbyterian ministers and gentlemen of the North of Ireland, and one address in reply to the lords, stated to be from the minis- ters of Dublin and the South of Ireland, though none sign it but from Dub- lin. The other address from the Dublin ministers, in answer to the convo- cation, is not contained in this pamphlet, but there is a copy of it, as well as of all these other addresses, in the State Paper OfiSce in London. Those from Ulster were signed by Clotworthy Upton, Edward Bricc, Arthur Max- well, William Shaw, William Crawford, Isaac M'Cartney, and Victor Fer- guson, Esquires, as well as by several ministers. A.n. 1712. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 73 temperately, and, therefore, all the more conclusively. In tlieir reply to the representation of the House of Lords, after vindi- cating their conduct in the case of Drogheda, and giving a true account of the 2)roceedings against Mr. Fleming and Mr. Biggar, the ministers and gentlemen of Ulster thus refer to other griev- ances to which they had been recently subjected, and Avhich have not been previously noticed in these pages. " When their lordships represent to your majesty that no dissenters through this whole kingdom have been disturbed in the exercise of their religious worship, where they had settled congregations, either by your majesty's civil or ecclesiastical governors, or by any of the Established Church, we beg leave to acquaint your majesty that of late years the renewal of leases is refused to divers Pres- byterian lessees; and in many leases of church and college lands there are clauses inserted prohibiting under gi-eat penalties the building or continuing of meeting-houses, and that Presbyterian inhabitants should dwell upon the premises ;20 some whereof have been severely executed already to the great prejudice and ex- pence of many of your faithful subjects, and will ruin divers of our settled congregations, unless your majesty shall see it meet in your great clemency to divert the severity of these proceed- ings," To the extraordinary charge of persecuting their Episcopalian countrymen, they reply, " If any of our persuasion have denied their conforming neighbours the common offices of humanity, '" Tlie following is :i copy of a cliiuso of tliis kind, as it srood, so early as 1G94, in the leases of Archbishop King, when he occupied the seoof Derry : — "And tlio said does by these presents covenant to and with the said William, lord-bishop of Derry, his successors, «fec., that neither he nor his exe- cutors, &c., shall or will set, let, or demise the premises or any part thereof to any mass or Popish priest, or to any minister or teacher dissenting from the Church of Ireland. Neither shall, wittingly or willingly, suffer them to dwell or reside on any part, parcel, or member tliercof; but him or them shall endea- vour to expel and keep from the same, so far as by the laws of this realm they shall bo enabled." See Boyse's "Works," vol. ii.p. 134. The same clause was found in leases of the Bishop of Derry, so recently as 1769 ; by whicii tin»e another clause had been introduced, charging the tenant with £10 per annum additional rent in case of violating the preceding covenants. But all these '.lauses have since disappeared, and arc not now to be found in I'-iiiscopal leases. 74 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiir. as their lordships seem to think they have, we condemn it as a barbarous piece of wickedness, against the law of nature and the blessed Gospel of the holy and meek Jesus, our common Lord. And therefore, tho' after the strictest inquiry we could make, we have not been yet able to discover any one instance of that kind, yet if such should happen to be discovered afterwards (of which we have not the least suspicion) we humbly conceive it could not be justly turned to our reproach, any more than the scandals of particular men are chargeable upon other communi- ties of which they are members. And we beg leave to observe to your majesty that the same apology is applicable to several other heads of their lordships' representation, and particularly to what follows in it, viz., that we have threatened several who, in compliance with their conscience, have left (what their lordships are pleased to call) our sect, and actually ruined them : as to which Ave are utterly at a loss, neither knowing nor approving any such unchristian practices amongst us." Their non-juring brethren they vindicate in the following- terms : — "What their lordships observe concerning a very few of our number who have not taken the oath of abjuration, is occa- sioned by their scrupling some expressions only and not the sub- stance of that oath. They have several years ago at our desire solemnly declared before us their inviolable afteetion and loyalty to your majesty, their opposition to the Pretender and to all Jacobitish principles, and their steady adherence to the Protes- tant succession in the illustrious house of Hanover. They daily pray for your majesty and the said succession, and observe all public fasts and thanksgivings with resj^ect to the success of the present war. From which it appears how unreasonable it is that we and our persuasion in general should be loaded with re- proaches upon that account by some (we don't mean their lord- ships) who improve it as a handle against us on all occasions." Their views and feelings in reference to the Test Act are thus firmly but respectfully stated — " We must acknowledge to your majesty that the Sacramental Test, of which their lordships are pleased to take notice, is such a grievance as doth in the most sen- sible manner touch us and all others of our persuasion. The clause A.D. 1712. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 7') imposing it liiitli placed an odions mark of infamy upon at least one-half of the Protestants of this kingdom, whose early, active, and sncccssful zeal for the late hajipy Revolution gave them hopes tliat they would not have been rendered ineapahle of serving your majesty and their country ; where the Papists are superior in number to the whole body of Protestant inhabitants in the proportion of eight to one, by a computation allowed in the honourable House of Commons in this kingdom." It is unnecessary to lay before the reader any additional ex- tracts from this address. In an equally satisfactory manner they repel the other charges which were preferred against them, es- pecially those which aflected the grant of Eoyal Bounty, and the })urposes to which it was applied. In their other address to the (|ueen, in answer to the convocation, they notice only those caluninies and accusations which were not to be found in the re- presentation of the House of Lords. Without recapitulating these, or the replies which were made to them, it will suffice to quote the concluding paragraph of this second address, as a specimen of its tone and temper, notwithstanding the provoca- tion they had received from the many insulting taunts and lui- founded charges of the convocation. The latter had accused the Presbyterian ministers of uniting with " the disgusted party" of the Established Church, and with Deists, Socinians, and all other enemies of revealed religion, and even with Papists themselves, ill order to destroy the constitution of the kingdom ; accordingly, in the close of their address, they thus dispose of this serious accu- sation : — " That we have always endeavoured to preserve friend- ship with those of the Established Church, especially with men of moderate principles, is certain. Whether those be the disgusted party of their communion, we cannot tell. But we must look upon it as a groundless assertion that we can close with Deists, ►Socinians, and all the enemies of revealed religion, nay, even with Papists themselves, to dissolve the present frame of government ; never having given the least umbrage for such a wild and un- charitable censure — a censure refuted with demonstrative evi- dence by .such august assemblies as the honourable House of Commons in both kingdoms, who ha^c rlone us the honour and 76 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiir. justice to assert our early and zealous services against the Papists in the late happy Kevolution, to which the present frame of go- vernment owes, under God, both its present and future security. Nor are there any people in the world whose principles and prac- tices are more opposite to Deists, Socinians, and all the enemies of revealed religion, and to Papists, than ours are and ever have been. We earnestly entreat that your majesty may be assured that we do, with unfeigned sorrow, regret the abounding errors, manifold impieties, and scandalous immoralities j)revailing in the age and kingdom wherein we live ; and that we shall zealously and heartily concur with our brethren of the Established Church in all lawful measures that may be thought expedient for our joint vigorous opposition to them." The convocation, in their indiscriminate hostility to all classes of dissenters in Ireland, did not overlook the Fi'ench refugees. On these unfortunate exiles they animadverted very harshly, because they had, under certain acts of parliament expressly securing to them liberty of worship, preferred organising con- gregations according to the rites and government of their national Church, rather than conform to the Established Church, which the convocation insinuated was identical with the French Pro- testant Church. The northern Presbyterians, in their reply to the convocation, expressed their warm sympathy for " this poor distressed people," under this ungracious and unbrotherly attack ; and asserted that the national Church of these nonconforming exiles was " exactly of the same principles" with the Presby- terian, and not the Episcopal Church, " both with respect to the substance of discipline and worship, as well as of doctrine." They add, however, as a reason for not entering further into their defence, " We don't doubt but the French refugees are able to acquit themselves of what the convocation are pleased to lay to their chai'ge."^^ This surmise proved to be well-founded. Soon after the Presbyterian addresses had appeared, the French Protestants drew up a similar defence of themselves, which they published under this title, " An Apology for the French Refu- " " Present State of Religion in Ireland," &o., p. 36. A.u. 1712. CllUllClI LV lUELAM). 77 gees established in Ireland, addressed to all those who love the peace of the Church. "32 In a mild and charitable spirit, they complain of the manner in which they had been treated by the Irish clergy, being condemned by them without a hearing, and being ignorant of what had been laid to their charge, till they happened to purchase the " Representation," as it was cried for sale through the streets of Dublin. They reply, clause by clause, to that portion of it which related to them, giving an account of their settlement in Ireland, specifying the acts which the Irish parliament had passed in their favour, and quoting passages from the writings of leading Enghsh divines, and from pubUc docu- ments, to show that they had never before been regarded as heretics or scliismatics on account of their adlierence to the worship and government of their national Church, This un- generous attack of the convocation on these poor and persecuted foreigners evinced more clearly than any other incident did, the bitter and intolerant spu-it by which the great body of the Irish Episcopalian clergy were now actuatcd.^^ These violent and acrunonious addresses from the lords and the clergy met with an appropriate champion, in the person of Dr. Tisdall of Belfast, who had already signalised himself as the un- scrupulous opponent of the Presbyterians.^^ In the spring of this year, he published a second scurrilous attack on them ; and though the Tories were now in the ascendent, he had not yet the courage to affix his name to his calumnies. He entitled tliis pamphlet, " The Conduct of the Dissenters of Ireland with respect both to Church and State."2» His avowed object in it, is " to 3^ Dublin, 1713, 4to, pp. 31. ■'3 I have not been able to ascertain whether the Irisli Quakers, who wore also very severely handled by the convocation, ever replied in their own vin- dication. (See "The Present State of Religion in Ireland," pp. 8 and 9.) It is very probable that they did publish a reply, though I have not met with it, for I have found it extremely difiBcult to obtain access to the pamphlets printed in Ireland at this period. There is a large collection of tlioui in tlio library of Trinity College, Dublin ; but this department of that magnificent collection is as yet very imperfectly catalogued. ** See before, chap, xxii., note 71 and text. " Dublin, 1712, 4to, pp. 104. There are copies of this i)aniphlot, which 78 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiii. satisfy the public of tlio truth of all those facts alleged against the dissenters of Ireland in the representations from the House of Lords and the convocation ;" and with this view he ai-ranges his proofs in the following order : — " In the first part, I will trace the general behaviour of the dissenters of Ireland from the beginning of the rebellion in forty-one [1641] to this present time. In the second, I will descend to a more particular relation of some positive facts, which may serve to illustrate and prove the charge brought against them in the first part. In the third, I will make a further inquiry into some facts, presumptive and highly probable ; from all which may be fully discovered the present growing power and dangerous designs of the dissenters of this kingdom." The " positive facts" which he adduces in the second part are eight in number. They refer to the ilkgal juris- diction of the synods, and other ecclesiastical conrts-^the dan- gerous power exercised by the ruling elders — the seditious prin- ciples taught in the philosophical seminary at Killileagh — the offensive objections urged against the form of mai-riage in the common prayer-book — the unjustifiable erection of new congre- gations, and especially at Drogheda — the disturbance of the Epis- copal clergy at funerals — the publication of many pernicious books — and the case of the non-juring ministers. The "^presumptive and highly probable facts' into which he inquires in the third part are, the alleged swearing of the Presbyterian ministers at their ordination to keep the Solemn League and Covenant — their common funds for supporting suits against the Established Church, ai'ising cliiefly from a misapplication of the Eoyal Bounty — their dangerous influence over their congregations, through the exercise of disciphne and the granting of certificates — and their increasing power in the corporate towns, until checked by the enactment of the Sacramental Test. To substantiate his charges on all these points, he had recourse to the most miserable garbling of quotations, and to the collection of the most worth- less gossip from all sorts of persons, in order to furnish even a are paged in continuation from his former pamphlet, " The Sample of True- Blue Presbyterian Loyalty," which had, therefore, been occasionally issued along vfith this second one. See " Presbyterian Loyalty," preface, p. xiii. A.D. 1713. CHURCH IN IRELAND. ?!» plausible ground for liisaecusatioii>4. Ami, throughout the whole pamphlet, there runs such a disregard of truth, and such a malig- nant and i)ersecuting spirit, as is almost unexampled in that age of unscrupulous partisanship. The circulation of these inflammatory papers fi'om the lords, the clergy, and their northern abettor, did not fail to evoke fresh hostilities against the Presbyterians ; and there were now, in all parts of the province, justices of the peace ready enough to act against them. After the departure of the Duke of Ormond in the end of the previous year, the government of Ireland, in all the inferior departments, fell entirely into the hands of Sir Con- stantine Phipps, the lord-chancellor, and one of the lords-justices, who was a violent High-Churchman. He took care to make no one a magistrate or high-sherift' who was not a thorough partisan of his intolerant policy. Thus, in the county of Antrim, for three of the four years during which he held office, the high-sheriffs were all the most bigoted tools of that faction. He ajipears, however, to have experienced some difficulty in finding persons among the aristocracy of the county disposed to su])port his views ; for, out of the three sheriffs whom he appointed, two had served in that office before. Thus, in the year 1711-12, he was obliged to take Mr. Westenra Waring of Belfast, who had been high-sheriff" six years previously, and who was, moreover, overwhelmed in debt, and compelled soon after to secrete him- self from his creditors, and lUtimately to abscond. In the fol- lowing year, he selected for that office Mr. Brent Spencer of Trummery, near Lisburn, who had filled the office in the year 1704, and who figures, along with Mr. Waring, in Tisdall's pamphlets, as one of the most violent magistrates and officious tale-bearers against the Presbyterians. In 1713-14, the lord- chancellor at length found a new man, Avho had not served in the office before, Mr. Robert Green of Belfost, father-in-law to Mr. Waring, and who was not inferior to his relative and his predecessors in party spirit and opposition to ilissenters. During these three unhappy years of Tory misrule, those gentlemen in- variably placed a majority of their faction on the grand jury of the county, and obtained from that body flaming addresses and 80 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHAP.xxnr. presentments, branding some of the leading Presbyterian gentle- men and ministers as enemies to the state. Their position and influence very much increased the violent party spirit which had been excited by the " Representations" of the lords and the clergy, and rendered more virulent by the pamphlets of Tisdall. As on former occasions, the non-jurors were the fiirst to suffer. At the instigation of the high-sheriff and his party, the grand jury of the county of Antrim, at the spring assizes in this year, passed a presentment, denouncing the three non-juring minis- ters as disloyal and dangerous men, and calling upon all the magistrates of the county to put the law in execution against them. They were, therefore, compelled for the third time to fly to Scotland.^*^ Since the oath of abjuration had been first im- posed by the act, and taken by the ministers of the province, several others had been ordained who had not yet complied with the act. The synod, which met at Belfast in the middle of June, advised all these ministers, " if they had clearness so to do, to take the oath as soon, and in as private a way as they can, \az., in one of the four courts of Dublin ;" and should any have scruples respecting it, they recommended them to converse with their brethren who had already taken the oath, that these scruples might be removed. It has been stated that a large number of the ministers present at this synod were, in jjrinciple at least, non-jurors, and that the friends of several of these had con- trived to procure, from the officials in Dublin empowered to grant them, certificates of their having complied with the act, so as to prevent all legal proceedings, though they had never actually taken the oath. But this allegation proceeds from an interested quarter, and does not rest on adequate authority.^'^ At this synod Mr. Iredell gave in a report of his proceedings in London, in compliance with the commission .given him by the previous 3« Wodrow's "Analecta," vol. ii. p. 52. Mr. M'Bride was obliged to leave Belfast on the 1st or 2d of May, and retire to Scotland ; and, not long after, Mr. M'Cracken fled to Castle Douglass, in Galloway, and Mr. Riddel to the neighbourhood of Worcester, in England. Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xx., Nos. 96, 97, 103. ^' Wodrow's " Analecta," vol. ii. p. 67. A. D. 1712. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 81 synod.-^^ He stated that ho had been kindly received by Sir Alexander Cairns, Bart., Dr. Daniel Williams, Mr. Southwell, and also by the Earl of Oxford, but ho was unable to ol)tain any promise from the government to redress their grievances, though they expressed great sympathy for their condition, and con- tinued to hold out hopes of ultimate relief. Not long after the meeting of synod, ^Mr. JNI'Cracken once more proceeded from Gal- loway, where he had taken refuge, to London, with the view of obtaining protection for himself and his non-juring brethren against the harsh proceedings of the local magistracy about Bel- fast.^^ He found that the heads of the administration were fully satisfied of their loyalty to the crown, and of the injustice of prosecuting them as if they were seditious Jacobites. But he was told that governniont could not arrest the penalties in the act, if bigoted justices of the peace chose to put it in opei'ation against them. They promised, however, to consider how far they might be able to discoin-age such vexatious prosecutions, and pro- tect him and his brethren against further annoyance. In the meantime, party spirit continued to increase in Ulster, especially within the sphere of Tisdall's influence. The'follow- ing incident will show how indefatigable he was in seizing on every circumstance connected with the Presbyterians, and turn- ing it to their discredit in the eyes of the government. At the synod at Belfast in this year, there was circulated among the members a printed paper, emanating from the Presbyterians of Dublin, entitled, " A Serious Call from the city to the country to join with them in setting apart some time for solemn seeking of God, each one in his closet, now in this so critical a junc- ture."^" This was simply what it purported to be, a devotional paper, calling the attention of ministers and people to prevalent sins, and the necessity of public and private reformation, and of fervent prayer, which it was proposed each should ])rivately engage in, from seven to eight every Tuesday morning, in order ^ See note 20 of this chapter, and text. '" The Wodrow Correspondence, vol. i. p. 310. Ho went to London in September, and continued there till June in the following ye.ir. •0 From ,i printed copy iii the State Paper Office, London. 82 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxni. to avert from the nation threatened judgments. When this in- offensive paper fell into the hands of the reverend vicar of Bel- fast, he detected in it such an exuberant display of disloyalty and sedition, and such a palpable provocation to rebellion, that he hastened to send a copy to his friend and patron, Lord- Chancellor Phipps, together with a most alarming account of the number of ministers and elders Avho attended this synod. The lord-chancellor, always ready to gratify the wishes of his party in relation to the Presbyterians, immediately brought the matter under the notice of Mr. Southwell, the secretary for Ire- land, then in London, sending hun a copy of this formidable " Call to Prayer," and begging of him to lay it before her ma- jesty without delay. The prudent secretary, however, saw nothing in the paper to justify all this alarm, and did not even reply to the Irish chancellor. But this bigoted governor was not to be turned aside. He forthwith wi-ote to Lord Harcourt, then the keeper of the great seal in England, repeating the ac- count of the synod which he had given to Mr. Southwell. This account, having been preserved, though never published before, may be inserted here as a sample of the sort of intelligence by which, in these times, such men as Tisdall misled the govern- ment for their own malignant party piu'poses. The Lord-Chan- cellor Phipps writes to the Lord-Keeper Harcovu't, on the IGth of August — " I take this opportunity to acquaint your lordship that there Avas about Easter a general synod, held by the Pres- byterian ministers, at which about seventy of them Avere present. They made a formal procession at Belfast, and each minister was attended with two lay elders, armed with great basket-hilted swords ; and I am informed some of them had pistols, but am not sure of that. At this synod great numbers of papers of the same sort with the enclosed, Avere dispersed. We thought it a thing of that nature that deserved to be laid before her majesty ; and therefore transmitted a paper to Mr. Southwell with an account of the synod ; but hearing nothing from him, I trouble your lordship witli one."'^i Happily all this anxiety to incite the *i State Paper Office, London. The chancellor's account of the total number of members who attended this synod was not very far wrong, though AD. 1712. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 83 English administration to authorise severe measures against the Presbyterians, proved to be ineflPectual. The previous mission of Mr. Iredell, and the presence of Mr. M'Cracken in London, soon after neutralised these efforts of their Irish opponents. Dr. Tis- dall, however, though doubtless disappointed, was not diverted from his wretched policy of misrepresentation and abuse. In the end of the following year he resumed the pen, and published another inflammatory tract against the Presbyterians, Avith this long title, which will sufficiently indicate its spirit and topics : — " A Seasonable Inquiry into that most Dangerous Political Prin- ciple of the Kii-k in power : viz., that the right of dominion in the prince, and the duty of allegiance in liis Presbyterian sub- ieets, are founded uj>on the prince's being a subject of what they call, Christ's kingdom of Presbytery ; or upon his professing and maintaining the Presbyterian religion."^^ j^ ^[^q latter part of this tract, he inserted a copy of the " Call to Prayer," which he had pressed so urgently on the notice of government ; and pro- bably with a view to justify the importance he had then attached to it, he employs fully a fourth part of his pamphlet to convince his readers how full it is of disloyalty and rebellion. It would be difficult to find a sample of more perverse ingenuity and pal- pable misinterpretation than his comment on this devotional paper displays throughout. It may be added, that he had now • become so courageous as to affix his name to tliis third pamphlet, and to avow himself the author of the two preceding ones, pro- mising, at the same time, a further addition to their number, a promise which, in due time, he fulfilled. Another incident, arising out of the proceedings of the synod in this year, \vill stUl farther show the dangers by which the Presbyterian nunistors were now surrounded. The Rev. Robert Darragh, originally from Scotland, had been ordained as minister of the Presbyterian church in the town of Monaghan, about the inaccurate in the details. According to his information, tliero wore seventy ministers and one hundred and forty elders, or two hundred and ten in all. Now, the total number was exactly one hundred and sixty-six, composed of ninety-six ministers and seventy elders. " Dublin, 4to, 171.'^, pp. 44- VOL. III. G 84 HISTORY OF THE PRESIiYTERIAN chap, xxiii. year 1697. In consequence of several acts of drunkenness, and other irregularities being alleged against him, the presbytery of Monaghan Avas obliged, in the year 1710, to put him on his trial, and ultimately to suspend him from the exercise of his ministry. This sentence he treated with contempt, continuing to preach as before, and even administering the Lord's Supper to those mis- guided people who persisted in adhering to him. The synod, in 171 J, after spending- much time in investigating the matter, or- dered Mr. Darragli to submit to the sentence of presbytery? and authorised them, in case of refusal, to proceed to his deposi- tion, which they were ultimately constrained to do. He appealed to this synod in 1712, and after the fullest inquiry, they con- firmed his deposition, and took the usual stops to supply the vacancy in Monaghan, Indignant at this result of his appeal, he forthwith turned informer. " He found means," relates Wodi'ow, writing on the authority of letters from Ireland, " to go to the church-managers and high-flyers, and gets out from the queen's bench, or some court, summons against the ministers, directed to Mr. Kirkpatrick, then moderator [of synod], for exercising fo- reign jurisdiction. By the English law, everything is foreign jurisdiction which is not derived from the sovereign. Even their bishops and spiritual courts own their power [to be derived] only from the queen. T|^" " a stroke at the root of all their discipline in Ireland. I do not k gg,what is yet become of Mr. Kirkpatrick's summons ; but I hear a man that was employed to summon by word of mouth some of Mr. Darroeh's witnesses was cited before the assizes, and he appeared with two counsellors-at-law, or ad- vocates, and was ready to stand a trial. The judge, finding he could not reach him, delayed the thing ; though his counsel pleaded much to have it tried."*^ As the issue of this vindictive procedure against the members of synod has not been recorded, it is probable that the government were ashamed to counte- nance this base informer. But, not long after, a presbytery of the synod was brought into trouble merely for exercising one of the ordinary functions of a ^5 Wodrow's " Analectn," vol. ii. p. 79. x.i>. 1713. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 85 cliurch court, whicli liay the presbytery of Monaghan. In the end of this year, they were found sufficiently numerous to be erected into a congregation, and to be permitted to build a place of worship ; and the presbytery resolved to meet at Belturbet, in the second week of December, to give their formal sanction to these arrange- ments. At this stage of the proceedings, the High Cliurch party, headed most probably by the rector of the parish, the Rev. John Richardson,^ were pleased to take offence at their Presbyterian neighbours seeking to be acconmiodated with a place of worship and a stated ministry. Being apprised of the proposed meeting of presbytery in Belturbet, the justices of peace of that district, together with a numerous body of the clergy of the Established Church, met there on the same day, in order to prevent them from carrying into effect the object of their meeting. So soon as the presbytery had entered on business, they were taken into custody and brought before the magistrates ; informations were taken against them for holding an unlawful and riotous assembly, and they were bound o\er to appear for trial at the ensuing assizes for the county of Cavan.*^ This was a bold and novel procedure, to indict a presbytery for a riot, while sitting peaceably in th charge of its duties, and it very naturally excited great ' .isternation and alarm throughout Ulster. Accordingly, the committee of sjoiod met immediately at Antrim, and despatclied Mr. Kirkpatrick of Bel- fast, the moderator of synod for the current year, to lav the true ♦♦ I have reason to belivevc that this Mr. Uii-hardson, the well-known writer on the conversion of the native Irish througli tiic meJium of tlicir ver- nacular tongue, is the same person wlio, as rector of Dciriloran, in 1701, quarrelled with the Presbyterians of Cookstown, succeeded in depriving them of their place of worship in that town, and had several of thorn indicted for a riot, and bound over for trial at the Tyrone assizes. See chap. .Nxii., note 0. «■' Wodrow MS. Ix-tters, vol. xx., No. 101. .See also ibid, Nos. 105, 107, and 109. 8G HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cn.vp. xxiii. state of the case before the lords-justices. But receiving an un- satisfactory answer from the officials in Dublin, the committee resolved to have recourse to the fountain-head of power. In the month of February, they sent Mr. Iredell of Dublin once more to London with addresses to the queen, the lord-lieutenant, and the prime minister, the Earl of Oxford, setting forth the hardships to which they were exposed by this unprecedented attemjjt to in- terfere with their church courts in the exercise of their ordinary functions. Mr. Iredell so far succeeded, that instructions were sent over to the lords-justices, directing them, in case the in- dictment against the presbytery should be sustained by the grand jury, to have the trial removed by certiorari from the assizes to the queen's bench, where it would be free from the influence of local antipathies, and more directly under the control of govern- ment. Accordingly, at the spring assizes at Cavan, when the grand jury found the bill against them, their trial was removed to Dublin, and they were required to give bail to appear there in the following term. Some friends advised the ministers rather to go to gaol than submit so far as to give bail on such a charge. But they preferred the prudent and peaceable course of comply- ing with the law as it stood, and, in the end of April, they pro- ceeded to Dublin. Previously to the day of trial, they presented a memorial to the lords-justices, probably founded on a previous arrangement Avith the government, and the nature and result of this application will be bsi i related in the words of their excel- lencies' despatch to the lord-lieutenant, who was still at court : — " The indictment that was lately found against the dissenting ministers at Belturbet, being removed by certiorari to the queen's bench, they are come up to town to appear in that court. And this day [April 22d] they presented a petition to us, wherein they declare they had no intention to erect a meeting-house in Bel- turbet ; and that since the complaint was made they have, to avoid giving offence, prevailed with their people to remove their meet- inw-house a mile farther from the town than it was before, and resolve never to give any uneasiness to the said town on that ac- count; and so prayed us to stop any further proceedings ao-ainst them. In regard therefore they have made their sub- A.D. 1713. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 87 mission to us, and promised to behave themselves for the future without giving any oftence; and we l)eing likewise informed of their prudent behaviour in submitting themselves to the laws by giving security to appear in the queen's bench, when they were advised to go, all in a body, to gaol rather than submit, we have told them that their prudent conduct on that occasion, and their submission, has given us great satisfaction; and that, as the go- vernment thought themselves obliged to defend the Church from all encroachments, so they had no intention to deprive them of that indulgence her majesty is graciously pleased to allow them. Therefore we would give directions for stopping the prosecution, and would recommend it to your grace to interpose with her majesty that no farther proceedings should be made against them on that account ; and it is therefore our humble request to your grace that we may receive directions accordmgly."'^'' These di- rections were forthwith issued by the Duke of Ormond ; and thus this l>old attempt to interfere with the functions of Presbyterian church courts was happily defeated, and the presbyteiy of Mo- naghan proceeded in due course to found a congregation and erect a Presbyterian church near Belturbet, where a minister was ordained in the beginning of the foUowmg year. In the conclusion of the despatch just quoted, the lords-justices touch upon another topic, which shows that the " Eepresentation" of the House of Lords, and the calumnies of Dr. Tisdall, had mis- led them into the belief that it was by means of the grant of Royal Bounty, and not by the missionary funds of the Church, new congregations were established among the scattered Presby- terians on the frontiers of the province. Under this errone- ous impression, they thus conclude theii" letter to the lord- lieutenant : — " We take this occasion to acquaint your grace that as we arc not inclinable to disturb the dissenters in the indul- gence granted them by her majesty, so we think it but reasonable to prevent their making encroachments on the Church, which of late they have been enabled to do by the assistance of her ma- jesty's bounty. And therefore we beg leave to remind your '" From the State Paper Office, f.oinlon. 88 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiii. grace of what we wrote in our letter of the 13th of January last, that her majesty's bounty should be limited to the Presbyterian ministers of the North of Ireland only, according to the grant made them of it ; and not be employed to erect new congre- gations : And we hope your grace will obtain her majesty's orders accordingly." To this suggestion, thus repeated after an interval of a quarter of a year, no attention was paid by the lord-lieu- tenant or the English ministry, for, so long as the grant was issued from the treasury, there does not appear to have been any altera- tion made in the mode of its distribution.^''^ While the misrepresentations of Dr.Tisdall and others were thus misleading the government, one or two ministers deemed it their duty to vindicate their Church against these repeated attacks. The first who appeared in her defence was the Rev. Mr. M'Bride of Belfast. During his stay in Scotland, he employed his leisure in publishing a reply to Tisdall's first two pamphlets. As a counterpart to the ironical title of the former of these, ''^ he entitled his work — "A Sample of Jet-black Prelatie Calumny, in Answer to a Pamphlet called ' A Sample of True-blue Presbyterian Loyalty ; or the Christian Loyalty of Presbyterians in Britain and L'c- land, in all changes of Grovernment since the Reformation, asserted.' " ^^ He did not venture to attach his name to this work ; such an avowal would have been eagerly seized on by his unscrupulous assailants to stir up fresh hostilities against him. To the present generation, this work would prove most imattrac- tive, and altogether unreadable, being not only wretchedly printed, but ill-arranged, without any titles to its chapters, or even a table of contents to assist the reader in its perusal. It will also dis- ^' It appears, by a letter from Mr. M'Cracken, then in London, dated Feb. 26th of this year, that there was a design on foot to alienate the grant of Boyal Bounty from the Presbyterians, and to ajjpropriate it to the main- tenance of Irish Schools for the conversion of the Romanists, and that Mr. Richardson, the rector of Belturbet, was then in London urging this project on the government, with great hopes of success ; but that Mr. M'Cracken, through his influence with the prime ministei", the Earl of Oxford, h;id de- feated this project. Wodrow MS. Letters, vol. \x . N^' ^ 'H *8 See chap. xxii. , note 77 and text ■'» Glasgow, 4!o. 1713, pp. 218. A. D. 1713. CHURCH IN IKKLAND. 89 appoint those who refer to it for information on the history and proceedings of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, whose vindi- cation should certauily ha\c been tlie chief object of the work. There are no doubt one or two valuable public documents, and a few important details not elsewhere to be found, but the greater jwrtion of it consists of a defence of the English and Scottish Presbyterians, and is filled with tedious quotations from well- known and accessible books, and even these are given confusedly, witliout regard to chronological order. Although, therefore, it contains many judicious refutations of Tisdall's calumnies and accusations, it must undoubtedly have proved a very inefficient defence against his keen, spirited, well-WTitteu, and well-digested attack. Mr. M'Bride's work was in the press in the month of February,"" and was completed about the end of May. Shortly before that time, he had been informed by Mr. M'Cracken, still in London, that some leading members of the government had assured him that the prosecutions against the non-jurors in Ireland would not be renewed.^! Encouraged by this intelligence, Mr. M'Bride, in the beginning of June, ventured once more to return to his duties in Belfast, and was soon after followed by his brethren in exile, Messrs. M'Cracken and Riddel, who had re- turned by Dublin. He found his brethren in several parts of the province still sutiering under the intolerant spirit which had been so indiscreetly revived by the House of Lords and the couAoca- tion. During the previous wintei', the policy of prosecuting the ministers for celebrating marriages, and the laity for teaching school and refusing to act as church-wardens, had been once more resumed;''- and at the annual synod in this year, the fol- lowing minute informs us, it was resolved to collect information with regard to these grievances : — " Ordered that inquiry be made who they are of our ministers or people who are pro- secuted in the ecclesiastical courts for marrying with us, for '" The Wodrow Correspondence, vol. i. p. 417. •■*' Ibid, vol. i. p. 420. Sec also Letters from Mr. M'Bride, still in Glas- gow, Feb. 10, and from .Mr. M-Cnickcn, in London, Fob. 20, \713 ; Wod- row's MS. Letters, ^-ol. xx., No?. 101 and li'4. •" Ibid, vol. i. p. 4S4, note. 90 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiii. refusing the office of church-wardens, for teaching school, that full proof be made of what prosecutions there are. We now hear ^^ that Mr. Dunlop of Athlone, Mr. Ball [of Liiford], Mr. Winsley [of Donagheady, also near Strabane : these three were ministers], Mr. Mercer of Enniskillen, and Mr. James Ball of Ballymoney, [these were two laymen], are prosecuted. Wlien the brethren go home, they are to inform themselves as to these or any other, get the instances well attested, and transmit the account thereoi to Mr. James Kirkpatrick." In the midst of these difficulties and distractions, the synod steadily proceeded in upholding its discipline, especially in regard to members of the Church convicted of scandalous offences, who were now ordered to be publicly rebuked before their respective con- gregations. They also took additional measures for exercising a stricter superintendence over their candidates for the ministry, and for instituting a more searching examination into their literary and theological attainments.^^ Another subject occupied the atten- tion of this synod, which claims a passing notice in these pages. Notwithstanding the efforts made on former occasions ^^ to obtain a history of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, no available pro- gress had yet been made in the work. The compilation of the late Kev. Patrick Adair of Belfast still remained unpublished, though several ministers had been successively appointed to com- plete it. This synod once more endeavoured to forward the work. The subject was brought before them by an overture from the sub-synod of Belfast, the preamble of which will exliibit their views respecting it : — " Wliereas an history of this Church were very desirable, and all attempts for writing it have proved unsuccessful, which, as we humbly conceive, is chiefly owing to two causes, viz., [first], want of due care to preserve public papers that have been drawn up in this Church and neglecting to collect them into a book ; and [secondly], not giving due assistance to *3 This phrase plainly implies tliat there had been other similar cases, and that those referred to in this minute were now heard of for the first time. "Thompson's " Abstract of the Laws and Rules of the Synod." 8vo. Dub. 1802, pp. 19-21. '^ See chap, xviii., note 23, for what was then done in this matter. A.D. 1713. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 91 those brethren to whom the compiling of the said history was committed. And, whereas Mr. John M'Bride was the person to whom it was last committed by the general synod, we overture," &c. The synod approved of this proposal, reappointed Mr. M'Bride to the work, and directed that ho should be assisted in it by the Rev. James Kirkpatrick, who had been removed from the congregation of Templepatrick, in 1706, to be colleague to Mr. M'Bride ; and when a portion of that large body of worshippers was erected by the synod, m 1708, into a separate charge, Mr. Kirkpatrick became the first minister of this second Belfast con- gregation.^'' Tliis arrangement for completing the history of tlie Church was not more successful than the preceding ones; and this important and deeply interesting subject continued to be ne- glected, and almost totally forgotten, for more than a century afterwards. But though this eflbrt to secure a history of the Church proved to be fruitless, there apjieared, not long after tliis meeting of synod, an important work, which has preserved much valuable liistorical information which would have otherwise been inac- cessible to the present generation. The Rev. JSIr. Kirkpatrick of Belfast, already referred to, had for some time been collecting materials for defending his brethren against the various charges ^ Mr. Kirkpatrick was the son of the Rev. Hugh Kirkpatrick, from Scot- land, who was minister in Lurgan from about 168G to tlie Revolution ; he then retired to his native country, supplied the parish of Dairy from 1689 to 1691, when ho was settled in Old Cumnock ; and, being transported by the Irish synod from Lurgan to Ballymoney in 1693, and urged to return, he left Cumnock in 1695, and was installed in Ballymoney, where he died in 1712. His son was educated in Glasgow, and I find he was a fellow-student in the divinity class with Simpson, afterwards professor of divinity in the University, and suspended on account of having embraced Arianism. The Rev. James Kirkpatrick succeeded the venerable Anthony Kennedy in Templepatrick, was ordained to that charge in August 1699, and demitted it September 24, 1706. While in that congregation, he published, anonymously, " A Sermon occasioned by the King's Death and her present Majesty's [Anne] Accession to the Crown. Preached March 29, by a Presbyterian Minister in the Nortli." [Belfast], 1702, 4to, pp. 16. It is recommended by Mr. Upton, one of the ciders of that congregation. Mr. Kirkpatrick was the author of several other publit-ations, which arc subsequently noticed in these pages. 92 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN ciur. xxiii. which had latterly been urged against them. His plan embraced a vindication, not only of the Irish, but of the English and Scottish Presbyterians. It consequently branched out into so many topics and comprised so many transactions, spread over so long a period, that the result was a very bulky volume, extending to nearly six hundred closely printed quarto pages ! He entitled it " An His- torical Essay upon the Loyalty of Presbyterians in Great Britain and Ireland, from the Reformation to the present year, 1713."^'^ It is popularly known by the running title of " Kirkpatrick's Presbyterian Loyalty," though, in accordance with the caution which it was then deemed necessary to practice, neither author nor printer ventured to affix his name . The plan of the work is simple and natural. Having shown that the principles of Pres- byterianism were not in themselves opposed to loyalty to the crown or to a monarchical government, he proceeded to vindicate the Presbyterians of the three kingdoms from the charges of dis- loyalty and rebellion brought against them, devoting, in the first two parts, a chapter to each of the reigns of the British sovereigns from Elizabeth to Anne. In the third part, he replied seriatim to the alleged facts on which Dr. Tisdall had founded his special charges against the Ulster Presbytei'ians ; and in the most satis- factory, but, at the same time, in the most temperate manner, he exposed the gross inaccuracies, and not unfrequently the wilful misstatements, of that unscrupulous pamphleteer. It was reason- s' [Belfast] ITIS, 4to, pp. 590, incluJiug the preface and index. The re- mainder of the title, which was no unbefitting type of the tedious lengtlii- ness of the work itself, was in those words — " Wherein their steady adherence to the Protestant interest, our happy civil constitution, the succession of Pro- testant princes, the just prerogatives of the crown, and the liberties of the people, is demonstrated from public records, the best approved histories, the confession of thoir adversaries, and divers valuable original papers vpell at- tested and never before published. And an answer given to the calumnies of their accusers, and particularly to two late pamphlets, viz., (1.) ' A Sample of True-blue Presbyterian Loyalty,' &c. (2.) ' The Conduct of the Dissenters in Ireland,' &c. In three parts. With a prefatory Address to all her Ma- jesty's Protestant subjects, of all persuasions, in Great Britain and Ireland, ;igainst the Pretender, on behalf of tic Protestant religion, the Queen, the House of Hanover, and our liibcrties." It wa.s published in the middle or end cf October. Wodrow's MS. Letter.^ vol.xs.. No. 113. A.D. 1713. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 03 ably to be expected that so large a volume would contain iiii]>or- tant information on the history of the Presbyterian Church in Irelantl. But the amount of that iuforniation is very scanty, Mhcn compared with what it might have been, which is the more to be regretted, because many valuable papers wliich were in his posses- sion have long since perished. He devoted, indeed, a compara- tively limited portion of the work to Irish atiairs. Fully a seventh part of the whole is occupied with the history and proceedings of the English Puritans, during the single reign of Elizabeth, while, in the subsequent reigns, the transactions of the Scottish Church hold a very prominent place. The work is certainly written in a more attractive style than Mr. M'Bride's work on the same subject, and the Belfast typography is superior to that of Glas- gow^ ; but with all these ad\antagcs, it is still an unattractive volume, and from its greater length, it must have been fully as unfitted as his colleague's to be an effective reply to the light, flippant, and easily-read brochures of their townsman, Dr. Tisdall. These works proved insufficient to stem the rising tide of in- tolerance and party spirit. Even the influence of the govern- ment, who were unquestionably sincere in their promises of pro- tection to the non-juring ministers, was insufficient to shield them from the violence of their bigoted opponents. They had scarcely resumed theu" duties in their respective congregations, when they found themselves once more plunged in their former troubles. Mr, M'Bride, writing from Belfiist in the beginning of August, has given tiie following account of the annoyances to which he and his brethren were now exposed : — " I arrived here June 8th, and found my family in health, and applied myself to my work as formerly, which did not a little enrage my old enemies ; upon which one of them complamed to the government, and desu-ed to be assisted by some of the army to apprehend us ; but this was not granted. Mr. M'Crackcn came home about the begin- ning of July with brother Eiddel, who, landing at Dublin, were alarmed with the news [of this application to government], and coming home did not appear publickly. The higli-sheritf, one Green, who dwelleth in tliis town, commanded his sub-sheriiF to apprehend me ; Avho coiiuhl;- to iny iiousc and nor findiui;- iiic 94 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxiii. tlio' I was in it, he gave me no more trouble, for he had no mind to see me.^^ Being advised to keep myself private, while the judges who were here on their circuit were in this county, I withdrew till they left the country ; and so returned home and set to my work again. But I am upon my guard. Our enemies, tho' very malicious, can hardly get any to execute their warrant. Upon Mr. M'Cracken's return he thought he had made all sure, but found otherwise, and therefore wrote back to his friend [in London] informing him how we are treated ; upon which we understand that the secretary to the Duke of Ormond, our lord- lieuteilant, was desired to write to the government here to drop this affair, which he accordingly hath done. Wliat effect that will have, we do not yet know ; but Mr. M'Cracken was last Lord's-day obliged to leave his pulpit after he had entered ; one Spencer, a justice of peace, having sent constables to take him, but they could not get it done. Thus it is with us ; but we are resolved not to leave the country ; and if they take us, he and I think it fitter to go to prison, and then we shall know whether those [in the administration in London] who profess to be our friends, can or will be as good as their word. Our clergy [of the Episcopal Church] are violent to a degree beyond what they were formerly, and are pursuing people as fornicators who are married by us."^^ In the midst of these local animosities, a change took place in the Irish government. The Duke of Ormond, though still lord- lieutenant, had not visited Ireland smce the end of the year 1711, when parliament had been prorogued, after votmg supplies for a 58 The name of this lenient sub-sheriflf deserves to be recorded ; it was Mr. Jeremy Phillips. 5^ The Wodrow Correspondence, vol. i. p. 483, 484. To the chivalrous resolution of going to prison, in order to try the friendship of the govern- ment, Wodrow very pointedly replied — "I know so little of circumstances that I dare say nothing to your conduct. But I cannot, without concern, think of your venturing on a prison in your old age, upon the credit of such as call themselves your friends. I don't like such experiments of friendship at all, and had rather hear the laverock sing as the mouse chirp. But I do not at all condemn your resolution, till I know better how matters go." Ibid, p. 485. A.D. 1713. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 9') period of two years. That period was now drawing to a close, and it was, therefore, necessary that parliament should be re- assembled to vote new supplies for the service of the state. The Duke of Ormond, however, was so engrossed with his military offices in England, of which the great Duke of Marlborough had been deprived by the present ministry, that he could not return to his government. Accordingly, the Duke of Shrews- bury, a nobleman of moderate views and of a conciliatory temper, viewed by many as more of a Whig than a Tory, was selected in the end of September to succeed Ormond in the office of lord- lieutenant. At the same time, as the House of Commons had on several points opposed the jioliey of the court during the last session, it was resolved to have recourse to a dissolution, in the hope, which was not realised, that the increased power of the Tory party, augmented by that of the court, would secure a more obsequious parliament. The new lord-lieutenant arrived in Dublin on the 27th of October, and immediately entered on the duties of his office. Not long after his arrival, the Rev. Mr. Kirkpatrick of Belfast, the Rev. John Abernethy of Antrim, and the Rev. IMr. Iredell of Dublin, laid before him a representation of the state of their Church, setting forth the grievances under which both ministers and people were still suffi?i'ing, and urging the impolicy of divid- ing the Protestants of Ireland by the continued imposition of the Sacramental Test. They state how discouraged they were by the frequent disappointment of their hopes of relief; and they assure his grace, that " the melancholy apprehensions of these things have put several of us upon thoughts of transplanting ourselves into America, that we may there in a wilderness enjoy, by the blessing of God, that ease and quiet to our consciences, persons, and families, which is denied us in our native country."^'* What effect this representation had on the lord-lieutenant does not appear ; the only record is, that " he was pleased to coun- tenance the brethren."^! The probable result was, that though not prepared to grant them any legal relief, his grace was dis- "" Tisdall's " Nature and Tendency of Popular Phrases," p. 10- «i MS. Minutes of .Synod. 96 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiii. posed to protect them, as far he could, against some of the more vexatious troubles to which they were now exposed. On the 26th of November he opened parliament with the cus- tomary speech, which, so far from containing any hint of favour or toleration to the Presbyterians, seemed to intimate that ad- ditional severities might possibly be laid upon them. For he pointedly stated that her majesty had called this parliament " to consider of, and provide such laws as may be judged necessary for the further security of the Church of Ireland, as by law established,"'^^ as if, after all the persecuting statutes which had already been enacted to maintain her domination, some new re- strictions on Romanists or Presbyterians were still necessary. The House of Lords, m their address to the queen, in reply to his Excellency's speech, took especial notice of this statement, lamenting the prejudices which were fostered against her among the Irish people, " by the restless endeavours of their Popish priests and dissenting preachers." In their address to the lord- lieutenant, they speak out more plainly. They assure his grace that they were prepared to " use their utmost endeavours to dis- appoint the treacherous designs of the Papists on the one hand, and the bold encroachments of the dissenters on the other ; some of whose leading teachers, we beg leave to acquaint your grace, refuse to take the oath of abjuration ; and yet, in defiance of the law, preach in publick before numerous assemblies."*'^ No such hostile feelings were displayed by the other house of par- liament. All the efforts which had been made at the late general election, to secure a Tory majority in the commons, proved in- effectual. The two parties tried their strength on the very first day of the session, at the election of the speaker, the court and the Tories supporting the attorney-general, and the Whigs pro- posing Mr. Brodrick, who had formerly filled that office, and who had been dismissed by the present ministry from the post of chief-justice of the queen's bench. The division was very close, but the Wliigs carried their candidate by the narrow majority "- Journals of the Irish Lords, vol. ii. p. 421. «' Ibid, Tol. ii. p. 424. A.I.. 1713. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 07 of four only."^ This session of parliamout was closed within a month. So violent were the disputes between the two hou.ses, especially on the question of the impeachment of Lord-Chancellor Phipps, that no sooner were the supplies voted than the lord-lieu- tenant put an end to the session. Tlie pointed allusion to the case of the non-juring ministers by the lords, in their address to the lord-lieutenant, stirred up against them, as it was intended to do, the slumbering passion.s of their opponents. Even before that address had been pre- sented, the notorious ]Mr. Westenra Waring at length succeeded in apprehending ^Mr. M'Cracken, and having him committed to prison. Mr. M'Bride, in a letter from Belfast, has given the fol- lowing account of his friend's apprehension : — " Mr. M'Cracken, coming home from visiting one of his elders that was sick, acci- dentally met Ml'. Westenra Waring, high-sheriff" for the county of Down, (though he durst not appear there to do his office, being pursued for debt which he was not able to pay.) This man, one of our persecutors, meeting with Mr. M'C. upon the highway, a little beyond Lisburn, did with his servants apprehend him, tho' without any warrant, and brought him into Lisburn and kept hhu close prisoner that night, setting a guard upon him and denying him the use of pen, ink, and paper. It's true had he consented, he could have been soon relieved ; but neither of us are for these methods in our case. Next morning his mitthmis was written and he was sent to the prison of Carrickfergus. Green, the liigh-sheriff' of Antrim, waited on him [in Lisburn] with a guard, and carried him thro' this town ; but he did not call to see me. Green bade him be comforted for he would send me soon to keep him company ; but he hath not as yet been able to perform his promise. Thus our brother continues, yet he is hearty and in health, and civilly dealt with by all the sober men of the town ; having liberty to walk out thro' tho town and suburbs as lie pleasoth. "''•'' '''* Journals of the Irish Commons, vol. iii. p. 043. '*' Fioin Wodrow's M.S. Tetters, vol. xx., No. 1 15. The following parn- gr.iph from the same letter is too characteristic of Ii'it.h society ;it this time to he withhold from the present grncration : — " It is leniarkable that as God U8 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxui. The other non-jurors succeeded in escaping the constables, and secreting themselves till the storm had subsided. Mr. M'Cracken was at a loss to know the precise nature and extent of the penalties he had incurred. Writing from Carrickfergus jail in the beginning of January 1714, he says — "I am yet in the dark about my own case ; for there are two acts of parliament we are liable to, and I do not as yet know upon which of them my prosecution will proceed. For if they insist upon the first and bring me to trial, I doubt not of being found guilty, and so liable to ,£500 sterling.^*^ But if they proceed upon the second act, then three months' imprisonment answers the first punishment, and so I shall be liberated at the expiration of that time, six weeks of which are now over. But at the end of three months they may confine me immediately for six months longer ; and after that they may tender me the oath, the which if I refuse, then I am liable to a premunire, i.e., I forfeit all my goods and am con- fined during life.'^'^ But I thank God, none of these things trouble me.""^^ His trial took place at the next spring assizes. So deep an interest did the Chancellor Phipps take in it, that he sent down from Dublin a queen's-counsellor and a solicitor to hath removed by death two of our chief enemies [one of whom, it appears from another letter, was Dr. Tobias Pullen, bishop of Dromore, ' the great instigator of such as gave us trouble,'] so He hath pursued the imprisoners of Mr. M'Cracken. For Mr. W. Waring that took him, being drowned in debt, laboured to get in to be a member of parliament, that by his privilege of parliament he might secure himself from his creditors. So he set up for being chosen by a burgh in this county [Randalstown] whereof Mr Charles O'Neill is chief landlord. But the people being dissenters, he could not ob- tain their votes ; whereupon Green, the high-sheriff of this county, his father- in-law and a justice, returns him, and another chosen by that corporation. When the parliament met, and that matter came to be tried by the com- mittee of election, the return was found illegal ; and base Warren was ex- pelled the house, and Green ordered to be committed to the custody of the sergeant-at-arms. But both thought fit to make their escape as neither of them dare appear ; and so they are in a worse condition than either Mr. M'Cracken or I." See also Commons' Journals, vol. iii. p. 976. ^8 This was an English act of parliament extending to Ireland ; 1 Anne, stat. 2, chap. 17, enforcing 13 Wm. III., chap. 6. <'' This was an Irish act ; 8 Anne, chap. 3, sect. 24. •"■" The Wodrow Correspondence, vol. i. p. 541. A. p. ITIi. CHUllCH IN IIIRLANI). 99 conduct it on the part of the ci-own. To bring hiiu within the operation of the English act, it wan necessary to prove Mr. M'Cracken to be " a })reacIior of a separate congregation." But so unpopular was this proceeding, that the high-sheriti" could with difficulty find any person willing to depose to that well- known fjict. '■' This prosecution," says Mr. Boyse of Dublin, in a pamphlet published soon after, " was so generally construed to be the effect of party malice by persons of all persuasions, that no man, not so much as the meanest day-labourer, could be en- gaged to be a witness against him : So that Mr. Spencer was obliged to provide four female witnesses, whose character is sufficiently known where they live ; and even his diffidence of their testimony obliged him to procure summons from the judges to several of Mr. M'Cracken's own congregation to come and swear against liim. To prevent theii- trouble, JMi*. M'Cracken appeared, and before the court owned his being for the Pro- testant succession and against the Pretender. Upon which the judges looked at one another, and neither counsellor nor solici- tor moved in it, being sensible (as he has i*eason to believe) that the prosecution was only malicious."''^ The judge, however, had no discretion. Mr. M'Cracken was formally convicted under both the statutes ; by the one he was condemned to pay a fine of five hundred pounds, and by the other to lie in prison six months, having already been confined three months, and still to be obliged to take the oath ; " so that," as he says in one of his letters, " if something fall not in other way than what at present seems to ap- pear, my life and confinement may be of equal length." Tisdall, the indefatigable assailant of the Presbyterians, chose this as a suitable season for publishing another of his virulent but clever and plausible phillipics against them. It appeared some time in the spring, under this title, which will sufficiently indicate its contents — " Tlie Nature and Tendency of Popular Phrases in general, with a particular enquiry into those two, which are calculated to exasperate the Protestant Dissenters of *• Boysc's "Remarks on Tisdall's Case of tho Sacramental Test, " «fcc., p. 64 ; corroborated by a letter froin>Ir. M'Cracken himself, giving a similar account. Wodrow's MS. Letter.--, vol. xx.. No. 117. VOL. III. H 100 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiir. Ireland against the Church and Legislature, viz., Persecution of Protestants, and ranking the Dissenters in the same class with the Irish Papists."^" With the utmost coolness and effrontery he repeated in this tract some of the most offensive of his former charges, although they had been completely refuted by Mr. Kirk- patrick ; he does not even take the least notice of these refuta- tions. This was, indeed, his invariable policy as a controversial- ist, or rather as a calumniator, to refrain from noticing the replies which his accusations had elicited, and to reassert them as in all respects unimpeached and unimpeachable. These misrepresentations of the principles and conduct of the Presbyterians, so confidently repeated from time to time, together with the grievances to which they were still exposed, could not be overlooked. The synod, in June of this year, felt constrained to notice both of these matters. To evince their unabated at- tachment to the queen and the Protestant succession, as well as to vindicate themselves from the aspersions of Tisdall and others, they published an " Act recommending prayer in congregations and families for her Majesty Queen Anne, and the Serene George LcAvis, Duke of Brunswick-Lunenburg, and the succes- sion to the crown in the illustrious house of Hanover ; and against the Pretender, and against all his secret and open abet- tors.'"''! New grievances had, in the meantime, arisen. The efforts of Archbishop King, so long and so strenuously directed against the Eoyal Bounty, were at length successful, and the '"' Dublin, 8vo, [1714], pp. 41. It is .a curious sign of the times to find, from a note on the last page of this pamphlet, that Tisdall had been unable to dispose of his three previous anti-Presbyterian tracts, and that he was now obliged to reduce them in price in order to ensure a sale. Though pub- lished by different persons, he appears to have put them all into the hands of the bookseller who published this fourth of the series, and wlio, after giving the titles of the other three, adds this note, " Whereas these above-named books have been hitherto sold at three shillings and a penny, the remainder may be had from the said Tompson, stitched together, at two British shil- lings." If Tisdall could have foreseen the sad event which happened on the 1st of the following month of August, and which still farther damaged their sale, he would, doubtless, have reduced them in time another shilling. 71 MS. Minutes of Synod- A.I). 17U. CHURCH IN HIELAND KM grant was now altogether withdrawn by the Irish goverunient."-' Tho vexatious suits against their marriages were still continued. Two merchants in Belfast, who had been prosecuted by Tis- dall for having been married by their own minister.s, applied to this .synod for advdce, when the following resolution was adopted : " Whereas Mr. Samuel Smith, jun., and John Kyle, both of Bel- fast, have applied to this synod representing that they have been under a severe and chargeable prosecution in the ecclesiastical courts for their marrying with us, and that they have at last ob- tained in the civil courts a prohibition until the next term ; and shewing also that they are told, if they will remarry [in the Episcopal Church], their penance shall be easy ; they therefore desire that this synod would give them their best advice as to re- marrying, &c. This synod are unanimously of opinion that they should not remarry ; and do accordingly ad\'ise that they never do it, but rather stand the suit. And whereas we are infonned that this is the case of some and may be the condition of others, we are resolved and do firmly purpose to give our best advice and assistance to any of our people or friends under such circum- stances ; as also proper support in all such cases as may require it, upon due application to us." The synod further agreed to send Mr. Iredell once more to London, to apply in person to the lord- lieutenant and other members of the administration for redress of their grievances, and to obviate any misrepresentations of their prin- ciples which might have been transmitted by their adversaries to the queen or the ministry. At the same time, in consequence of the well-founded alarm then felt, that some of the leaders of the Tory government were laying plans for the restoration of the Pre- tender, the synod, at the suggestion of the Rev. Mr. Hutchinson of Armagh, secretly determined to take steps for ascertaining how many of their people were ready to take up arms for the Protestant succession, in case any resistance should be offered to '■ T Ilia appears fioin the initiutes of this syno.l, but only iiiciJeiitally, as wlien it is said — " Mr. Lee's circumstances being considered, his support by R. D. being suspended, as it is from us all," &c. And again — " Seeing tho former way of deducting from the absents from synod is susj>OMded, R.D.uol being paid now, " «tc. 102 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiii. the accession of the Elector of Hanovei" ; and the result showed that no fewer than fifty thousand men, with officers, Avcre pre- pared, when called on, to venture their all in his support. To avoid suspicion, the synod employed one of the French Protestant ministers to convey this gratifying information to his highness, who " received the proposal with many thanks, and was very fond to hear there were so many staunch friends to him" in Ireland.'^^ Matters were now, indeed, assuming a very serious aspect in England, under the rising ascendency of Lord Bolingbroke. In the new House of Commons there, the Tory party had an over- whelming majority, Avho imposed a new grievance on the Irish Presbyterians. The hill for preventing the growth of schism, was, in the first instance, directed solely against the English dis- senters, excluding them from the office of teachers, and compel- ling all schoolmasters, with a few unimportant exceptions, to con- form to the Established Church. In this form it had passed through the commons in the latter part of the month of May. But in the House of Lords, when they were in committee on the bill, a clause was proposed, extending its operation to Ireland, Avhich, though opposed by the lord-lieutenant, the Duke of Shrewsbury,'^-* and the Whig party generally, was carried in the face of a protest, signed by twenty-eight lay lords and five bishops.''^ When this Irish clause was proposed to be agreed to ^3 Wodi'ows " Analecta, " vol. iv. p. 233 ; confirmed by Abernethy in his pamplilet, entitled, "The Nature and Consequences of the Sacramental Test considered," Dub. 1731, p. 59 ; republished among his " Tracts and Ser- mons." Lond 1751, p. 132, '■* Iiolsham's " History of Great Britain," vol. ii. p. 531. He also gives the majority and minority in the Lords on two divisions, though these are not entered in the journnls. '5 "Journals of the English Lords," vol xix., pp. 715 and 717. The last reason in the protest against the bill referred tolreland.and is in these words: — ' ' The miseries we apprehend here are greatly enhanced by extending this bill to Ireland, where the consequences of it may be fiital ; for since the number of Papists in that kingdom far exceeds all the Protestants of all denominations together, and that the dissenters are to be treated as enemies, or, at least, as persons dangerous to that Church and State, who have always in all times joined, and would still join, with the members of that Church in their common defence against the common enemy of their religion." A.D. 17H. CHURCH IN lUELAXD. 103 in tlio commons, its opponents moved, as an amendment, " That the Toleration Act, 1 William & Mary, might extend to Ire- land ;" but on a division it was rejected by a large majority, and the obnoxious clause -was finally incorporated into the bill which was to come into operation on the 1st of August following. Thus was another severe blow aimed at the Irish Presbyterians ; for though, by the Irish act of uniformity,'^'^ "every schoolmaster, keeping any public or private school," was required to promise conformity to the Established Church, no provision had been made for enforcing compliance with this part of that act. This defect was now supplied by the schism bill, and every Presby- terian in Ireland who ventured to teach a school, excejit of the very humblest description, was liable to be imprisoned for three months. When the nature of this oppressive and persecuting act be- came known m Ireland, it still further inflamed the zeal of the High Church party, and urged them to fresh acts of violence against the Presbyterians. The Tory majority in the grand jury of the county of Antrim, at the summer assizes in July, prepared a flaming address to the queen, which was afterwards carried through the county to obtain signatures until it was too late to be presented. In it they say — "As by a Sacramental Test your ma- jesty gave a seasonable check to the prevailing power of faction in our corporations, so by a late important act, you have stopped the spreading contagion of schism in our congregations; both which laws nuist attect latest posterity, if the prevailing of faction does not break through them." They then add — " It is with the greatest j^leasure we find in that excellent act against schism that the oath of supremacy begins to revive in this kingdom, the repeal of which had let into our corporations numbers of those who by the principles, both of their religion and policy, rob the prince of his supremacy, and place that inestimable jewel of the crown in the mixed body of their General Assembly."'" To this address, '"17 & 18 Charles II., cliap. G, sect. 6. " " Historical Collections Uelativc to Belfast." Belfast, 1817, 8vo, p. 87. The same party arc not now so enamoured of the royal supremacy ; they are much more outrageous than ever the Presbyterians were in tiii'ir cflForts to rob 104 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiu. which so c"learly exhibits the furious bigotry and party spirit which now raged throughout Ulster, were appended the names of Lord Massareene, and his brother, the Honourable John Skeffing- ton, of Dr. Smith, the bishop of Down and Connor, of the late high- sheriffs, Si)encer and Green, and of the prime mover in the whole affiiir, Dr. Tisdall of Belfast, with several other Episco- pal clergymen. In various ]>arts of the province, the Presby- terians were exposed to gross insults, their catechisms and other religious books were seized when exposed for sale, and threats of shutting up their houses of worship began to be freely uttered.''^ In the towns of Antrim, Downpatrick, and Eathfriland, these threats were carried into execution, and the Presbyterian churches in those places were actually nailed up.''^^ What would have been the issue of these intolerant and intolerable proceedings it is dif- ficult to conjecture ; but happily for the peace of Ulster, they were suddenly checked by the vmexpected death of the queen, on the 1st of August — the very day, by a singular coincidence, on which the schism bill came into operation. The accession of George the First immediately arrested the High Church faction in their furious career, and from this date the Irisli Presbyterians began to breathe more freely, and to obtain relief from some, but not all, of their more serious grievances. Queen Victoria of this "inestimable jewel of lier crown," nnd plnce it in their bishops or convocations, in opposition to the prince ! But, Tempora vmtantur, &c. '8 M'Skimin's "History of Carrickfergus." Belfast. 1829, p. 71. "" Harbcr'a " Remarks on Woodward's Present State of the Church of Ireland," p. 57- Mr. Barber was minister at Rathfriland. A.n. 1714. CHURCH IiNMKKLAiND. 105 C H A r T E R X X J V . A.D. 17H-10. State of parlies at the accession of George I. — Presbyterians bring their claims before Government — Meeting at Newry — Send commissioners to London — Synod in 1715 — Violence of the High Church party — Alarm re- specting the Pretender — Presbyterians agree to serve in the militia — Parliament opened — Bill in favour of the Presbyterians — Tisdall's pamphlet against it — Progress of the Rebellion in Scotland — Precautionary measures in the county of Antrivi — The Primate and the Bishop of Dotvn and Connor complain to the Government against the Presbyterians there — Trial thereof at the Assizes — Liberation of Mr. M'Cracken — IIouse of Lords oppose the bill for relieving the Presbyterians — Proceedings of Go- vernment thereon— Bill abandoned — Resolutions of the Commons in favour of Protestant Dissenters — Presbyterian gentlemen resolve to continue in the militia — Synod in \1\Q apiprove thereof — Their proceedings relative to the terms of a toleration — Adhere to the Westminster Confession of Faith — Resume preaching in the Irish language— Report thereon to the Synod in 1717 — Two neiy Presbyteries formed — Renewed effort for the removal of their grievances — Another deputation sent to London — Their report to Synod in 1718 — Augmentation of the Royal Bounty — Proceedings of Synod in 1719 on their Irish -preaching project — Government at length undertake toremedythegricvancesof the Dissenters— Despatch of the Lord-Lieutenant to the Secretary of State in London on this subject — Parliament opened — Allusion to the Dissenters' claims in the speech from the throne — Heads of a Toleration Billintroduced into the Commons — Progress of the bill — De- bale in committee — Proceedings in the Privy-Council — A counter hill on the basis of the English Toleration Act carried through the Lords — The Commons' bill as returned from England passes that house — Is carried up to the Lords — Debate thereon — Division and protest there — Bishops who opposed and supported the bill — Character of the act — Tem- porary Bill of Indemnity passed. The accession of George the First effected an immediate and com- plete revolution in the state of parties. The Tory faction were hurled from power, and subjected to many painful humiliations; and se\eral of thoir leading men, in the late ministry of Queen 106 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. Anne, were arraigned for high treason. The Wliigs, on the otlier hand, enjoyed the confidence of the new sovereign, whose claims to the crown they had so warmly supported, who was alienated from their political opponents by the tortuous and ambiguous policy which they had pursued, and whose religious education and prin- ciples had fitted him to be the friend of toleration. By tlie various sections of the Irish Protestants, this change of the dynasty was viewed with very different feelings. Deplored by the High Church clergy, whose ascendency was thereby pros- trated, it was readily acquiesced in by their moderate brethren, (though not without some misgivings among the prelates of that party), as presenting a powerful barrier against the claims of the Pretender and the revival of Popery, while it was most cordially welcomed by the Presbyterians, in the confident hope that they would at length receive from the state that justice to which they felt themselves entitled, as loyal, peaceable, and industrious sub- jects.i But, in estimating the results of this change, they forgot to take into account the opposition which the Low Church clei'gy, now the chief advisers of the crown in ecclesiastical matters, would be enabled to offer to the tolerant measures of the king and his ministry. For, notwithstanding all their professions of attachment to religious liberty and the principles of the Revolu- tion, this section of the Irish established clergy were fully as hostile to the claims of the dissenters as their more violent bre- thren. And, in point of fact, as will be seen in this chapter, it was the narrow-minded jealousy of tliis party, and their selfish de- termination to uphold, at all hazards, the prelatical monopoly of poAver and office, which thwarted the liberal projects of the sove- reign and his ministers in favour of the Presbyterians, and cur- tailed the indulgence subsequently granted to dissenters within vei'y narrow limits. George the Fii'st was proclaimed, with every demonstra- ' Mr. M'Ciacken, in a letter to Wodiow, written in September of this eventful year, says — "Things here have a strange face to what they had. Tlic High [Churcli party] are dejected and become sullen ; tlie Low [Church p.arty] say not much, not being overjoyed ; only the dissenters take the liberty of crying aloud." Wodiow's MS. Letters, vol. xx., No. 117. A.D. 1711. CHURCH IN IRELAND, 107 tion of loyalty and exultation, in Belfast, on the 9tli of Au- gust, and subsequently in all the principal towns of Ulster.^ In the beginning of September, two of the lords-justices, Phipps, the noted lord-chancellor, and the Archl)ishop of Armagh, were superseded in that officfc ; and of those appointed in their room, unfortunately for the Presbyterians, one was their bitter oppo- nent. Archbishop King of Dublin. The lord-Ueutenant, the Duke of Shrewsbury, was the only member of the late adminis- tration who retained his post, and ho continued to hold office as lord-chamberlain, and to be received with favour at court, although the Earl of Sunderland was appointed, in the end of September, to succeed him as lord-lieutenant. This nobleman, however, never came over to Ireland, being desirous of a wider field for his am- bition, and looking upon this appointment as designed to be a splendid banishment from power and otfiee. So soon as the new administration had fully undertaken the government of the empire, the Irish Presbyterians lost no time in - Everywhere the joy and triumph of the Whigs were as conspicuous as the niortificatiou of the Tories. (See M'Skimin's " History of Carrickfergns, " p. 18.) Siniihir scenes occurred in Belfast. I have seen an anonymous brochure, published there at this time by the Whigs, exulting over the discomfiture of their rivals, bearing this title: — "The Copy of a Letter from a certain Gentleman of the High Church to a Brother of the reverend gown, dated at Belfast, August 10th, 1714, being the day after the Proclamation of his Sacred Majesty King George in that Town." [Belfast,] 1714, pp. 8. The " brother of the reverend gown" was no doubt intended for Tisdall. It appears that, so recently as the previous week, the Bishop of Down had been holding his visitation at Lisburn, and had, as usual, j^ttacked the Presbyterians, to tlie great delight of the High Church party. Accordingly, the writer of this ironical letter is made to say, (page 4), " It is in perfect torment I reflect how celestially t'other day our right reverend father in God mauled the schisraaticks, witli what a vener- able authority and pious warmth he recommended a severe and conscientious execution of the wholesome statutes against tbem ! It is in agony, I say, I reflect on this, and at the same time must bear to have our holy zeal made the subject of their devilish diversions ! To think that the schismatics who with- in these four days were the destined objects of legal prosecutions, and ready to fall fat victims to our Church's security, should tliis day have the shout of a king among them ! To sec them t'other day a parcel of dead dogs, despairing miscreants ; and now a[)pearing witii new vigour and life, so that an hone.st Cliinchman .scarce can moot tiiL-ir looks I" 108 HISTOllY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. bringing their claims before tlie king and his ministry in London. These claims were still the same; they sought to obtain (1.) Capa- city to serve their country, by the repeal of the Sacramental Test ; (2.) Full legal protection for their worship and government ; and (3.) The restoration and increase of the grant of Eoyal Bounty. In applying for the second of these benefits, it became necessary for them to state whether they were prepared to accept it on the same terms on which it had been granted to the dissenters in England, to wit, on subscribing the thirty-nine articles of the Established Church, excepting those which related to matters of discipline.^ In order to determine this point, as well as to con- sider other matters connected with their present position, a meet- ing of the synod's committee, which all the leading gentlemen and ministers of the Church were invited to attend, was held at Antrim on the 10th of November. No account has been pre- served of the proceedings of this important meeting, but from in- cidental notices in contemporary letters, and other documents, it appears that, having drawn up an address to the king, and ap- pointed Colonel Clotworthy Upton of Temjjlepatrick, one of the members of parliament for the county of Antrim, and the Rev. Mr. Iredell of Dublin, their commissioners to present it to his majesty, they proceeded to deliberate on the mode of applying for an act of toleration. As might have been expected, they were opposed to the subscription of the thirty-nine articles, as required by the English Act of Toleration. But acknowledging the right of the state, then universally admitted, to ascertain the belief of those religious bodies that ap2>lied for the protection of the laws, they unanimously agreed upon the following preliminary resolution, as the basis on which their application should be grounded: — "Eesolved, That the first thing we shall propose and insist upon as the terms on which we will accept of a tolera- ration shall be, upon our subscribing the Westminster Confession of Faith." A similar resolution had been adopted in 1709, when, 3 These excepted portions of the thirty-nine articles were "the Sith, 3oth, and 36th, " and these words of the 20th article, viz., "The Church hath power to decree rites or ceremonies, and authority in controversies of faith, and yet." 1 William and Mary, chap. 18, sect. 7- A I.. 1711. CHURCH IN IRELAND. l09 under Lord Wharton's government, there was no expectation of obtaining a toleration act ; and had there been no Protestant dissenters in Ireland besides the Nortliern Pre.sl)yterians under the care of the synod of Ulster, there would ])robably have been no occasion for proposing any other terms. Cut certain congre- gations in Dublin and the Soutli of Ireland, not exceeding ten in number, whose ministers had been educated among the English dissenters, were averse to subscribing the Westminster Confession, though willing to assent to the thirty-nine articles, as practised in England, but they deemed it more becoming the independent position whicli the Ii-ish dissenters occupied, that a formula, in- cluding only a few fundamental doctrines, should be drawn out by themselves, and that they should be required to subscribe only this brief creed. Though there w'ere no representatives from any of these southern congregations present at this meeting at An- trim, yet, probably, in deference to their \ lews, the meeting pro- ceeded to prejjare a special formula to be substituted in room of the Westminster Confession, in case subscription to the latter should not be accepted by the government. It was, indeed, after- wards surmised that this step was taken at the instigation of some of the northern ministers, who, it was alleged, had already imbibed that hostility to the Westminster Confession which they soon after openly avowed and defended. But whatever motives may have influenced the meeting, a second resolution was adopted by them, declaring that, should their proposal to subscribe the Westminster Confession not be accepted as the basis of a tolera- tion act for Ireland, they were ready to subscribe the following formula : — " I profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God, the true God, and in God the Holy Ghost, and that these three are one God, the same in sub- stance, equal in power and glory. I believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by Divine inspiration, and that they are a perfect rule of Christian faith and practice. And pursuant to this belief, I agree to all the doctrines common to the Protestant Churches at home and abroad." The meeting also instructed their commissioners, when in Loudon, to wait on the new lord-lieutenant, the Earl of Sunderland, and to press on 110 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. him the repeal of the Test Act, and the other grievances to which the Presbyterians were still exposed. Early in the following year, these gentlemen proceeded to London, where they were detained for several months. At the suggestion of their English friends, they drew out a representa- tion of their grievances, which, when translated into French — the only foreign language understood by the king — they pre- sented to his majesty, who, as they afterwards reported to the synod, " received them graciously, and a])peared sensibly con- cerned when he read the representation." Owing to the indis- position of the Earl of Sunderland, their intervicAv with him was long delayed. When it did take place, he expressed his sympa- thy for the discouragements under which such firm friends of the house of Hanover had so long lain, and his willingness to concur in endeavouring to relieve them from their more pressing difficul- ties ; but he intimated to them that, owing to the press of public business, there was little hope of their case being taken into con- sideration for some time to come. Among the grievances which they laid before him, they directed his attention to the arbitrary clauses in all the bishops' leases in Ulster, which prohibited the tenantry from permitting any dissenting minister to reside on their tenements, and Avhich had been recently put into execu- tion against some of their brethren ; but his Excellency declared his inability to affi^rd them any relief from this hardship.* On the other hand, the grant of Eoyal Bounty was promptly re- newed, and hopes were held out that, in a short time, an augmen- tation to its amount would be placed by his majesty on the civil list for England. These results of their visit to London in the spring of this year were duly reported to the synod at its annual meeting at Antrim in the end of June. In the confident hope that they would now at length be fully protected in the exercise of their discipline, and the extension of their Church, the members com- posing this synod proceeded vigorously in their home missionary work. They had now no fewer than twenty newly-erected con- * See.i copy of this persecuting cl;uise in note 30, cli.ip, xxiii. A.I.. 1T15. CHURCH IN IRELAND. Ill grogiations on the missionary fund, and the sum of nearly two hundred and fifty pounds was applotted on the several presby- teries, and distributed among these congregations, in sums vary- ing from two up to thirty-five pounds annually. But, at the same time, it was deemed expedient to check the ininecessary multiplication of new congregations, and to lay down certain rules to be observed in future erections. And, in order to ensure a punctual observance of these and other directions of the supreme court, it was ordered that all presbyteries should pub- licly read over the ofHcial copy of the proceedings of each synod, statedly furnished them in writing by the synod's clerk, at their first meetmg after its receipt, and insert in their minutes all such rules or orders as related to their own aftkirs ; and the provincial synods were charged, when revising the books of the several pres- byteries inider their care, to see that this order was fully obeyed. This synod also spent some time in considering the state and prospects of religion throughout the province. A committee, a])pointed to confer together on this important subject, submit- ted to the meeting a long and interesting paper, which was read, and afterwards referred to the presbyteries to report their opinion thereon to the next synod. This paper, entitled " An Enquiry into the State of Religion, the Causes of its Present Decay, with some proposals for reviving it," was altogether practical, and, therefore, it might have been expected, would have met witli general acceptance. But it was objected to by many of the brethren as partial and latitudinai'ian. They looked upon it as manifesting an undue desire to find fault with the forms of wor- ship and modes of thinking prevalent among Presbyterians, and to treat with unseasonable tenderness, if not with approbation, some of the rites and usages of the Established Church. It con- sequently met with less favour than it deserved from the majority of the i^resbyteries, and was subsequently withdrawn Avithout having been sanctioned by the synod. It ^vas afterwards ap- pealed to in the discussions respecting non-subscription, as an evidence of that dissatisfaction with the established order and constitution of the Presbyterian Church, and that love of inno- vation prevalent among certain of the younger ministers of the 112 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. synod, who were reputed to be its authors, which, in a few years, involved the Church in bitter and protracted controversy. It is important to notice, however, that this paper cannot be charged with betraying any doctrinal unsoundness, or any indiflference to the value and importance of the essential truths of the Gospel. Thus, after lamenting the unhappy prevalence of schism and of party spirit among professing Christians, it is truly and forcibly remarked — " From this fountain have flowed gross fundamental errors in doctrine, as it has been always observed that schisms have issued in heresies ; and they are now become so many and so generally spread among us, that they may be justly accounted a distinct and very great cause of the decay of religion. Ar- minianism was the first gross error that broke in upon the purity of the Protestant doctrine under the reign of King James the First, and it has since been still more deeply rooted and more universally entertained. And as evil men and seducers wax worse and worse by the just and awful judgment of G-od, and by the natural tendency of Arminianism itself, this has been the oc- casion of abominable heresies, such as the Socinian, and some are arrived even at Infidelity and Atheism. Quakerism has also been much spread. Some of the exploded tenets of Popery have been revived, such as the priest's power of forgiving sins, that the Eucharist is a real sacrifice, and the necessity of ordination by bishops in lineal succession, in order to the validity of public ministrations, which hath been of late maintained by some, and is a principle of the same spirit and tendency."^ Xliese tractarian doctrines, as they would now be called, had latterly become prevalent among the High Church clei-gy in Ulster ; and this circumstance concurred with other causes in rendering them still more dissatisfied with the new order of things in the state. Their favourite political dogma of the divine, indefeasible right of hereditary monarchy, had received a second refutation in the accession of a king upon a mere parliamentary title ; and, what offended them most of all, they were required to swear allegiance to a sovereign who was not even a prelatist, * j\IS. Minutes of Synod for 1715, AD. 1715. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 113 who had received only spurious sacraments from an unautho- rised ministry, and who had furthermore embraced the shocking heresy that Presbyterians were true Protestants, and as such en- titled to public protection. Hence it was that this party in the establishment preached the peculiar doctrines of their faction at this crisis with extraordinary and ill-timed zeal. They sounded the well-known alarm, that by the accession of such a sovereign as Greorgo the First, the Church was in danger. They preached against Lutheranism as worse than Popery, and, as Archbishop King testifies, they " prepared the jieople to expect nothing less than the subversion of the constitution, the destruction of the hierarchy, the abolishing the liturgy, and setting up presby- tery."'' These extreme views had gained the ascendency in Dublin College, assuming there chiefly a political direction. Dis- loyal toasts were publicly drunk, seditious writings were circu- lated ; and to so great a height did this Jacobite spirit rise, that Archbishop King, as visitor, acting upon the sworn deposi- tions of various parties, was compelled, in the end of May, to advise the crown to postpone for this year the impending election of fellows and scholars, which was accordingly done." This vigilance and precaution on the part of the government were amply justified by the critical state of the kingdom at this period. The Pretender was Avell known by the authorities to be maldng every eifort in liis power to organise an invasion. His adherents had already begun to bestir themselves in England, and confidential agents from France were endeavouring to stir up the jieople both in Scotland and Ireland to declare in his '■ King's \IS. Correspondence. Lvttor to Dr. Charlott, April 20, lTl-5. ' The following note, in the " Dublin University Calendar" for 1834, p. 75, furnishes the only rc.ison for this unusual exercise of the royal prerogative which the college authorities have been pleased to publish : — " The post- ponement of this year's election, " they say, "arose from a student having been punished for defending the murder of Charles I., which the government (then Wliigs) conceived to be a proof of the Jacobitism of the college, and, therefore, inhibited all elections for that year." As I have stated in the text, far more serious causes than the paltry one here assigned occasioned this order. 114 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. favour. Early in the month of July, the king announced to the English parliament that he had received certain intelligence of a threatened invasion by the Pretender, and measures were promptly taken to secure the Idngdom against so deplorable a calamity. In Ireland, the lords-justices exerted themselves to place the country in a posture of defence ; and as it was calcu- lated that the Pretender might possibly land in the northern parts of Ulster,^ every effort was made by them to secure this province. They resolved to call out the militia, and to appoint commis- sioners of array, as they were called, in each coimty, whose office it was to visit every parish, to call before them all able- bodied Protestants capable of bearing arras, and enrol them for that service. This proposed measure placed the members of the Presbyterian Church in a very embarrassing position. If they entered the militia, whether as officers, or even as privates, and received pay from the crown, they exposed themselves to the penalties of nonconformity under the Sacramental Test Act. On the other hand, if they refused to enter the service, they exposed themselves to what they no doubt dreaded more than civil penalties — the charge of basely deserting their sovereign and then* country in the time of danger. In this perplexity, a meeting of gentlemen from various jiarts of the province met at Belfast, in the first week of August, to consider Avhat course they should adopt. They were assisted in their deliberations by several of the leading ministers, and the determination to which they came was to come forward at all hazards in defence of their religion and liberties, and to brave the penalties of the law, in the hope that the government would take steps to protect them from these penalties, and employ them in such military offices as they might be qualified to hold. This resolution was commvmicated to 8 It may seem strange that there should be any probability of the Pre- tender landing among the northern Presbyterians in preference to the southern or western Romanists. But, not to speak of the vicinity of Ulster to Scotland, he had been led to believe by his agents, who visited the three kingdoms in 1707 and 1708, that the Presbyterians of Ulster were favourable to his cause. Tliis preposterous statement may be found in Hooke's " Secret History of his Negotiations," pp. 44 and 120. A.n. 1715. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 11.") William Oonolly, Es(juire, inoniber of parliament for the county of Derry, a gentleman of great talents and high in the confidence of the present government, in a letter signed by Arthur Maxwell, Edward Brice, and John Harvey, Esquires, in the name of the gentlemen and ministers then assembled at Belfast. Mr. Conolly, then in Dublin, lost no time in communicating this letter, in the first instance, to the lords-justices, and afterwards to the lord- lieutenant in London, urging his Excellency to accept of the oftbr therem made, " since it's a matter of so great consequence to his majesty's service, for the zeal and steadiness of the Pro- testant dissenters may with great safety be confided in. I know," Mr. Connolly added, " that they depend chiefly on your Excellency's care and protection to screen them from that act of parliament, which is in itself so cruel as well as unjust to- wards the dissenters, and contrived to weaken the succession as it now stands. They want arms and ammunition in the North, and when they are supplied they will be able to make a noble stand against the Pretender and all his adherents."^ This sea- sonable ad\ice was mimediately acted upon by the government, and an assurance was given that, at an early meeting of the Irish parliament, steps would be taken to protect the Presbyterian officers and soldiers from the penalties of the Test Act. The critical circumstances in which Ireland was now placed rendered it necessary that the government should be committed to more experienced and energetic hands than those who now held it under the Earl of Sunderland. Accordingly, the Duke of Grafton and the Earl of Galway, a general in the army, were appointed to be lords-justices; and their comiL.ission happened to be dated on the very same day [September Gth,] on which the Earl of Mar raised the standard of rebellion in the North of Scotland. On the 1st of November, they were sworn into office, and, on the 12th,' they opened the session of the new parliament, the elections for wliich had taken place in the autumn. The Whigs had again a large majority in the House of Commons, and Mr. Conolly, the friend of toleration and of the dissenters, was * State Paper Office, London. VOL. III. 116 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. unanimously elected speaker. Pursuant to the promises held out to the Presbyterians, the government, on the 15th, introduced into the commons a bill " for the further security of his ma- jesty's person and government," &c., which contained a clause indemnifying such Presbyterians as had accepted commissions in the militia, or acted as commissioners of array, from the penalties they had incurred, exempting dissenters in the militia from these penalties for all time coming, and extending a similar ex- emption to those who served in the regular army for ten years. '" It was favourably received, and passed without opposition, though with some delay, through its several stages. While under the consideration of the commons, that unwearied opponent of the Presbyterians, Dr. Tisdall, published another violent pamphlet, with the express view of defeating even this limited measure of relief. Its title is, " The Case of the Sacramental Test, stated and argued, particularly with relation to the Presbyterians of Ireland ; humbly submitted to the consideration of the nobility and gentry of this kingdom."^! This inveterate libeller, unmoved by the crushing exposures which his calumnies and falsehoods had received from the Rev. Messrs. Boyse, Kirkpatrick, and M'Bride, retails in this tract most of his former charges against the Presbyterians, and opposes the relaxation of the Sacramental Test Act in their favour, with his characteristic rancour and in- solence. The following extract affords a fair specimen of his 10 State Paper Office, London. See also " The Wodrow Correspondence," vol. ii. p. 157. 11 Dublin, 8vo, 1715, pp. 56. Nearly tlie whole of Tlsdall's preface to this pamphlet was republished, in the year 1732, in a Dublin periodical paper called " The Correspondent," in which it formed the commencement of a tract in reply to Abernethy's " Nature and Consequences of the Sacramental Test ;" in the conclusion of which was also inserted a letter taken entire from Tisdall's pamphlet, pages 30, 31. The whole of this tract, as it stood in the " Correspondent," has been claimed for Swift, and has been republished in his works, under the title of " A Narrative of the several attempts which the Dissenters of Ireland have made for a Kepeal of the Sacramental Test." See Scott's edition of Swift's works, vol. ix., page 71, &c. Yet the greater por- tion of it had thus been published by Tisdall nearly thirty years previously ! Dr. Tisdall died in 1735. A.i). 171.5. CHURCH IN IRELAND 117 spirit : — " It is evident that all the springs and wheels in their ecclesiastical machiuos are at work towards erecting the disci- pline of the kirk upon the ruuis of the Church, and that nothing has retarded that motion but the Sacramental Test : And in truth it is neither that will stop them, considering the bold ad- vances they have hitherto made. And, therefore, we may argue a fortiori, if the Presbytei'ians of Ireland have been so active and made such large strides, when clogged with a dead weight of this law which excludes them from civil and military power, with what vigour Avill they spring upon the Church, were that law repealed and were these invaders armed with the two-edged sword of civil and military power. Pliny observes that the lion, however wild by nature, may be made so tame and familiar that he will lick a man's hand ; but if his rough tongue chance to draw blood, he is so ravished with the taste that he grows outrageous and ungovernable, and is apt to seize his keepers. In like manner the Presbyterians, however sullen or perverse by nature or education, may by proper means be made so tractable and submissive that they will lick and fawn upon their master ; but if they insinuate so far as to taste of the sweet power, they will not only turn upon their masters, but, if they find them- selves superior in power, will admit of no restraint."!^ In the latter part of this tract, he again resorted to the artifice of pro- fessing to found his arguments on certain matters of fact, which subsequent examination proved to be either wholly unfounded or grossly exaggerated. ^^ jjig comments on one of these alleged facts are worthy of notice. It appears that, at the recent elec- tions in Ulster, the party question on which the claims of the '= Page 27. " Tisdall's tract was ably answered by the Rev. Mr. Boyse of Dublin, in an anoymous pamplilct, subsequently reprinted in the second volume of his collected works, entitled, " Remarks on a Pamphlet published by William Tisdall, D.D., and intituled, 'The Case of the Sacramental Test stated and argued.'" Dub. 1716, 12mo, pp. 63. This tract on the Test appears to have exhausted the controversial energies of Tisdall ; for though lie lived nearly twenty years afterwards, I cannot find that he published anything besides the five pamphlets against the Irish Presbyterians, already mentioned in previous notes. 118 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. candidates turned, was the repeal of the Sacramental Test. In the county of Antrim, the Whig candidate was Mr. Upton of Tempi epatrick, an elder of the Presbyterian Church, and his op- ponent was a high Tory, pledged to uphold the test, and sup- ported by the bishoj) and the leading noblemen and gentry of the county. Under these circumstances, and on a question so deeply affecting themselves, it was very natural that the Presby- terian tenantry should support Mr. Upton, even in opposition to their own landlords, when hostile to their political emancipation ; and so zealously did they exert themselves in his favour, that they carried his election by a triumphant majority. On this success the mortified pamphleteer thus comments : — " I presiuue it can be no secret at this time to say, that the teachers and elders of the kirk upon our late elections in the province of Ulster, have been able to spirit up the Presbyterian tenants to oppose their Church landlords who would not promise to rejjeal the Test, or whom they suspected were inclinable to preserve it, and this ab- stracted from all other party opinions and disputes. The ferment was raised so high that no importunities could prevail upon the generality of such tenants to be directed by their landlords, how- ever precarious their tenures were, or whatever obligations they lay under to their landlords. This project, it must be presumed, had been the subject of their deliberations in presbyteries and synods, as it after wards became matter of their popular harangues even from the pulpit ; insomuch that matters are come to that pass in several parts of Ulster, that the gentlemen of the Church, even in their own towns and estates, are obliged to apply to dis- senting teachers and elders for the interest and voices of their own tenants."^* 1* Page 4.8. Verily "there is no new thing under the sun." If for Pres- byterians, in the above paragraph, we read Romanists, and for dissenting teachers we read Popish priests, and for repeal of the test we read repeal of the anti-Catholic oath, and for Ulster we read Munster, this account of electioneering results in the beginning of the last century will accurately describe analogous results in the beginning of the present one. And no wonder, for similar causes will ever continue to produce similar effects. What the Presbyterian ministers and people of the county of Antrim, deprived of A.D. 1716. CHURCH IN IllELAiND. 110 This pamphlet appeared in the end of November, but, in spite of all its sophistries and calumnies, the clause for partially repeal- ing the Test made its way successfully through the House of Com- mons, and, on tlie 4th of February 1716, it was laid before the lords-justices for transmission to London in the usual form. In the meantime, the rebellion in Scotland had assumed a more for- midable aspect, by the arrival of the Pretender, who landed at Aberdeen in the end of December. During the month of Jan- \iary, the lords-justices issued several proclamations requiring all sheriffs and magistrates to seize the arms of suspected persons, and to exercise the utmost vigilance in order to prevent any move- ments in favour of the Pretender. These orders were strictly executed, especially in the northern parts of the county of An- trim, where the influence of the Earl of Antrim, then in prison in Dublin as adisaftected person, was very considerable, and where an attempt had already been made by the Jacobites to effect a rising. Under these orders, in the first week of February, the houses of two of the Episcopal clergy, not far from Balliutoy, were searched in legal form, the one for arms, and the other for a suspected person. The Eev. John Porter, Presbyterian minister at Bushmills, had accompanied the sub- sheriff, at his request, along the public road, when on his way to search the house of one of these clergymen, the Eev. Mr. Martin, curate of Balliutoy ; but Mr. Porter, being the personal friend of the curate, had not gone up to his house till the search was concluded, and when re- turning home the same evening, he had again called on Mr. Mar- tin, and, after spending some time with him, had parted with him in the usual friendly manner. Yet, on this incident, reports wei"e their civil rights, on the pretext of securing the Established Church, were driven to do, in the face of adverse and intolerant landlords in the one case, the llonnan Catholic priests and laity of the county of Clare, under similar op- pression, and fur a similar pretext, did precisely the same, and with liko results, in the other ; they canied their respective candidates in the face of all the actual or threatened coercion of their landlords. But the triumph of O'Connell was attended with more immediate success than that of Upton, for tho repeal of Romanist disabilities followed within five years, whereas tlie Presbyterian disabilities were not repealed till above fifty years after- wards. 120 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxir. immediately raised tliat the Presbyterians, as a body, taking ad- vantage of the public alarm to injure the Episcopalians, and act- ing without any legal warrants, were searching the houses of the clergy of the Established Church alone, and were encouraged and assisted by one of their ministers in these irregular and malicious proceedings. Tliese rumours were immediately transmitted, most probably by Dr. Tisdall, who afterwards distinguished himself as the manager of the whole case, to Dr. Smyth, the bishop of Down and Connor, and ultimately to the archbishop of Armagh, both of whom joined in a memorial to the lords-justices, bewailing the hardship to which their clergy were exposed from the dissenters, and praying for redress. This memorial was referred by their excellencies to the going judges of assizes, who happened to be Chief-Justice Foster of the common pleas, and Mr. Justice Ma- cartney of the king's bench, with instructions to inquire into the truth of the charges contained therein at the ensuing spring assizes, and to report the result without loss of time. Accord- ingly, in the last week of March, these judges investigated the matter with the greatest care and impartiality. Counsel was em- ployed both by the Episcopalians, in support of the memorial, and by the Presbyterians, in their own defence. Notwithstanding this array of counsel. Dr. Tisdall, who was present conducting the prosecution, as it may be termed, applied to the judges for per- mission to examine the witnesses, which was granted to him, though contrary to the usage of the court in similar cases. Here, then, was one alleged fact inculpating the Presbyterians fully in- vestigated in open court, and the result was precisely what might have been anticipated — a complete failure. Never was a charge, or rather a series of six charges, as enumerated by the judges, so thoroughly disproved in every particular. The grand jury, who were summoned by the court to hear the investigation and give their opinion, unanimously acquitted the Presbyterians and Mr. Porter of the charges so recldessly preferred against them. Both of the jvidges were of the same oinnion; and, on their return to Dublin, they drew out an ample official report of the entire proceedings, which was laid before the lords-justices, and afterwards published. ^^ 1* It appeared with this title, " The Report of the Judges of Assize for the A.D. 1716. CUHRCH IN IRELAND. 121 By these judges, at the same assizes, the Rev. Mr. M'Cracken Avas at Icngtli liberated from custody, in Avhich lie had been held, partly in the gaol at Carrickfcrgus, and partly out of it, by permission of the sherifls, for the long period of nearly two years and a half. In a letter to a friend in Scotland, he has given the following ac- count of the manner in whicli he was freed from the vexatious charges urged against him by his enemies : — " As to my afl'air at the assizes, it was thus : The Sherift', [Mr. Stafford of Mount Stafford], upon delivering the gaol to his successor, [Mr. Clements of Straid, near Carrickfergus], called me to be present, that he might return me with the rest of the prisoners to the new sheriff; which was done accordingly, and I continued prisoner until the judges came. Then I waited on them in their chamber, ac- quainted tliem with my case, and alleged my circumstances were very hard in that I had been kept two years and a half prisoner, and denied bail in a case which I alleged was bailable. They told me that as for what was past, they could do nothing for me ; but if I petitioned they would hear me in the public court. Accordingly, I did ; and when they came to inquire into my im- prisonment and how I came to be detained, they could not find that I was now under any mittimus or on the calendar. And so, according to theii- ordinary way at general gaol deliveries, they caused public proclamation to be made to know if there was any to appear to prosecute against me ; and none appearing I was then freed, so that now I am at home. But," he adds, with be- coming resignation, " what may come next I luiow not ; only I find both body and mind fast failing, for I can neither ride nor walk as formerly ; so that I am as under a new confinement for the present. But it may go oft' for some little time ; yet it cannot be long until I come to the house appointed for all living. i<5 North-East Circuit of Ulster, upon a Memorial given in to the Lord-Justices of Ireland by his Grace the Lord Primate, and the Lord Bishop of Down and Con- nor. Togetlier with the said Memorial and Depositions annexed, and the Re- presentation of the Grand Jury of the County of Antrim. Printed in the year 1716." 12mo, pp. 33. So great was the interest taken in this affair, that tiiis " Report" was reprinted the same year in London, 12mo, pp. 39. '" Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xx.. No. 122. Tlie letter is dated May 8, 1716. Mr. M'Craciien lived, thougii iu great infirmity, till November 1730, 122 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxiv. By this time the Presbyterians in Ulster were beginning to feel anxious for the return from England of the bill containing the clause for exempting them, if in the military service, from the penalties of the Test Act, which had passed the commons in the early part of the year. But they were little aware of the opposition it had encountered from the bishops, led on by their old antagonist, Archbishop King. On Saturday, the 4th of February, as already related, 1'' the commons had placed their bill in the hands of the lords-justices ; but the moment the bishops understood what had been done, they took immediate steps to defeat even the partial relief from the Test Act granted to the dissenters in that bill. On the following Monday, they introduced into the House of Lords an exact counterpart of the commons' bill, but omitting altogether the clause relating to the test, and, as might be expected, it met with no opposition. The secretary for Ireland, writing on the same day to Mr. Secretary Stanhope in London, says — " The good bishops, and Dublin the foremost, in order to spoil what we had with so much pains been working in the House of Commons for the dissenters, have this day brought in a like bill to ours, for the security of the king's person and government, without our clause for dispensing with the test as to the militia and army com- missions. As the right reverend bench, when all of a side, is too strong for any one side of the temporal lords,!^ they carried it; and we shall send you a bill from each house to the same purpose ; of which the choice will be more easy on your side than the getting that passed which you return to us will be on this.''^^ Embar- rassed by this factious procedure of the peers, the lords-justices, instead of forwarding both bills, as intimated in this letter of the secretary, submitted them to a committee of the Irish privy- council, in order that out of them one bill might be framed for " See the third preceding p:igc. IS Indeed it was not unusual for the bishops to constitute a majority of the house. For instance, I find occasionally fifteen bishops present to only ten lay peers, sometinnes sixteen bishops to twelve lay peers, fourteen to ten, and even on several occasions I find the house consisted of ten bishops to five lay lords '!> State Paper Oftice, London. A.i). 1716. CHURCH IN IRELAND. l-'.l transmission to England. Their excellencies were anxious to preserve the clause as it stood in favour of the Presbyteriaias ; but knowing the influence of the bishops, and the pertinacity with which they would adlicro to their own bill, in opposition to that of the commons, they applied to the ministry in England to be per- mitted to compromise the difference between the two houses, by continuing the exemption from the test to those serving in the re- gular army during the existing rebellion only, and from thence to the close of the next session of parliament. They confidently hoped that the bishops might be induced to support such a limited relief as this; and knowing that Archbishop King, the prime mover of the opposition, was in coxTespondcnce with Dr. Wake, the archbishop of Canterbury, on this subject, they farther recommended that the secretary of state in London should also consult his grace, and endeavour to secure his co-operation Avith the government.'^'' Hav- ing received the required permission, the lords-justices brought the question before the committee of council, the result of whose deliberations they thus communicated to jMr. Secretary Stanhope, on the 24th of February : — " Yesterday the clause in favour of the Dissenters was debated in a committee of council where most of the members in town attended. The clause consists of three parts ; the first, to indemnify the Dissenters for having acted in the militia as officers or commissioners of array ; the second, to make them capable of serving in the militia for ever ; and the third, to enable them to bear commissions in the army for ten years." The lords-justices then state that the first part of the clause was admitted as highly reasonable by all, that the second was opposed by no one save Lord Abercorn, and that the great debate turned upon the third part, which, they say, " was stren- uously opposed by the Archbishop of Du1)lin, the Bishops of Clogher and Dromore, Lords Castlecomer, Abercorn, and some others, with less force." The alteration already mentioned was then proposed by the lord-chancellor and the chief-jus- tice, and was at first accepted by all but Lord Abercorn. But •" Dr. Wake, it is said, owed his elevation to his character for moderation .ind tenderness towards dissenters ; but Lambeth changed his views, and he proved as intolerant a Ilii^h-Chiirchnian as King himsell' could desiro. 124 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. after some consideratiou, tlie bishops, apprehending that the proposed clause empowered such dissenters as now carried arms to do so as long as they lived, seemed to change their minds, and indicated their probable opposition to it on its being reported to tlie council at large. The lords-justices then add — " Our present opinion is, that it will not be proper for us to make any farther concessions in this matter, whereby so great a body as the dissen- ters might be disobliged, and for which the Church will hardly thank us ; though in effect the point of debate is only an empty compliment, and of no real value to the dissenters, because they must submit to the test whenever they shall remove to England.^i Wherefore we shall leave it as it now stands, and any further alterations that shall be thought proper in England may move as a favour from his majesty to the Church.'"2 When, three weeks afterwards, the clause, as thus limited, was submitted to the whole council, the bishops did oppose it, and it was can-ied by the bare majority of one. The lords-justices, therefore, when 21 Even the members of the Established Cliurch of Scotland, wlien their national regiments were quartered in England or Ireland, were compelled to attend and to communicate in the Episcopal churches. And what seems now-a-days still more unjustifiable, even their chaplains, ordained ministers of the Established Church, were forced to yield a like conformity, or forfeit their appointments. A case of this extraordinary kind occurred in Ireland, but I have not been able to ascertain in what part, in the year 1714, which, among other grievances, was laid before King George by the commissioners of the Scottish Church, who waited on him with an address soon after his ac- cession. A correspondent thus relates this matter to the historian, Wodrow : — "And when the case of the two Scots regiments then in Ireland was rcpi'c- sented to his majesty, that they must either quit their posts or communicate according to law, the king said it was a sore matter that his best subjects and servants must either debauch their consciences or lose their posts ; and asked, was there no remedy for it ? It was answered, No, till the parliament sat down. But one [of the commissioners] answered, that there was a remedy if his majesty pleased, and that was, to call over the regiments to Scotland ; which it was said he presently ordered to be done." Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. ix., No. 38. Is it any wonder that the king should be anxious to put an end to a state of things (to take the lowest view of it) so anomalous ; and, by the repeal of the Test Act, enable all his subjects to serve their country, in all parts of it alike, without violence to their religious convictions ? " State Paper Office, London, A. 1). 1710. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 125 transmitting the bill, advised the English government to withdraw altogether the last part of the clause relating to the regular army, aa otherwise the bill would undoubtedly be thrown out by the lords. Whether this recommendation was acted on by the king's ad- visers in London there is now no means of ascertaining. All that is on record amounts merely to this : — the bill was returned from England with the usual sanction of the crown, but in what form the clause relating to the test then stood does not appear. On the last day of May, it was read a first time in the House of Com- mons. Three days afterwards, it was read a second time with- out opposition, though not without discussion ; for a cojiy of the bill, as it stood when it left that house to be transmitted to Eng- land, was ordered to be laid on the table. On the 4th of June, the house went into committee, and having made some progress, asked leave to sit again, which was ordered to take place on the following Monday. But the commons, on Saturday, adjourned over that day, (though the lords sat on it), e\'idently for the pur- pose of getting rid of that order of the day, and, strange to say, it was never renewed. The bill was consequently abandoned by the government, and the Test Act remained in full force against the Presbyterians, whether they served the crown in the militia, or army, or in any other capacity whatever. The cause of this unexpected issue cannot now be ascertained. It is probable that Archbishop King had succeeded in bringing such an amount of High Church influence, especially from his own political section, to bear upon the government, both in London and Dublin, and that the Irish House of Lords had so unequivocally intimated their rejection of the bill if it contained any clause whatever in- terfering with the Test Act, that the lords-justices deemed it most advisable to abandon the bill altogether. The House of Commons appear to have been early apprised of this determina- tion, and to have acquiesced in it \ery reluctantly. For, on the 5th of June, the very day after the bill had been in committee, they adopted the two following resolutions in favour of the Pres- byterians, in order to neutralise, so far as lay in their power, the triumph of the bishops : — " Resolved, nemine contradkente. That such of his majesty's Protestant dissenting subjects of this king- 126 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. doni as have taken commissions in the militia, or acted in the commission of array, have hereby done a seasonable service to his majesty's royal person and government, and the Protestant in- tei'est in this kingdom." When the next resolution was proposed, the High Church party moved the previous question, but without success, and the house adopted this second resolution without a division — " Resolved, That any person who shall commence a prosecution against any dissenter who has accepted or shall ac- cept of a commission in the army or militia, is an enemy to King George and the Protestant interest, and a friend to the Pre- tender."-^ With these resolutions, satisfactory so far as the commons were concerned, but very unsatisfactory as regarded the legal rights of the dissenters, this unsuccessful attempt to obtain even a partial repeal of the Test Act was brought to a close. Thus, for a second time, by the paramount influence of the Established Church, were the government defeated in their generous policy tow^ards the Presbyterians. On the former occasion, under the Earl of Whar- ton's administration, both houses of parliament had concurred in resisting the attempt, while the crown was known to be adverse to it, so that defeat was not surprising. But, on this occasion, although the commons supported the government, and the king- was notoriously most anxious for the success of the measure, their vmited weight was overborne by the bishops on the strength of that once formidable cry of " the Church in danger," from which all classes of dissenters have so often and so deeply suftered. The abandonment of this bill made it necessary for those Pres- byterian gentlemen and others who had entered the militia, or served as commissioners of array, to decide whetlier, upon this resolution of the commons, they ought to continue in the public service. They accordingly held a meeting for this purpose in the middle of June, when they unanimously adopted for their guidance the following resolutions : — " I. That it is our opinion that all the gentlemen of our persuasion in this kingdom who have accepted of commissions of array or commissions in the -■■' Journals of the Irish Comn.ons, vol. iv. p. 255. A.i). 17U(. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 127 militia, should continue to act in pursuance of them ; and that any gentlemen to whom any such commission, either of array or in the militia, shall bo ottered hereafter, shall accept of the same and act in pursuance of it. II. That if any one gentleman, who shall continue to act in pursuance of this advice, shall hap- pen to be prosecuted, all the other gentlemen shall stand by him and defray the expenses he shall be put to, as a common charge upon the whole. III. That there shall be proper appli- cation made at a seasonable juncture for ova- relief." These resolutions were submitted to the synod, which, a few days after, met at Belfast on the 19th of June, and were fully approved of by the brethren then assembled, as the only becoming course which could be adopted, whether towards the House of Com- luons, who had so generously resolved to protect them, towards their sovereign, who was so anxious to befriend them, or towards their country, which in those critical times needed the services of every loyal subject. This sj'nod was attended by a larger number of members than had been present at any previous meeting, amounting to nearly one hundred and ten ministers and eighty elders. This nume- rous attendance was occasioned principally by its being known that the terms on which application Avas to be made to the go- vernment for a Toleration Act were to be settled at this meeting. The resolutions wliich were adopted in November 1714 had proceeded from a private though influential meeting of ministers and gentlemen, and on one of these resolutions some difference of opinion had sprung up among the brethren who had not taken part in that meeting. It was, therefore, necessary that the question should be deliberately discussed and settled by the supreme court, and that without delay, as it was believed that the House of Lords, having defeated the repeal of the test, were now disposed to concur with the commons in passing a Tolera- tion Act. The ministers in Dublin, who were not members of the court, also urged this synod, by letter, to issue this matter at the present meeting, so as to be prepared with a definite basis on which they might jointly negotiate with government for an act, the moment a favourable opportunity might oft'er. The first 128 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. step which the synod took was to consider the two resolutions on this subject which had been formerly agreed to. The former of these, laying down subscription to the Westminster Confession of Faith as the ground on which toleration should be sought and accepted, was now unanimously approved of; and this clause, " contained in their and our public confessions of faith," having been added to the formula referred to in the second resolution, the debate arose whether they should offer subscription to it as it now stood, -^ as another basis for a Toleration Act, in case the Westminster Confession of Faith might not be accepted by go- vernment. It was on the expediency of this alternative pro- posal that much difference of opinion was anticipated, some brethren being of opinion that the offer to subscribe the formula was equivalent to a rejection of the Westminster Confession ; but the discussion was conducted with so much judgment, candoui", and mutual forbearance, that the synod were almost unanimous in adopting it. The minute of synod on this part of the subject, though long, is worthy of being preserved in these pages, not only as an excellent directory in similar discussions, and a speci- men of the manner in which the proceedings of synod were then recorded, but principally as a satisfactory evidence that the ministers were still perfectly united on all doctrinal points, as well as on the lawfulness of subscription to a prepared confession. 2* See the commencement of this chapter. With this addition, the formula, as agreed toby the synod, stood thus : — " I profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God, the true God, and in God the Holy Ghost, and that these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. I believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by Divine inspiration, and that they are a perfect rule of Chris- tian faith and practice. And, pursuant to this belief, I agree to all the doc- trines common to the Protestant Chui'ches at home and abroad, contained in their and our public Confessions of Faith." Copied from the Minutes of Synod. See also a letter from Mr. M'Cracken to the Rev. Mr. Wright of Kilmarnock ; Wodrow's IMS. Letters, vol. xx. , No. 123. Some dissatisfac- tion was excited among the people in Lisburn and other places by the dis- sentients from the synod's resolutions, but it soon subsided. See another letter from Mr. M'Cracken in February ITIT, in " The Wodrow Corres- pondence," vol. ii. p. 238, with Wodrow's reply in p. 241, who seems to have agreed with M'Cracken. A.D. 1710. CHUllCH IN IRELAND. 12!) " It was agreed by iis all unanimously as a preliminary to all the ensuing debates, and as a point not controverted among us, that all the propositions contained in the above formula are di\ine truths. After much debate the first question that was proposed was occasioned by a scruple humbly moved by some brethren, namely, that should Ave first propose, as we liaA-e all re- solved to do, the confession of faith as the terms of a toleration, and should we afterwards, upon the legislature refusing it, accept of or propose the above formula or any other terms as the con- dition of a toleration, that this would be a receding from our confession of faith. On the other hand, it was observed by others, that this formula was in substance the same with our confession of faith, and a compendious abridgement of divers of the most fundamental articles of it ; and that the tolerating of us upon our subscription to it would give the public sanction of authority to our standing by and preaching up all our known principles contained in our confession of faith : and divers argu- ments being oftered on both sides, it was agreed that before we should put the vote it should be proposed — That if the aforesaid scruple did still remain with any brother, he should declare it in order to his receiving further satisfaction. Upon which to our great comfort some did declare, with thankfulness to God, that their scruple was removed by the clear and convincing reasoning of the brethren. And there remaining one brother with whom the said scruple did yet seem to be of weight, after much rea- soning for his satisfaction the following question was put, viz. — Whether our accepting a toleration upon the above foimula, as the terms and condition thereof, bo or can be justly construed a relinquishing the confession of faith as the confession of our faith ; and it was carried in the negative with only one dissenting voice.25 The next question that was put was this, viz., is it law- ful to subscribe the above formula if enjoined by lawful authority, as the condition of a toleration ? And it was carried in the affirmative [with only one dissenting voice.] The last question -' This person w.as Mr. M'Cr.icken of Lisbiirn. His reasons for this view of tho question are given at great length in a letter to Wodrow. AVodrow MS. Letters, vol. xx., No. 123. 130 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. that was proposed was this, viz., after our using all proper en- deavours for obtaining a toleration upon our subscribing the con- fession of faith, and after its appearing that such an attempt is hopeless, shall we ask a toleration upon the above formula at such a season as shall be agreed upon to be convenient by com- mon concert between ministers and gentlemen in the North, and ministers and gentlemen in the South of Ireland, to meet to- gether for that purpose in a committee to be nominated after- wards or not ? It was carried in the affirmative [with five dis- senting voices, viz., three ministers and two elders, and three voted non liquet, viz., one minister and two elders."]^^ These resolutions were also submitted to a number of gentle- men, present at this synod, though not members of it, all of whom expressed their cordial concurrence in them. The only other step which the meeting now took connected with their po- litical relations, was to prepare an address to the king, congratu- lating his majesty on the defeat of the Pretender and the sup- pression of the late rebellion. In the concluding paragraph, they thus allude to their past conduct as subjects, and their future hopes : " And it may be a peculiar satisfaction to us that the honourable House of Commons have generously acknowledged that Protestant dissenters have done a seasonable service to y^ur majesty's royal person and government, and the Protestant inte- rest in this kingdom. And we crave leave to depend on your majesty's clemency and their favourable resolutions, till it please the legislatvire to give us a more effectual relief; being firmly resolved to venture our all in defence of your majesty's rightful title and the Protestant succession in your royal family against the Pretender and his abettors, and all your majesty's enemies whatsoever." In the altered circumstances in which the Presbyterian body -'" The minute, as given in the text, contains in the original record the date of the vote in committee. But I thought it best to omit that unimportant item, and to substitute within these bracliets the state of the vote in the synod, taken from a subsequent part of the minutes, where the clerk was instructed to enter the state of the vote in synod, in order to place upon record the har- mony of the meeting. AD. 1716. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 131 were now placed — favoured by the crown and protected by the House of Commons, tlieir endowment restored and freedom of religious action practically enjoyed, though still exposed to an- noyance on the subject of their marriages,-'^ — they were enabled to resume the project of preaching to their countrymen in the Irish language, which they had attempted in 1710, but Avhich had been seriously interrupted by the political troubles and ex- citement of the last four years of the preceding reign. The at- tention of the synod, now met at Belfast, was directed to this subject, by a letter from the presbytery, or rather association, of the ministers of Dublin, part of whom were not in connection with the synod of Ulster .^s These ministers urged their northern brethren to join with them in preaching the Gospel in the Irish language in Romanist districts ; and the synod " unanimously ■'• Tliu3 I fiiid the Rov. Gilbert Kennedy, minister of TuUylish, in the county of Down, writing to Wodrow, October 5, 171G :— "Our prelates are violent •where I live. Four of my flock have been lately delivered to Satan for being married by me ; I question if they'll take as many from him these two days as they delivered in one." Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xx., No. 124. And, two years afterwards, the Rev. Wm. Hair of Longford, writing from a different and remote part of the country, informs the Iiistorian — " Some of our brethren here are under prosecution in the bishops' courts for marrying some of their people, and some are excommunicated. We do not find any abatement of that spirit of persecution, tho' they boast of being the most charitable Church in the world." Ibid, vol. xx,. No. 184. 28 The IVesbyterian congregations and ministers at this time in Dublin, were Capel Street, Rev. Francis Iredell and Rev. Robert Craghead ; Plunket Street, Rev. Alexander Sinclair and Rev. Thomas Maquay, ordained in the following year; Usher's Quay, Rev. James Arbucklc. These three con- gregations were in connection with the synod of Ulster, and under tlie charge of the presbytery of Belfast. The other congregations were also three — Wood Street, Rev. Joseph Boyse and Rev. Richard Choppin ; Neiv Roiv, Rev. Nathaniel Weld and Rev. John Leland, ordained in December of this year ; and Cook Street, Rev. Thomas Steward. These three congregations, though nominally Presbyterian, and styling their meeting a presbytery, were virtually Independents ; but all these ton ministers united in one body, which was also called a presbytery, but which was merely an association or minis- terial conference, for their mutual improvement and encouragement, and for promoting the interests of religion in Dublin, but which neither claimed nor exercised any sort of presbyterial oversight or authority over its menibora. VOL. III. Iv 132 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. resolved to encourage this excellent design to the utmost of their power." They made out a new list of those ministers in the North capable of preaching in Irish, which comprised three addi- tional ministers to those formerly specified, and three proba- tioners, ^^ all of whom were appointed to preach in succession in A'arious districts, according to a plan now agreed upon. The synod also applied to the provincial synod of Argyle to furnish them with two probationers capable of preaching in Irish, and to send over one of them to enter on the work without delay. They agreed to erect a school for teaching to read Irish in the toAvn of Dundalk, to which each presbytery was to contril^ute a certain sum, and they resolved to print editions of the catechism and of a short grammar in the Irish tongue. AU these measures were carried into execution, but some of them not until the following year. The Eev. Archibald Maclane, a probationer from Argyle- shire, was statedly employed as an itinerant preacher, under the '^ These three additon.il Iiish-preacliing ministers were — the Rev. Charles Lynd of Fannet, In Donegal!, the Rev. Robert Thomson of Belturbet, and the Rev. Patrick Simson of Dundalk. The three probationers were Mr. Robert Stewart, afterwards minister of Carlan, or Donoughmore, in T.vrone, Mr. Samuel Irvine, afterwards minister of Lisluney, in Armagh, and Mr. Thomas Strawbridge, afterwards minister of Carndonagh, in Donegall. One of the brethren formerly mentioned (see note 13, chap, xxiii.) being dead, there were now, therefore, fourteen ministers and probationers able to preach in the Irish tongue — a number which the Church has never since been able to furnish for this important service ! The Rev. Charles Lynd, mentioned above, was descended from a French Protestant family in Normandy, one of the numerous refugee-households whom the tyranny of Louis XIV. compelled to fly from France in the end of the seventeenth century. His father hastily converted his available property into money, fitted out a ship, intending to land in Ireland at Shane's Castle ! was driven into Lough Swilly, and ulti- mately settled at RamuUan. His son Charles was born in 1681, entered tho University of Edinburgh in 1699, and was ordained as minister of Fannet, including RamuUan, in February 1708. This being an Irish-speaking dis- trict, he had early learned to speak and preach in that language. I have seen several of his private devotional papers preserved by his descendants, which show him to have been a very experienced Christian and a most zea- lous minister. He I'emoved to the charge of tho second congregation in Coleraine in 1728, and died therein December ]76i. >.D. 17ir. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 1.33 direction of a committee of synod, while to their own Irish- speaking ministers particular districts were assigned. At the synod in 1717, so favourable a report was made of the diligence of these ministers, and of the measure of success vouch- safed to their efforts, that the following resolution was adopted by the meeting : — " Considering it has pleased God in his good providence to countenance and bless oiu* endeavours to the con- version of some, this synod will, in an humble dependence on the blessing of God, continue to use their utmost endeavours to further so good a work." Pursuant to this resolution, various additional arrangements, which it is unnecessary to detail, were made at this synod, in order to place this mission to the Irish- speaking Eomanists on a wider and more stable basis. In carry- ing out, during the previous year, the plans for Irish preaching, it ■was found that two of the frontier presbyteries, within whose bounds were the greatest number of Irish-speaking Romanists, consisted of too many congregations, and that their members were so widely scattered as to render it difficult for them to fulfil their presbyterial appointments, and conjointly to take the oversight of so extended a district. Accordingly, at this synod, each of these presbyteries was divided into two, that of Mo- naghan into the presbyteries of Augher and Longford, but, six years afterwards, it was found expedient to reunite them under their former designation ; and that of Convoy was now per- manently divided into the presbyteries of Strabane and Letter- kenny. Thus the nine presbyteries which had been formed in 1702 out of the five original ones, were now augmented to eleven, having under their care about one hundred and forty congregations, twenty of which were still aided by grants from the missionary funds of the synod. ^Vhile the Presbyterian Church was thus " lengthening her cords," and extending her boundaries in the land, she was not in- attentive to the duty of " strengthening her stakes," and securing for herself a legal position in the realm. Without this recognised security, the only result of her wider diflusion would be to present the broader surface for the attacks of her enemies. The efforts of her friends were now once more directed to obtain a fulfil- 134 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHAP. XXIV. ment of the liberal promises in her favour, which the sovereign and his ministry had more than once given. The plans of go- vernment liad not been so matured as to eiiable them to bring the promised measures before the session of the Irish parliament, which sat for the last four months of this year,30 under the go- vernment of the Duke of Bolton, the lord-lieutenant, who had been sworn into office in the beginning of August. The friends of the Presbyterian Church, however, deemed it inexpedient to be inactive any longer. In the early part of the following year, a meeting of gentlemen and ministers connected with both the North and South, met at Newry, to consider how they could most eftectively urge the government to take up the questions con- nected with their relief. They appointed a deputation from both parts of the kingdom to proceed to London for this pur- pose. The members from the South were the Rev. Messrs. Boyse ^^ and Choppin, with Mr. Walter Stevens, an eminent man of business in Dubhn, and registrar of the dissenters' general fund there ; but from the North only one person was commis- sioned, the Rev. Samuel Haliday, then an ordained minister, without charge, who had formerly been employed in the service of the Church.22 ^^ ^^q gy^od in June of this year, Messrs. ^1 This dolaj' on the part of the government may have been occasioned by a desire to try the repeal of the Test Act in England before they should at- tempt it in Ireland. That trial was made in December of this year, but without success, though they succeeded in repealing two other obnoxious acts — that against occasional conformity, and the memorable schism bill of Queen Anne's last parliament — by a bill which, under the appropriate title of "An act for strengthening the Protestant interest," received the royal assent in February 1719. 31 Ca!amy,inhis "Life,"(vol. ii.pp. 471, 472), says, that Mr. Boyse was in London on these affairs in the reign of Queen Anne, and that the increase of Royal Bounty, which afterwards took place, occurred during that reign. But his memoi'y must have failed him, as no addition was made to that grant till this year, 32 The Rev. Samuel Haliday, the chief occasion of the bitter and protracted ■controversy among the Irish Presbyterians, detailed in the next chapter, was the son of the Rev. Samuel Haliday, minister of Omagh, before the Revolution, and afterwards of Ardstraw, where he died in 1724. Young Haliday, or Hollyday, as he then spelled his name, entered the University of A.D. 1718. CHUUCII IN IRELAND. 13') Clioppin and Haliday were present, though not eonstituent mem- bers, and reported to the meeting the result of their negotiations in London. From this report, which is recorded in very general terms, it may be gathered, that little progress had yet been made by the government in the preparation of the expected measures, but that hopes were held out of something effectual being done for their relief in the next session of parliament. On one point, however, they were able to give positive information to the synod. They announced the gratifying fact that the king, in concurrence with his ministers, had placed on the civil list for England the sum of eight hun tired pounds a year, as an augmen- tation to the Royal Bounty, to be paid quarterly, commencing in the end of the cui'rent year. Of this sum, only one-half was appropriated to the synod of Ulster, comprising about one hun- dred and forty ministers, while the other half was given to the ministers of Dublin and the South, who, as they amounted to not more than a dozen or thirteen at this date, received a very disproportionate share of the grant. Had it been divided rate- ably between the two bodies, the sum accruing to the southern ministers, who were not previously endowed, would not have exceeded one hundred and fifty pounds, while that to the nor- thern ministers would have been six huncb'ed and fifty, which, with their former endowment, would have merely placed their individual shares on an equality with those of their brethren in the South."^3 j^ot tiie least dissatisfaction, however, was ex- Ghisgow in 1701, where iio took the Jegiee of M. A., and was licensed by tlio presbytery of Convoy in 1705. lie had subsequently travelled on the Continent, had received ordination at Geneva in 1708, and officiated both in Flanders and in England as chaplain to a Scots regiment. He appears to have been resident in London in 1713, probably on to 1714, and afterwards. In the former year, his testimonials of license and ordination were laid before tlio synod, and he was received as a minister without a charge, and in the latter year, ho laboured in London to prevent the schism act from being ex- tended to Ireland — a service which, tliough unsuccossful, tlie synod gratefully acknowledged, and ordered his expenses to be repaid him out of the synod's fund. At tlie date of this appointment mentioned in the text, ho was also in London, where lie appears to have been highly esteenud and well known to the leaders of the Whig party botii in and out of the government. ■'' Oviing to tho rapid increase of congregations it: Ulster, tlie share nf 136 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. pressed by the synod. They thanked Mr. Haliday for his valu- able services on this occasion in London, and presented to him the sum of thirty pounds as a token of their gratitude. This meeting also appointed Colonel Upton, M.P., "who was about to visit England on private business, to confer -with their friends in London, and to watch over their interests, requesting him, " that upon good intelligence of a prospect of success in what concerns this Church, he may apprise us of it " in due time. These political affairs do not appear to have again occupied the attention of the synod. In the record of the annual meeting for the next year, 1719, there is no reference to them. It is pleasing to find the members of the supreme court, when thus freed from mere secularities, devoting increased attention to their Irish mission. The condition of the Gaelic-speaking Highlanders in Dublin was brought before them at this time by a letter from the ministers of that city ; and the facility now afforded by a legacy of fifty pounds a year for the support of an Irish preach- ing missionary, bequeathed by the late Dr. Daniel Williams of London, 34^ encouraged them to extend their operations both in Dublin and elsewhere. Colonel Upton, on his return from Eng- land, acquainted them of the deep interest which was felt there by the dissenters in their scheme for preaching the Gospel to their Irish-speaking countrymen. He also informed them that the Ilev. Messrs, Eeynolds and Evans, two eminent dissenting ministers in London, had already remitted fifty pounds, which they had collected for this mission, adding, " that considerable sums besides might be expected for the same use." Cheered by these proofs of sympathy and public support, the synod carefully each northern minister at this date had been reduced to about eight pounds per annum, and this additional grant only yielded about two pounds ten shil- lings more, or ten guineas in all to each, whereas the new endowment to the southern ministers amounted to above thirty pounds each. But, as their congregations were in general smaller than those in Ulster, they were justly considered as entitled to this larger proportion. 3* Dr. Williams had been nearly twenty years minister of Wood Street Church, in Dublin, prior to the Revolution, after which he settled in London, where ho died in 1714. A.u. 171». CHURCH IN IRELAND. 137 revised their missionary plans, and, by a series of new resolu- tions, endeavoured to render tliem moi'e systematic, and, there- fore, more eftective. Ministers were specially commissioned to preadi to the Highlanders, and to the natives in Dublin, in their vernacular tongue. The catechisms and other -works translated into that language were freely circulated, and fresh efforts were made to increase the number of Irish-preaching ministers. At no time did this important scheme attain to a more efficient and promising condition than in this and the foUoAving year. But the unhappy discussions which then arose in the synod, caused by the innovating spirit of a few ministers, so occupied the at- tention of the Church during the next six years, that her mission- ary spu-it waxed cold ; and this hopeful attempt to propagate the truth, by means of the vernaciUar language of the country, soon fell to the ground, and was not revived till more than a cen- tury afterwards. This synod had scarcely terminated its sittings in Belfast, when the parliament commenced theirs in Dublin, the Duke of Bolton being still lord-lieutenant. For some time previously, the go- vernment were at last really engaged in preparing effective mea- sures of relief for the Irish Presbyterians.^^ So early as the month of February, they were in communication with the Duke of Bolton, then in London, on the subject ; and soon after they completed the draft of a bill, which, in the middle of June, they sent over to Dublin for the consideration of his grace and the Irish council, then engaged in making the necessary arrange- ments for the opening of parliament. The ample provisions of this new bill, the cold reception it met with from his grace, the doubtful prospects of the Presbyterians at this juncture, and the " This was the concluding part of tlie lihcnil measures devised by the prime minister, Lord Stanhope, for the relief of dissenters, Englisli as well as Irish. He had already,- in the English parliament of 1718-19, carried the repeal of the bill against occasional conformity, and of the tyrannical schism bill, and he had also projected the repeal of the Test Act, as far as it affected tho dissenters, but he was compelled by tlie High Church party reluctantly to abandon this portion of his generous scheme of relief. See Belsiiam's " His- tory of Great IJritain," vol. iii. p. 123, «.tc., and a fuller and more accurate account in Lord Malion'a " History of Ehgi;>nd, " vol. i. p. 18it, &.<;. 138 HISTORY OF THE PRP:SBTTERIAN ciiAr. xxiv. miserable amount of relief which was likely to bo granted them, are all so clearly set forth in the following vmpublished letter of the lord-lieutenant to the secretary of state in London, that no apology is needed for giving it a place in these pages without abridgment : — ^"^ " I have read over and considered the draft of a bill in favour of the dissenters, which you sent enclosed in your private letter of the 16th of this month ; and find it to be an entire repeal of that part of the act to prevent the further growth of Popery which requires persons who are to be admitted to offices to re- ceive the sacrament according to the rites of the Church of Ire- land ; and that it gives the Protestant dissenters the like tolera- tion, as I choose to call it, or, as others will term it, establish- ment, as those of the Episcopal communion in North Bi'itain en- joy by virtue of the act made in the tenth year of the late queen. You may remember that I told my Lord Sunderland, my Lord Stanhope and you in February last, at my Lord Sunderland's house, when you were discoursing of the expectations which the dissenters in Ireland had of something being done in their favour in the parliament of Great Britain — that if they proposed or ex- pected an entire repeal of the Sacramental Test, it would be found to be a matter of the greatest difficulty, if not impossible to be obtained; and that it would turn to the dishonour and prejudice of the government if anything of this nature should be attempted without success. At the same time, I told you that the dissenters had formerly been offered a legal toleration by several members of the House of Commons, but that they seemed cool in the matter, hoping at some time or other to ob- tain an entire repeal of the Sacramental Test ; and that the northern dissenters were not at all satisfied with such a tolera- tion as the dissenters in England enjoy, but insisted on and ex- pected the same allowance of the exercise of their rehgion and ministry as those of the Episcopal communion enjoy in North Britain, which I did believe a parliament here would not be inclined to allow them. These were my thoughts at that time 3" State Paper Office, London. His gi-aco's letter is dated from Dublin Castlp, June 21, 1719. A.D. 1719. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 139 on that subject, and luy lord-cliancellor of Ireland [Allen Brodrick], expressed himself to the like effect. It is true some of the company seemed to think that it was practicable to carry a bill through the parliament for an entire repeal of the test clause, if the king's servants in both Idngdoms heartily espoused it. But the dislike to such a bill by the parliament here, par- ticularly of the lords, was so fully and truly set out, that the Lord Sunderland proposed to send for some of the bishops of Ireland to know from them the sentiments of their brethren as well as theii" own — whether a repeal of the Sacramental Test would be for the general good of the Protestant interest of Ire- land or pass both houses of parliament. And if that would not be consented unto, whether the dissenters might not be allowed to hold some civil or military offices and of what nature, and to worship Grod in their own way without being liable to prosecu- tion for it, and what toleration would , be thought reasonable to be allowed them. " The persons who were thought most proper to be consulted upon these heads were such of the bishops who were supposed to be best disposed to allow some ease to the dissenters, and to know the sentiments of their own order in these matters. At the same tune, as I thought the dissenters would be entirely disappointed if they should grasp at a total repeal of the test clause, I did apprehend that most men would concur in doing sometliing in their favour, tho' not so much as will fuUy answer their expectations. They are now in- capable of commissions in tho militia, probably this maybe altered ; and as several gentlemen of the House of Commons seemed in- clinable to qualify them to take commissions in the army for a certain number of years in a former session of tliis parliament, probably they may continue of the sanio o])inion still. But great and I think insuperable opposition will be given to their being rendered capable of many civil offices and employments. " I have, since my coming hither, endeavoured to inform my- self by discoursing those in whom I could best confide and whose judgments may be depended on — whether I had made a just re- presentation of the temper and disposition of the people here in relation to these matters ; and find no reason to alter the 140 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxit. opinion I have formerly been of, but many to confirm me strongly in it that it will not be advisable to send over from England a bill to repeal the Sacramental Test, which I think will not pass here, however recommended or endeavoured to be supported. I have consulted my lord-chancellor and the speaker [Mr. Conolly] of the House of Commons, who strongly espouses the dissenters' interest in the House of Commons, and in whom they entirely rely and have entire confidence, so is best able to judge how far will give satisfaction to the reasonable part of the dissenters, and what in probability may be obtained here for them. He told me on Saturday last, and as often as I have discoursed him since, that he was of the same opinion. Admitting then that proposition to be true, I cannot but think that the most proj^er method to obtain such ease for the dissenters as the parliament will come into, must be to leave it to them [the commons] to frame such heads of a bill as they shall think reasonable for that purpose ; for it is impossible to know how far gentlemen will go ; and if a bill shall be transmitted under the great seal in which anything farther is allowed than the parliament is inchned to give them, it is not capable of being altered in that particular but must be entirely lost. " I intended no more by my letter of the 9th but to show you that it was impossible to answer your expectation without seeing the bill which you had drawn in England, and which I believed would have gone no farther than to qualify the dissenters for the militia and some posts in the army and to some civil employments, and to have given them a legal toleration, and to indemnify them from any penalties for having taken commissions in the militia dur- ing the late invasion in North Britain. And indeed by Mr. Upton's discourse to me, to my lord-chancellor, to the speaker and others since he landed, I could not but think that the dis- senters themselves were convinced that it would be fruitless to endeavour a total repeal of the test clause ; tho' I apprehend from something I have heard lately, that he hath given them an expectation of having it effected. And he told me that you and my Lord Sunderland would send me a letter proper to be shown to the king's servants, to show how far an ease to the dissenters AD. 1719. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 141 was desired by his majesty and expected from them. I told him I had none such letter, but that I did know his majesty's intentions to do all he could for his Protestant subjects, and that I should let all in his service know ; and he then ran on in enumerating his exceptions, which, when I was reading your bill, I Avas expecting to find, which I wondered not to see. And the speaker has dis- coursed i^eople and prepared them on this foot, and is not a little displeased with him for acting in this manner. He is our Bar- rington Shute here."-^''^ From this letter, it is obvious that not one of the Irish officials, from the lord-lieutenant downwards, was very cordial or sincere in carrying out the liberal-minded policy of the king and his English ministers. Obliged to do something for the re- lief of the Presbyterians, they readily enough undertook the service committed to them. But, from the very outset, and be- fore sufficient information could have been obtained, the lord- lieutenant appears to have persuaded himself of the impossibility of carrying through parliament the bill as sent over from Eng- land. This opinion, hastily formed in London, as was to be ex- pected by listening to the bishops, his grace found verified in Dub- lin, where the Episcopalian officials, full of the local prejudices and antipathies of Irish society, would be but too glad to con- firm it, as their excuse for meeting the claims of the Presby- terians with the paltry amount of relief which they alleged to be obtainable. Before the lord-lieutenant's despatch could reach London, his grace had opened the parliament, on the 1st of July, with the usual formalities, and in his speech from the throne he thus referred to the proposed relief of the dissenters : — " His majesty has commanded me to acquaint you that as he hath the welfare of the Church by law established under his peculiar care, and re- 2" The gentleman liero referred to was Mr. Shute, an eminent dissenter, who had assumed the name of Harrington, under the will of a person of that name, and who afterwards became the first Lord Harrington. At this period, he was the leader of the dissenting interest in parliament, the author of several pamphlets in favour of a repeal of the tost, and the indefatigable, though per- haps indiscreet, advocate of toleration. 142 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. solves always to siq^port and maintain it, so it would be very pleasing to liim if any method could be found, (not inconsistent with the security of it), to render the Protestant dissenters more useful and capable of serving his majesty and supporting the Pro- testant interest tlian they now are ; they having upon all occa- sions given sufficient proofs of their being well affected to his ma- jesty's person and government and to the succession of the crown in his royal house. And this I am ordered to lay before you as a thing greatly imjjorting his majesty's service and your own securit3^"2^ In the debate ujion the address in the House of Commons, tliis pointed allusion called forth some animadversions from the High Church party, who expressed their fear that, if the house replied to this portion of the address, as was customary, in corresponding terms, it might pledge them to an extent of concession to the dissenters which they might not be prepared to grant. Then' apprehensions, however, were allayed by the house consenting to adopt in their reply this qualifying clause — that they would consider how they may render the dissenters more use- ful and capable of serving the crown, " so far as may be con- sistent with the peace and security of our present happy constitu- tion in Church and State," The Irish secretary, Mr. Webster, in communicating to Mr. Secretary Craggs, in London, the result of this discussion on the address, gave the following discouraging account (for he participated in all the doubts and fears of the lord-lieutenant) of the temper of the House of Commons, and of the lukewarmness of the government officials in this matter : — " By what the gentlemen of the House of Commons have hitherto discovered, there seems to be a pretty general disposition among them to do something for the relief of the dissenters, tho' many are inclined to do but little. Such a toleration as they enjoy in England, and an indemnity for having already served in the militia [which was granted], and a capacity for serving in it for the future [which was refused], seem to be the utmost lengths that either house will come luito. Some indeed there are, tho' but very few, who would willingly extend these privileges to the 3^ Journals of the Irish Loi'ds, \\>\. ii. p. 604. AD. 17U). CHUIICII IN IRELAND. U-". dissenters farther, so as to enable them to act as justices of the peace ; but if that were attempted by the government's interpo- sition, it would veiy probably produce such heats as would ob- struct the more necessary business of the session, and unite such a number of Whigs with the Tories as to give great perplexity. I can't liel]) thinking, from the intimacy I have with several mem- bers, and upon obser\ing a great reluctance even in some of his majesty's servants, w^ho are in every other respect very zealous for his service and are of consequence in the house, that if gentle- men were left to themselves without the government's interpos- ing any farther in this affair, the terms I have mentioned will more easily be obtained, and by that means be of more service to the public."39 On Saturday, the 4th of July, the government obtained leave in the commons to bring in heads of a bill " for rendering the Protestant dissenters more useful and capable of support- ing the Protestant interest of this kingdom ;" and the chancellor of the exchequer, with the solicitor-general and other members, took charge of the measure. All the clauses of this bill were not fully settled, as the lord-lieutenant had requested the Presby- terian members of the House of Commons to lay before him the precise amount of relief which their body claimed, and their state- ment had not yet been submitted. But the High Church party, alarmed at this step, and fearing the proposed measure would offer too liberal concessions, on the following Monday obtained leave to bring in heads of a counter-bill " for exempting the Pro- testant dissenters of this kingdom from certain penalties to which they are now subject." This bill embraced nothing more than a bare toleration f(jr dissenting worship ; and among the members of committee who had charge of it, opposed as it was to the govern- ment measure, were the son of the Lord-Chancellor Brodrick, and the chief law-officer of the crown in the House of Commons, his majesty's attorney-general — a pretty significant indication of the lukewarmness of the Irish officials in carrying out the policy of their sovereign. On the very next day, this bill was *« State Paper Office, London. Dated July 2. 144 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. brought in and road a first time ; and the lord-lieutenant, writ- ing the day after to the secretary of state, observes — " It is not to be imagined what a confusion and heat people are in about the ease to be given to dissenters. It has made great caballing with people that were of different sentiments before, but agree in this — in giving no ease to the dissenters, but purely a toleration with some other little things, and, we hope, an indemnity for having served in the militia [which was secured by a separate bill.] So there is no hope of carrying it so far as is set down in what you were pleased to enclose to me, and what you said that you thought that Lord Sunderland would send me. As to [being permitted to serve in] the militia and being justices of the peace, I own that I question whether that will go, tho' all will be done that can be towards it.""*** His grace deems it necessary to add an apology for the lord-chancellor, on account of his son being on the com- mittee for carrying on the High Church bill in opposition to the government one. He assures the English secretary of state that the chancellor was sincerely in favour of the government measure, and was doing his best to forward it, but that he was unable to in- duce his son to concur in his views ; though one would tliink that, if his lordship had been very anxious for its success, he might have persuaded his son to abstain from appearing as one of the responsible promoters of this counter-bill, however zealously he might support it by his vote and influence. On the 14th of July, the commons went into committee on this High Church bill, and, as will be seen from the following despatch of the lord-lieutenant, various clauses for extending further relief to the Presbyterians were negatived : — " During the debate in the committee, a clause was offered to this effect, that the usual restriction in Church leases against the tenants erecting on their lands any buildings for public worship, should not be made use of by the laity in their leases,*^ which practices they have of late run into ; for that thereby the toleration would be rendered in a great measure fruitless and ineffectual. But so much opposition was given to this clause and to everything that *" State Paper Office, London. *i See chap, xxiii., note 30, and chap, xxiv., nolo 4, and text. A.D. 1710. CHURCH IN IRELAND. Ua was proposed beyond a bare toleration, that it was not thought advisable to let these gentlemen manifest their strength by a di- vision. This debate liaving discovered that it will be impracti- cable to procure for the dissenters any further privileges, when the chancellor of the exchequer was this day called upon to know whether he w^ould bring in the heads of the bill which he had desired leave for, ho declarcil that he had been partly prevented in that design by the bill then before them, as it contained many things which he would have proposed ; and that since there ap- peared the day before so little disposition in that house to go any further for the relief of the dissenters, he would decline bringing in any other bill in their favour."*^ xhe Irish government thus j)usillanimously abandoned their own measure, without any further eflfort in favour of the Presbyterians ; and the counter- bill of their opponents having passed through the commons, was, in the usual course of Irish legislation, next brought before the lord-lieutenant and council, to be further considered and ad- justed in its details before being transmitted to England. At this stage, the despatches of the Irish government are un- fortunately not forthcoming, but the correspondence of Arch- bishop King of Dublin with Wake, the Archbishop of Canter- bury, enables us to trace the progress of the bill through the council. vSome months previously. King had laboured to impress on the English primate how undeserving the Irish Presbyterians were of any indulgence save " a bare toleration," such as had been gi-anted to the English dissenters, assuring him that their real design was to get the whole power of the state into their hands, in order to subvert Episcopacy and establish Presbytery in Ireland, on the model of the Solemn League and Covenant !^-* In the privy-council, every effort was made by him to pare down the measure of the commons, meagre as it was, to the still more meagre toleration act of England. Writing to Archbishop Wake, he says — " When the Irish bill came to the council, I found it wanted the subscription to the thirty-nine articles as it is ordered « State Paper Office, London. Dated July IG. ♦^King's MS. Correspondence. Letter to Wake, June 2. 146 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. in the English bill ;** it wanted also the profession in the Trinity that is to be made by the Quakers, and the clause requiring a certificate that they are dissenters. To be sure I was much surprised at this, ha\dng been assured that it was exactly the English act, mutatis mutandis. I asked some of the commons how this came ; and they told me they were not much solicitous for the bill, and believed it never would pass as it was sent, and therefore we might mend it, if fond of it, at the council. We laboured with the utmost diligence to have the clauses omitted added there ; I have hardly seen or heard a longer or warmer debate : When we came to a division whether the clause relat- ing to the subscription to the articles should be added, it was ten for it and ten against it : so the negatives carried it. On the Quakers' clauses it was the same. But thei'e is another altera- tion. Whereas in the English act it is enacted that none should be prosecuted in any ecclesiastical court for or by reason of their nonconforming to the Church of England ; 'tis, in the bill that goes over to you, for any matter of mere noncoixformity to the Church of Ireland, Wlien it was put to the vote whether this clause should stand part of the bill, the negatives were ten and affirmatives ten as before; but the lord-lieutenant gave the cast- ing vote for its standing. This alteration was accidental, and yet it seemed to us of great moment ; and I believe if it pass will be found so, for everything that is not settled by some tem- poral law will be reckoned as a matter of mere nonconformity, and so marriages and a great many other things will be left at large." In a subsequent part of the same letter he communi- cates another piece of information, which confirms what has been already said respecting the lord-lieutenant's want of cordiality in carrying out the liberal intentions of the English ministry. 1* 111 the Appendix, No. I., to the Newry edition of Towgood's " Dissent from the Church of England fully justified, " p. 354, note, it is stated by the anonymous writer, on the authority of an unnamed MS., that George I., with his own hand, struck out of the Irish act of toleration the clause of the Eng- lish act requiring subscription to the thirty-nine articles. This story may be true, but it must refer to some previous draft of an act for Ii-eland; for when the present act passed through the commons, with whom it originated, no sucli clause was contained in it. A.D. 1719. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 147 Archbishop King adds — " After the bill was passed [the council] and the transmiss [to England] sealed, my lord-lieutenant spoke to me and said that he would write to England to have those things that were pressed for, mended there : I suppose that this proceeded from the struggle that was apparent in the council, and an apprehension that, without them it would not [when returned from England] pass the parliament especially the House of Lords, where I believe the bishops will be unanimously against its passing without them, and a great number of the tem- poral lords." It may be that this intimation of the lord-lieu- tenant was intended merely to pacify the inexorable archbishop ; but it certainly indicated no unwillingness to see the bill still farther mutilated to please the hierarchy. Whether his grace wrote to England as he promised cannot now be ascertained. But if he did, his recommendations were not adopted, for the bill was returned, in the end of the following month, w^ithout those additional clauses so warmly supported by Archbishop King. Defeated in the privy- council, the indefatigable archbishop resorted to the expedient which he had adopted in 1716 to defeat the repeal of the Test Act, and which was then successful. On the 27th of July, he obtained leave in the House of Lords to bring in heads of a bill " to ease persons professing the Christian religion and dissenters from the Church of Ireland as by law established, from the penalties of certain laws to which they are now subject." This bill was an exact counterpart of the Eng- lish act,*^ and the archbishop was most anxious to have it carried through the lords, and transmitted to England, before the English ministry would have completed their revision of the commons' bill. But when it had passed through committee on the 12th of August, and the report was ready to be presented, the house refused to receive it till after the harvest recess, which continued nearly six weeks. It was, therefore, not until the end of September that the Ijill had passed through all the forms of the House of Lords, and on the 1st of October the Archbishops of Dublin and Tuam " King's MS. Correspondence. Letter to Dr. Chnrlctt, Jan. 7. 1720. VOL. III. L 148 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxiv. laid it before the lord-lieutenant to be transmitted to England in due form. But by this time the commons' bill had been re- turned from England under the great seal, -which closed the door against the archbishop's bill ; and, consequently, he did not receive much encouragement at the castle to expect its adoption.*^ The government, having now received the commons' bill from England, and having persuaded themselves that they could obtain from pai'liament at present no further relief for the Presbyterians, save a temporary bill of indemnity for those who had served under the crown, without having complied with the Sacramental Test, lost no time in passing the former bill through the lower house, where it encountered no serious opposition. On the 3d of October it was laid on their table and read a fii*st time. The only discussion which it elicited was when the house was in com- mittee, of which the lord-lieutenant gives the following account in a letter to the secretary of state in London : ^'^ — " Yesterday the dissenters' bill was debated in the committee of the House of Commons. The clause added to it in England *^ was at first re- ceived with some jealousy, some gentlemen fearing that it vir- tually granted a general indemnity from all penal statutes which any dissenter, as such, could oftend against ; and that therefore they would be enabled by it to teach schools and take fellowships *s Mr. Webster, the Irish secretary, writing on the 1st of October to the under-secretary of state, in London, says — "This morning the Archbishop of Dublin presented to my lord-lieutenant heads of a bill began in the. House of Lords for ease of the dissenters. It is said to be entirely conformable to the English act of toleration, and done no doubt to give more strength to the opposition they intend to make in their house to the bill which began with the commons. He was told that their bill was returned from England, and that it was very late in the session to deliver another of the same tenor." (State Paper Of3Sce, London.) This dexterous manoeuvre of Archbishop King thus proved abortive. *' State Paper Office, London. Dated October 15. *s This was section 17 of the act, and the effect of it was to enable all Presbyterians who might be prosecuted for nonconformity, and who had not taken the oaths as required for their protection under this act, to qualify by taking these oaths during the progress of any such prosecution, and upon their so qualifying themselves in compliance with this act, every such prose- cution was to cease. A.D. 171'J. CHURCH IN IRELAND. U9 in the university, from which they are at present restrained by the act of uniformity ; since upon any prosecution in pursuance of that act, they would be able to discharge themselves from the penalties of it, by taking the oaths and maldng the declaration prescribed by this act, during the prosecution. On the other hand, it was very well argued by the lawyers in the house that the clause could only relate to the cases before mentioned in the act.-*^ The matter therefore being rightly vniderstood, and the lawyers being all unanimous, it met with no further opposition in debate ; and tho' some few members did insist upon a division of the house, the disproportion between the members for and against the clause was so great and so visible upon that division, that they did not proceed to telling." In another letter to the same person, marked " Private," the lord-lieutenant adds, that on this occasion " there were above two huucU'ed in the house,^® which is a full house here after the recess ; and tho' they divided, it was admitted that not above twenty-three divided [against the clause in question] ; but if the house had been told, there were seven or eight would have gone over to their friends, who were Jaco- bites or high-fliers." Of the success of the measure, when it should reach the lords, his grace was rather apprehensive, foi", in the same " private" letter, he says — " Our greatest difficulty now remains in the House of Lords, where I fear we shall be run hard. But if our troops do but stand firm, we shall carry it there by six. [The actual majority was seven.] But these two ai'ch- bishops, Dublin and Tuam, are indefatigable in perverting as many as they can. I have seven bishops with us as I think ; may be, one may slip from me [who did in reality bolt.] In short, there shall nothing be omitted on my side that can contribute to the passing of it ; those who cannot come, I take care to have their proxies." On the 16th of October, the bill finally passed the commons, and on the same day it was read a first time in the House of Lords, where Dr. Evans, the Bishop of Meath, took charge of the *' 'I'lie legal argument is here stated at length, but I deemed it unnecessary to insert it. *" The Irish House of Commons consisted of 300 members. 150 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxiv. measure. No opposition was made till the 22cl, when the house was in committee on the bill. On this ocasion there were pre- sent, according to the roll of attending peers entered on the journals, thirteen bisho2)s and nineteen temporal lords ; but from other sources it appears that other two bishops and five lords must also have been present, so that the house consisted of fifteen spiritual ^^ and twenty-four temporal lords. The reception which the bill met with in committee will be best related in the follow- ing extract from the lord-lieutenant's despatch, written on the afternoon of the same day :^- — " This day the dissenters' bill was debated in the committee of the House of Lords, and was op- posed by several of the spiritual lords in almost every part of it. But the objection chiefly insisted on was, that the toleration given by the bill was so general and of such a latitude that it would extend to every land of dissenters and every form of religious worship, how Avild and extravagant soever, it not being restrained to the different sects of Christianity only ; since the bill not obliging any persons to subscribe any of the thirty-nine articles, the government would not gain the least assurance of the nature and tendency of their religious tenets, nor any other security from them than that of allegiance. But this was thought by other lords sufficient to entitle any body of dissenters to the benefit of a toleration, the oaths and declarations prescribed by the act being an ample security to the civil power ; and there being likewise a sufficient guard provided to the doctrine of the Trinity whenever it is opposed. The last clause of the bill was the only one which occasioned a division, the numbers of which were twenty-three to sixteen ; whereupon the bill was imme- diately reported, read the third time, and passed ; this last divi- sion upon the passing of it being thirty -nine to twenty-six, proxies on both sides included."^^ Pi-jor to the last vote, in order ^1 The Irish liiorarchy at this time consisted of twenty-two prelates — viz., four archbishops and eighteen bishops. There were absent one archbishop and six bishops ; but how many of these voted by proxy, and on what side, cannot be ascertained. 52 State Paper Office, London. Dated October 22. *3 There is no entry on the Lords' Journals of either of tlicse division-s as A D. 1710. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 151 to influence timid or wavering minds, the representation agreed to by that house in November 1711 against tlie dissenters, so famous for its outrageous bigotry and scandalous disregard of truth, was read by the clerk — a superfluous piece of policy, but very characteristic of the party who opposed the bill. The entire minority, which consisted of nine spiritual and seven tem- poral lords, among whom one is i)aiued to find the name of the Earl of Granard, whose father had been the zealous patron of the Presbyterians in the reign of Charles 11,,^* entered a protest on the journals condemning the bill — -first, because it was not identical with the English toleration act ; secondly, because it tolerated all Protestant dissenters, without distinction of sect ; and, thirdly, because it Avould encourage proselytism. The spiritual portion of this protesting minority were the Arch- bishops of Armagh, Dublin, and Tuam, with the Bishops of Kil- dare, Clonfert, Limerick, Clogher, Ossory, and Down and Connor, no fewer than seven of whom were natives of Ireland, and two only were of England. The names of the six bishops who so nobly supported the bill are worthy of being recorded in these pages ; they were Evans, bishop of Meath, who had charge of the measure, Nicholson, bishop of Derry, the celebrated historical writer, Forster, bishop of Eaphoe, Godwin, bishop of Kilmore, Lambert, bishop of Dromore, the opponent of jM'Bride on the marriage question in 1704, and Downes, bishop of Killala. Of these tolerant and liberal-minded prelates, one only was a native of Ireland, the other five being Englishmen.°^ It is now they lijid not piocceded to telling ; but, in so small a house, there would bo little difficulty in ascertaining tlie relative numbers. Mr. Secretary Webster, in his letter to London, of the same date with the lord-lieutenant's, says — " The dissenters' bill was tliis day debated in the committee of the House of Lords, and was vigorously opposed by the Archbishops of Dublin and Tuam and other spiritual lords in almost every part of it ; and the primate con- cluded what he had to offer by assuring their lordships that schism was a damnable sin." He adds that six bishops voted for the bill. •'* See chap, xviii., note 27, and text. " Archbishop King was, of course, very mortified at the success of tliis measure, and prophesied all sorts of evil from it to the Ki)isco])al Church. " In truth," he writes, on the 10th of November, to his like-minded cones- 152 HISTORY OF THE PRESRYTEKIAN chap. sxir. impossible to discover the name of the seventh bishop, who realised the apprehensions of the lord-lieutenant, and gave his grace the slip when it came to the vote. This bill received the royal assent on the 2d of November, under the title of " An Act for exempting the Protestant Dis- senters of this kingdom from certain penalties to vphich they are now subjeet."^^ The present generation will scarcely believe I that so meagre a boon to Presbyterians as bare permission by law to celebrate their worship, which they were then statedly observing with scarcely any molestation, should have excited so much opposition from the High Church party, in the face, too, of the exj^ress wishes of the sovereign, often repeated, and of their own ostentatious declarations of willingness to grant a tole- ration. The exemption secured by this act was more in name than in reality — it conferred a privilege in law rather than in fact. So inapplicable was it to the circumstances of the Presby- terians, that there is reason to believe very few ministers, even at this period, availed themselves of its provisions, except in those districts where their opponents Avere likely to give annoy- ance to themselves or their worship if not protected under this I law. ■ Meagre and vuisuitable as it is, it continues to be the I charter of religious liberty to the Presbyterians in Ireland, while, i at the same time, it continues to be little more than an obsolete statute. Scarcely a single minister has made the declaration or taken the oaths in the manner required by it, nor has there been a single place of worship registered under it, except where local disputes or a temporary ebullition of party spirit may have rendered it necessary to have recourse to its protection. The same enlightened public opinion which so generally protected Presbyterians in their worship before the passing of the act, has pondent, Ai'clibishop Wake, "I can't see Low our Churcli can stand here, if God do not by a peculiar and unforeseen providence support it." As niiglit be expected, he was also much displeased with his English brethren for jire- suming to oppose him. " The bill could not have passed," he says in the same letter to Wake, and repeats the sentiment in a letter to another English cor- respondent, " if our brethren that came to us from your side the water, had not deserted us and gone over to the adverse party." •■''' It is quoted as 6 Geo. I., chap. 5, and comprises 17 section.?. A.D. 1719. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 153 continued to do so evei- since, independently of its provisions. This protection, however, ought to be perpetuated by adequate legal enactments ; and it is full time that the religious liberties of Irish Presbyterians and all other dissenters were based upon a more suitable and comjn-ehensive statute, and secured by a less complex machinery than what is provided by t!ie Toleration Act now in force. The only other favour which this parliament could be induced to grunt to the Presbyterians was of a still more paltry character. It was embodied in a bill, entitled, " An Act for quieting and discharging all persons in offices or employments from the penal- ties they may have incurred by not qualifying themselves pur- suant to the act to prevent the further growth of Popery, and for limiting the time for prosecutions on the said act." This statute merely extended the time during which Presbyterians in office might qualify by taking the Sacramental Test to the 2ath of March following ; and it required all prosecutions for neglect- ing to take the sacrament in the Episcopal Church to be insti- tuted within two years, and, wdien once begun, to be carried on without wilful delay. It is the earliest of those " bills of in- demnity," as they were called, wliich were devised to reconcile the prejudices of the Tory party with the requirements of the age, ever in advance of them, and which for many years were annually passed in the British parliament, repealing the Test Act from year to year, initil public opinion became so matured and potent as to demand and carry the final extinction of that persecuting statute. This Irish bill of indemnity did not originate in either house of parliament. It was sent over from England, and laid before parliament in the beginning of October. It passed through both houses without opposition, and received the i-oyal assent, along with the Toleration Act, on the day on which the parlia- ment was prorogued.'^'^ In the spring of the following year, the lord-lieutenant directed the attention of the ministry to the im- portance of renewing this act, and suggested the propriety of inserting a clause to that eftect in an English act, the British ■''' It is 6 Guo. I., cliaii. 9. 154 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxir. parliament being then in session. But though nothing was done at this period, a similar act of indemnity, sometimes originating in the Irish commons, and more frequently sent over from England, was regularly passed in almost every succeeding session of parliament. A. D. 1719. CliUilCll IN IRELAND. 155 C H A 1* T E R XXV. A.D. 1719-17213. Reliffious state of the Church in Ulster — Formation of the Belfast Society — lis principles — Alarm excited thereby — Policy of the Church — Synod of 1720 — The Pacific Act — Violated at the installation of Mr. Haliday at Belfast — Measures consequent thereon — Ayitated state of the Church — Synod of 1721 — Declaration of belief in the Deity of Christ — Voluntary subscription of the Westminster Confession — Publications connected with this controversy — Differences of opinion as to the course to be pursued^ Recommendation of ministers in Scotland — Synod of 1722 — Its peaceable results — New congregation in Belfast — Collection in Glasgow for it — Opposed in the Sub-Synod of Belfast — Appjeal of Colonel Upton, M.P. — Synod of 1723 — Its proceedings — How treated in Belfast — Publications for and against subscription to the Confession — First communion in the new Belfast congregation — State of feeling throughout the Church — Addi- tional controversial pieces — Origin of Mr. Nevin's affair — Synod of 1724 — Trial of Mr. Nevin — Divisions in congregations — Publications by non-subscribers — Disjmtes in the Sub-Synod of Belfast — Further non- subscribing ivritings — Case of Colville of Dromore — Synod of 1725 — Its proceedings in Colville's case — New arrangement of Presbyteries in the Belfast Sub-Synod — Sequel of Colville's affair — Additional publications — Overtures transmitted to Presbyteries— Pamphlets connected with them — Other controversial ivorks — Synod of 1726 — Non-subscribers offer ex- pedients for p>eace — Overture rejecting these expedients — Debate thereon — The non-subscribing Presbytery excluded— Extent of this exclusion — Its residts. While the Presbyterians were thus unitedly struggling to secure their civil and religious liberties, a soui-ce of disunion had sprung up among themselves, the origin and results of which are now to be traced. Hitherto the Presbyterian Church in Ulster had peacefully reposed upon the same basis, and under the same standards, as the parent Church in Scotland. Both ministers and people were Presbyterians of the old school, warmly attached to all its principles and usages, and, for the most part, thoroughly 156 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxv. instructed in the controversies by Avhich their Church had from time to time been tried. The ministers of the Irish synod, many of whom had been licentiates of the Scottish Church, and nearly all of them educated at her universities, i had cordiall}' embraced the same theological doctrines with their Scottish brethren, and in their sessions, presbyteries, and synods, had closely followed the same system of discipline and government. The standard of mmisterial attainments since the Kevolution had been gradually rising, and stood higher at this period than it did during the re- mainder of the century. The people were carefully instfucted in catechetical doctrine, were well versant in the Scriptures, and heartily approved of the Westminster Confession of Faith, as faithfully embodying the teaching of that infallible standard. At the commencement of the eighteenth century, not the slightest symptom had appeared of any departure from these doctrinal views, or of any alienation from the constitutional principles of Presbyterianism as established and practised in Scotland. On the contrary, repeated efforts were made to bring the Irish Church, as nearly as possible, to an identity of discipline and \isage with the parent Church. It was not long, however, until the same latitudinai'ian notions I on the inferiority of dogmatic belief, and the nature of religious ,' liberty, which had obtained currency on the Continent and in ' England, appeared in Ireland. Their introduction was princi- pally owing to the Rev. John i^l^ernethy, a young minister of undoubted talents and learning, of great metaphysical acumen and ready eloquence, who had received an excellent education, and who luiiformly maintained a high character for piety and integrity .2 He was ordained to the charge of the Presbyterian 1 Many of tUo Irish ministeivs at this period not only passed through the Divinity Hall in one or other of the Scottish universities, but several of them finished their theological course at Leyden, in Holland. I find, from inci- dental notices, that the Rev. Robert jM 'Bride of Ballymoney, the Rev, Thomas Shaw of Ahoghill, and the Rev. Robert Craghead of Dublin, had studied at Leyden. 2 The Rev. John Aberuethy, born in 1680, was the son of the Rev. John Abernethy, at that time minister of Brigh, in the county of Tyrone, after- wards of IMoneymore, and lattci-ly of Coleraiiic, whore lie settled in 1691, AD. 1719. CHUKCH IN IRELAND. 1 T)? congregation in the town of Antrim in tlie year 1703, and soon became remarlcable, not only as a laborious and exemplary mi- nister, but also as a diligent student. In the latter capacity he was the means, soon after his settlement at Antrim, of founding an association of ministers for mutual improvement in theological knowledge. He first obtained the co-operation of a few neigh- bouring brethren, the Rev. William Taylor of Eandalstown, the Rev. Alexander Brown of Donegore, and the Rev. James Kirk- patrick of Templepatrick, at that time all young men, ordained within the previous six years. These were joined by the Rev. Thomas Orr of Comber, and the Rev. Alexander Colville of Dromore, by several licentiates and theological students, and by a few laymen of Belfast, among whom was Doctor Victor Fer- guson, an eminent physician ; and as that town was most con- veniently situated for all these ministers, it became their stated place of meeting ; and the association, which was finally organised and died in 1703. At the Revolution, Mr. Abernethy, senior, was .«ent to Lon- don to wait on King WilliLim (see chap.xix., note 72, and text), and Mrs. Aber- netliy and her family, being obliged to fly from Moneymore before King James's troops, took refuge in Deny, whei-e she endured all the perils and hardshijis of its memorable siege, and where she lost all her children. But her sun John had, providentially, been previously conveyed by a friend at Ballymeuii to her father's in .Scotland, Mr. AValkingshaw of that ilk, in the parish and county of Uciifrew, where he spent three years at school before returning to his father's house in Coleraine. lie entered the college of Glasgow in 1C93, matriculated in the following Febiuary, and took the degree of M.A. about 169G. He studied divinity at Edinbuigh, and was licensed by the presbytery of Route, March 3, 1702. He then spent some time in Dublin, just when the agitation caused by the discovery of Eralyn's Arianism was at its height, and was about to be ordained as colleague to the Rev. Mr. Boyse in Wood Street, in succession to Knilyn ; but, unfortunately for the peace of the Presbytciian Church in Ulster, by his father's advice he resolved to settle in the >«'orth, and accepted the call from the congregation of Antrim, where ho was ordained, August 18, 1703. His venerable father survived his ordina- tion only three months. The reader, on comparing the account of the earlier portion of Mr. Abernetliy's life given by Kippis in his edition of the " Bio- grajihia Britannica," wiiich is the fullest that lias appeared, with wliat 1 have related from authentic records, will see that several inaccuracies in dates and places liave found their way into Kijuds's and all previous bio- gra[>liies of this eminent man. 158 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. in the year 1705, became known as The Belfast Society. At their meetings, generally held monthly, each member preached in succession ; chapters out of the Old and New Testaments, pre- viously agreed upon, were read in the original languages, and their tiifficulties discussed ; reviews and analyses of books read by the members since the previous meeting were given ; and dis- sertations were read on important theological topics, especially on those questions Avhich w^ere then attracting the attention of divines elsewhere, and becoming the subjects of controversy. The sermons j^reached before the society, we are informed by one of its earliest members, treated of " the nature and Scrip- tural terms of the unity of the Christian Church, the nature and mischief of schism, the rights of conscience and of private judg- ment, the sole dominion of Christ in his own kingdom, the nature, power, and effects of excommunication, and other subjects of that kind."3 In this society were first promulgated many opinions hitherto new in Ireland, which, being at variance with both the docti'ine and constitution of the Presbyterian Church, naturally excited, so soon as they became known, much attention, and gradually created no little disaffection and alarm. These opinions did not directly impugn any of the leading doctrines of the Gospel, as embodied in the Church's confession of faith, but they tended to undermine the entire system of a sinner's acceptance as taught therein, by placing that acceptance mainly on sincerity, by incul- cating the innocency of error when not wilful, and by undervalu- ing aU belief in positive doctrines as uncertain, or, at all events, as non-essential. In reference to ecclesiastical discipline, the members of the society taught, among other things, that the Church had no right to require candidates for the ministry to subscribe a confession of faith prepared by any man or body of men, and that such a required subscription was a violation of the right of private judgment, and inconsistent with Christian liberty 3 Kirkpatrick's "Conclusion" to Duchal's "Sermon on tlie Dentli of Aberncthy ;" Belfast, 1741, 8vo, p. 50. See also " The Good Old Way," p. 6-8; and Ferguson's "Vindication of the Presbyterian Ministers in the North of Ireland," p. 13. A.D. 1719. CHUIICII IN IRELAND. 159 and true Protestantism. Most of these dogmas had ah-eady be- come prevalent among the Presbyterian Churches in Switzerland, and they were also spreading among the clergy, both established and dissenting, in the sister kingdom. In England, the writings of Whiston, Clarke, and Hoadley, followed by the debates and publications among the dissenters at Salter's Hall, showed how extensively these opinions had already been adopted. And in Scotland, the trial of the Picv. Mr. Simpson, professor of divinity in the University of Glasgow, before the Greneral Assembly, dur- ing the years 1714, 1715, and 1716, for teaching several Ar- minian and Pelagian errors, and the lenient sentence pronounced upon him, but too clearly evinced that opinions equally erroneous and dangerous as those embraced elsewhere had also obtained cur- rency among the Scottish clergy. The two leading members of the Belfast Society, INIr. Abernethy and Mr. Kirkpatrick, had been fellow-students with Professor Simpson in the Divinity Hall in Glasgow, and were afterwards regular correspondents of his, while most of the ministers who subsequently joined that society had studied theology under him as professor. No wonder, then, that similar opinions, on points both of doctrine and discipline, by means of this society, as a centre of union and influence, made their way into Ulster, where the prevalence of anti-Presbyterian views, especially regarding Church communion, had been much accelerated by the intercourse which had of late sprung up with the ministers of Dublin.-* These brethren were, in all essential ]»oints, Independents, and therefore supported the Belfast Society in their opposition to the subscription of confessions of faitli. The most painful circumstance connected ■with the progress of * I refer to the ministers of tlie three congregations in Dublin who were never in ecclesiastical connection with the Synod of Ulster. Tiiese, together with about half-a-dozen dissenting congregations in the principal towns in the South, formed the presbj-tory of Dublin, called afterwards the Southern Pres- bytery of Dublin, when tho synod, in the year 1720, had established a pres- bytery of its own in the metropolis. These Dublin miuistors were mostly English dissenters ; their so-called presbytery was merely a consultative meeting, and their ecclesiastical views were Congregational rather than Pres- bvrci'ian. 1^ 100 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. these new opinions was the suspicion, very generally entertained both by the ministers and people, that they were associated with far more serious errors, affecting the very foundations of evange- tical truth. It was confidently believed by many that several mem- bers of this society had early embraced the Arian views of Dr. Samuel Clarke. But although the general principles which they publicly professed had a natural, and, as the result in all churches has but too clearly proved, an unavoidable tendency to lead to that lieresy, yet, if credit is to be attached to the most solemn asse- verations of the leading members, frequently rejieated, they were as yet free from any such error. This disquieting suspicion was entertained, not by the ill-informed, the prejudiced, or the illite- rate, as the friends of the society confidently urged, but by en- lightened and educated persons, who had the best means of infor- mation. Among these, assuredly, was Francis Hutcheson, son of the minister of Armagh, and afterwards the celebrated profes- sor of moral philosophy in the University of Glasgow. He was at this time a licentiate, or preacher ; and, writing to a friend in (Scotland in the year 1718, he says — "I find by the conversa- tions I have had with some ministers and comrades, that there is a perfect Hoadly mania among our younger ministers in the North ; and what is really ridiculous, it does not serve them to be of his principles, but the pulpits are ringing with them, as if their hearers were all absolute princes going to impose tests and con- fessions in their several territories, and not a set of people en- tirely excluded from the smallest hand in the government any where, and utterly incapable of bearing any other part in perse- cution but as sufferers. I have reason, however, to apprehend that the antipathy to confessions is upon some other grounds than a new spirit of charity. Dr. Clarke's book [on the Trinity] I'm sufficiently informed has made several unfixed in their old prin- ciples, if not entirely altered them.'"-^ ' Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xx,, No. 132. This distinguished ctliic.il pliilosopher and elegant writer entered the University of Glasgow about 1709, he matriculated in 1711, and took the degree of M. A. in 1712. He entered the Divinity Hall under Professor Simpson in the following year, but it does not appear how many sessions ho attended there. He was appointed profcs- A.i>. 1719. CHURCH IN IRELAND 101 At tho date of this letter, the Belfast Society had been joined by a dozen other young ministers, as they were successively or- dained in congregations around that town, while its original founders had become the most prominent and influential ministers in tho Church. The principal business of the synod was almost exclusively in their hands ; and, from the year 1709, when their influence began to be felt, to the year 1716, not fewer than five out of the six earliest members of the society were appointed moderators of the synod. It is rather surprising that no publi- cation connected with their peculiar views emanated from any of the members of this society till nearly fifteen years after its for- mation. At length ]Mr. Abernethy having preached a sermon before the society in Belfast, on Wednesday, the 9th of December J,7 19, published it in the spring of the following year, under the title of " Religious Obedience Founded on Personal Persuasion."^ It was this discourse that began the unhappy controversy which con- tinued througliout J,he next seven years with increasing asperity, and which called forth above fifty separate publications, and which ended in the exclusion of the members of the Belfast Society from the communion of the synod. In this sermon, Mr. Abernethy vented several of those new and dangerous opinions which it was alleged that society held, and the bare suspicion of which had caused much dissatisfaction. He taught that every man's persuasion of what was true and right was the sole rule of liis faith and conduct — that there was no culpability in error after sor of moral pliilosophy in 1730— the first native of Ireland who held a chair in the University of Glasgow. He died in 17-10, and among his successors in this chair were Dr. Adam Smith and Dr. Thomas Reid — all men of European reputation. 0 Belfast, 1720, r2iao, pp. 43. Mr. Abernethy had previously published two other sermons, the one preaciied in 1714, on the occasion of the accession of George I., on Psalm xx. G, and tho other, his synodical sermon, which was pub- lished with this title — ' ' A .Sermon Recommending the Study of Scripture Pro- phocieas an Important Duty, and a Great Means of Reviving Decayed Piety and Charity. Preached in Belfast, June 19, 1710, before the Presbyterian Mi- nisters of the North of Ireland, met in their Annual Assembly. Published at the request of many of the hearers." Belfast, 1710, 4to, pp. 25. Tho text was Daniel, xii. 4. 162 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxv. what each man believed to be a deliberate and impartial investi- gation of the truth — that it was in the highest degree unjust and unscriptural to exclude from Christian fellowship any who walk according to their own persuasions, however palpably erroneous in the judgment of the Church on non-essential jioints — and that all doctrines were non-essential on which " human reason and Christian sincerity permitted men to differ." Before this discourse was in the hands of the public, a further revelation of the anti-Presbyterian views of this society had been made in the, sub-synod which met in Belfast in January 1720. One of the more aged ministers, lamenting the divisions among the English dissenters at Salter's Hall, and apprehensive lest the con- duct of the Belfast Society might be the means of transferring to Ulster similar debates, and perhaps divisions, induced the meet- ing to hold a private conference with the members of that society then present, with a view to the preservation of peace and luiity within their bounds. In this conference, all the brethren who belonged to the society freely announced their opposition to sub- scribing confessions of faith as tests of orthodoxy .''^ It also ap- peared that, in despite of the positive law of the synod, some presbyteries had taken upon them to sanction a lax mode of subscription, by which the law might have been evaded alto- gether, and the Church deprived of her security against the in- troduction of error among her ministers. So soon as these facts transpired, the surmise of a design to lay aside the use of the Westminster Confession of Faith, in the licensing and ordaining of ministers, began to be generally entertained, and added very much to the anxiety and alarm caused by the publication of Mr. Abernethy's sermon. When the gauntlet was thus publicly thrown down, and the principles of evangelical truth and Presby- terian Church order openly impugned, it behoved the supporters of these principles to take it up, and come forward in their de- fence. In the literary contest, which was now unavoidable, it unfortunately happened that, with few exceptions, the advocates of the views maintained by the Church were inferior to the mem- T Abernethy's "Defence of his Seasonable Advice," p. 24 ; with Master- ton's "Apology for the Northern Presbyterians in Ireland," p. 6. AD 1720. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 163 bers of the Belfast Society in the arts both of logic and of rhetoric. The publications of the assailing party were superior in argumen- tative dexterity and the graces of style to those of their oppo- nents, most of whom were forced into the contest, but little experienced in controversial dialectics. The contrast between the two classes of disputants was strongly marked at the very com- mencement of the discussion. The opponent of Mr. Abernethy was the Rev. John Malcome, M.A., the aged and most respectable minister of Dunmurry, near Belfast, who, in the end of JNIay, published in a small tract what he called " Some Friendly Re- flections" on the sermon in question, under the title of " Per- sonal Persuasion no Ground for Religious Obedience."^ In this tract he pointed out very clearly, though not very attractively or systematically, the dangerous nature of the novel views pro- pounded by Mr. Abernethy, calling them " new-light " — an epithet by which they were henceforth designated. Among the reasons he adduces in his preface for engaging in the controversy, the following is one : — " That I may awaken some of my reverend brethren to give a more full and learned ansAver to the same sermon ; by which I hope our brethren who may have left us, may be at length brought to see that conscience has no such supremacy as to thrust out the government and discipline of the Church of Christ." No second defender, however, appeared, probably owing to the admonition of the sjniod, which met soon after, not to prolong these disputes through the medium of the press. Neither did Mr. Abernethy resume the pen in defence of his views.'' But the Belfast Society felt they could not be silent, 8 Belfast, 1720, 18mo, pp. 35. At tliU date Mr. Robert Gardner, a second printer, had commenced his trade in Belfast, and as the earlier printer, Mr. James Blow, took part with the opponents of the synod, and printed and pub- lished all the non-subscribers' works, the former tradesman became the printer for the subscribers. ^ The Belfast Society, in a publication of theirs, in December of this year, thus accounted for Mr Abernethy's silence: — " He had formed a design of publishing some illustrations of those principles and parts of his sermon at which some were oflcnded : — but ho delayed the execution of that design, waiting for the publication of an answer to it, whicli he is certainly informed VOL. III. M 164 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. after the plain-sjioken pan\plilet of Mr. Malcoine, "who had de- scribed them as a body that " had suddenly separated from their brethren," and had called upon them to furnish the Church with " a scheme of their new doctrine." They accordingly published, in the month of June, a formal letter to Mr. Malcome, entitled — " The Good Old Wa}^, or a Vindication of some Important Scri]?- ture Truths, and all who Preach them, from the Imputation of Novelty."^" In this well-written letter, the society give a full account of their origin, and of the questions usually discussed at their meetings. The opinions entertained by them on private judgment, the headship of Christ, the terms of communion, the extent of Church authority, and the nature of fundamental doc- trines in religion — all of which they repudiate as novel — are very plausibly propounded, and at first sight might be admitted as true, when stated in the general terms which they employ ; but when understood in the sense, and applied to the pui'poses which they afterwards claimed for them, they must be acknowledged to be both erroneous in themselves, and hitherto liew in Ireland. They then defend Mr. Abernethy's doctrine of personal persua- sion against the alleged mistakes of Mr. Malcome, and conclude by declaring their " fervent desire to live in love and in constant communion" with their brethren, though they were at the same time giving the most serious offence to these brethren by their crude speculations and dangerous theories. These publications, coupled with the hostility to sub^sc Ibing the Westiiiinster Confession of Faith avowed in the Belfir ^ sub- synod, confirmed the suspicions of the members of the Church throughout the province, and occasioned no little alarm. This feeling was still farther heightened by private letters from se- veral members of the society, which were in circulation among the ministers, acknowledging doubts regarding the Deity of the Saviour, and asserting that, even if true, it was by no means a is prepared by a clergyman of the Established Church." (Narrative of Seven Synods, p. 30.) Whether such an answer was published, I have not been able to learn. ic Belfast' 1'720, 18mo, pp. 16. There are no signatures attachi'd to the letter ; the title-page merely says—" By the Belfast Society." A.n. 1720 rnURCII IN IRELAND. !().■ fundamental doctrine.^' That a number of ministers had seriously departed from the recognised views of the Church on important points was now but too evident, and her office-bearers and mem- bers could no longer refrain from anxiously considering how it became them to act in this painful emergency. Three difterent courses were open to the synod — either to separate at once and peaceably from these innovating brethren, if they persisted in op- posing the doeti'ine and discipline of the Church ; or to permit them, if they themselves saw fit, to remain in communion with the synod, but at the same time to adhere with firmness to the existing laws regulating the admission of ministers, so as to pre- vent for the future any persons holding similar views from in- truding into the ministerial office ; or, lastly, to alter the terms of admission, in order to adapt them to the scruples of these l)rethren, and thus prevent a schism in the Church. Unfortu- nately the last of these courses was adopted by the synod, under the advice of her most experienced members. Better far would it have been for the interests of truth, the peace of the Church, and her future prosperity, had either of the other two expedients been preferred. It ouglit to be remembered, however, that the brethren whose counsels were followed by the synod had not the experience which we now have of the fruitless results of all such temporismg expedients for preserving peace and unity, where important doctrinal differences exist. Neither could they have antic >rted the fatal development of error which has almost invari bly residted from such unsound and latitudinarian views as those held by their brethren of the Belfast Society. Besides, " The following extract from one of tliose letters will suffice to corroborate this statement. A member of the Belfai^t Society, writingto a friend in Novem- ber 1710, says — " I doubt not but that all who repent and reform their lives and sincerely accept of Christ as their Redeemer, will attain to eternal life, although they be ignorant of his supreme Deity, if so be that doctrine bo truth ; or if tlicy believe him to be the supreme God, if so be the orthodox doctrine, as it is called, be false. I'or I do not find that it is required in Scripture, as a term of salvation, to believe that Christ is the absolutely supreme (Jod. And therefore so long as I believe the doctrine about which I ;im in doubts is not fundamental, I think I may safely continue to pi-each. Seethe "Narra- tive of the Non-Subscribers Examined," p. 23 166 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. thoy believed these brethren to be sincere in holding the essential doctrines of tlie Gospel ; for who could doubt their solemn and repeated asseverations to that effect ? They conceived it quite possible that this soundness in the faith might contmue to co- exist with erroneous views on the province of human reason, the rights of conscience, and the terms of Christian communion, for they had not seen this notion disproved, as it lias since so fully been, by the experience of all Presbyterian communities who have ventured to act upon it. Still further, they saw in these erring brethren some of their most active, laborious, learned, and in- fluential ministers, and they veiy naturally dreaded that the interests of Presbyterianism would suffer by a schism in their body, which would array those men in jealous opposition to the synod. We now see clearly the unhappy results of the mistaken policy which these hopes and fears induced the synod to adopt. Not only was it the cause of bitter contentions for the next six yeai'S, to the neglect of the proper business of the Church and the scandal of Presbyterianism, while it utterly failed, after all, in preventing a ' schism ; but when that separation did at last occur, it was based upon such narrow and insufficient grounds, and so many fatal concessions had been made to the scruples of the excluded brethren, which were not retracted, as they should have been, at the period of the rupture, that too wide a door was left open, through which many unsuitable persons continued to be admitted to the ministry. The consequence was, that, in a very few years, similar errors, under the form of Arminianism, had again crept into the high places of the synod, which, in the unvarying cycle of the development of ei'ror, culminated during the jiresent century in Arianism and Socinianism. This mistaken policy on which the Church was induced to act was fully developed at the first synod that took cognisance of the matter, and that met at Belfast in the end of June 1720. The meeting was opened by a sermon from the late moderator, the Rey-Eobert Craghead, one of the ministers of Dublin.^^ He '2 Mr. Craghead was the son of the Rev. Robert Craghead, minister first of Donoughmore, in tlie county of Donegall, and Latterly of Derry (see chap. XX.), where he died in 1711. Mr. Craghead, junior, was born at the former place AD. 1720. CHURCH IN IllELAND. 167 warmly supported tlie_. temporising policy of the synod, princi- pally on the ground that the views of the members of the Bel- fast Society, even if erroneous, involved only points of inferior importance, and that they ought to be freely tolerated in the Church so long as they held, as he was convinced they did, the doctrine of the Trinity, and the other leading truths of the Gosjiel. " Truth," he says, " is never to bo parted with, nor our Christian liberty given up. But about the means of preserving the one, and the restraints which ought in pai'ticular instances to be laid on the other, good men may think very difterently. We have no debate whether truth and liberty ought to be invio- lably maintained. The chief diflerence is about the proper method to be taken for that end." His opening sermon ac- cordingly inculcated this \iew at considerable length, and with much earnestness and eloquence. He afterwards published it with this title — "A Plea for Peace, or the Nature, Causes, Mis- chief, and Remedy of Church Divisions."^^ It is an excellent ill 16S4, matriculated in the University of Glasgow in 1700, where he took the ilcgreof M. A. about 1702 ; he studied divinity at Edinburgh and liCyden, and was ordained as colleague to Mr. Iredell in Capcl Street, or Mary's Abbey, Dublin, October 11, 1709. He died in that charge July 30, 1738. '3 Dublin, reprinted at Belfast, 1721, 8vo, pp. 32. Mr. Cragliead had previously published " A Funeral Sermon from Rev. xiv. 13, on occasion of the death of the Right Honourable Catharine, Countess Dowager of Grariard, who died December 9th, 17H : Preached in Capcl Street." Dublin, 1714, 4to, pp. 28. It is dedicated to the Countess of Doncgall, daughter of the dcce.ised. Lady Granard had long been a regular member of Capel Street Church. Mr. Aberncthy's sermon in 1716 (see note 6 of this ch.apter), and this one by Mr. Cr.nghead, were the only synodicai sermons published since Mr. M'Bride's in the year 1698. It is but justice to Mr. Craghead to exhibit his sound views on the doctrine of the Trinity, as set forth in the fol- lowing extract from the synodicai discourse: — "It is a matter of great lamentation that so many of the ancient heresies should bo revived in our day, by which the Church has been and is like to bo troubled in the same man- ner the primitive Church was before us. That heresy which spread the farthest and prevailed the longest has of late been raised from the dead, and already appears with very formidable aspect. Many have been drawn away, many have been brought to deny the Lord that brought them, 1 mean his Divhiity, in doing which they do, in effect, raze the foundation. They degrade the glorious Son of (Jud from liis just dignily and honour, and invalidate tiie LG8 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. discourse, but inapplicable to the state of the Church ; for the points in dispute, however disguised under plausible and ambi- guous phraseology, were not of secondary but of primary im- portance, and, as has since been fully proved, involved the vital interests of evangelical truth and Christian liberty. This synod was attended by one hundred and fifteen ministers and eighty-six elders, with corresponding members from the southern presbytery of Dublin. The Rev. Gilbert Kennedy, )nimster of Donacloney, or TuUylish, who afterwards distinguished himself as a writer on behalf of subscription, was elected mode- rator. The first thing which engaged then- attention, connected with the existing controversy, was a reference from the presby- tery of Belfast. It appears that the Rev. Samuel Dunlop, mi- nister of Athlone, had been in London in the spring of this year, \ when the Salter's Hall debates were at their height, and when I the dissenting ministers were divided into subscribers of the doc- j trine of the Trmity and non-subscribers. The Rev. Samuel I Haliday was also in London at this time, and, as those who know his subsequent career and writings will readily believe, his sympathies and convictions were all on the side of the non-sub- scribei's, however he may have abstained from taking any public part in the debates ; and, therefore, in common Avith most of that party, he was suspected of Arianism — a suspicion Avhich was certainly unwarranted in his case, and that of many others of the English non-svibscribers. Li the beginning of this year, the old congregation of Belfast, vacant since the death of that venerable minister, the Rev. John M'Bride, in 1718, had presented a call to Mr. Haliday, which was then passing through the usual forms in the presbytery of Belfast. Under these circumstances, Mr. Dunlop, participating in the suspicions of Arianism, so generally entertained towards the non-subscribing party and their sup- satisfaction made by him, on which all our expectations as Christians do entirely depend. But how much soever tlieir pernicious error prevails and how much trouble soever it has given, and is like to give the Churches of God, this may be one ground of comfort to \is — that not so much as one among ourselves, either of ministers or projdo so far ns we know, has hitherto been corrupted with it ;" pp. 13, 13. A.D. 1720. CHURCH LN IRELAND. 169 portcM-s, had writtou to a friend in the vicinity of Belfast ex- pressing his belief that, from what he saw and heard of JMr. Haliday in London, he was an Arian, and, from a conversation he had with him, that he was an enemy to all Church govern-* ment. This letter, having been shown to some of the members of the Belfast congregation wlio had called Mr. Haliday, created, as was to be expected, great uneasiness. The presbytery found it necessary to inquire into the matter ; they communicated with Mr. Haliday in London, and with Mr. Dunlop, then in Ireland, and ultimately referred the case to be issued by the synod, when both of these ministers would be present. A full investigation now took place, when it plainly appeared that Mr. Dunlop had no ground for imputing Arianism to Mr. Haliday, who had cautiously refrained from identif3'ing himself with either party in London, and who produced a letter, signed by leading minis- ters on both sides, fully exonerating him from any suspicion of that heresy. Tlie charge of being an enemy to Church govern- ment the synod considered to be also disproved, by the e\'i- dence of several gentlemen, personal friends of Mr. Haliday, who deposed to his having " signified an hearty approbation of Pres- byterian government, and particularly of the Church of Scot- land ;" yet, in a very few years, he advocated princij^les wliich effectually overthrew all Church authority in the important matter of doctrine, and so far subverted tlie constitution of the Scottish Church. The synod agreed to the following resolu- tions in this case, and appointed them to bo read and explained to the congregation in Belfast on the following Sabbath : — " I. That the Rev. Samuel Haliday has sufficiently cleared his in- nocency, and fully vindicated himself from the aspersions of Arianism and militating against all Church government, to the great satisfaction of this synod. II. That Mr. Dimlop be rebuked for his rash and imprudent behaviour in this aft'air."'* Haxang thus done justice to Mr. Haliday, the synod took into consideration the state of alarm and ajiprchension into which recent events luid plunged the great body of the people. Tlieir '♦ MS. .Mi-,.utLs ut' Sviiod. 170 HISTORY OF THE PRESiiYTERIAN CHAP. XXV. fears were directed against the two evils of non-subscription and of Arianism, which they felt unable to disjoin from one another, and which, from what they had lately heard and read, they be- lieved to be on the eve of invading their beloved Church. On these topics they felt much more keenly than the ministers, while they were both more unanimous and more unreserved in expressing their suspicions and fears. These may have been somewhat premature, and the evidence on which they rested may then have been insufficient. Yet such apprehensions were not only excusable under the circumstances, but in a few years the result showed they were only too well founded. Much obloquy was cast upon the people by the Belfast Society and its friends, for their unreasonable jealousies and their uncalled-for anxiety about the teaching of their ministers. But woe to that Church whose lay members are careless whether their ministers advocate or oppose evangelical truth ! Such indifterence has invariably preceded and encouraged the growth of error ; while, on the other hand, many a Church — as the Irish Church at this crisis — has been saved from declension by the timely vigilance and the honest zeal and earnestness, even though at times rude or indis- creet, of its unsophisticated and well-instructed laity. To allay the agitation and alarm which now pervaded all classes, \ the wisest and most effectual course would have been to have I adhered steadily to the constitutional law of the Church, in ! requiring simple subscription to her standards, and to have (abolished the unauthorised practice, which had recently grown up in one or two presbyteries, of receiving reservations and explana- tions. This firm course might, perhaps, have caused the separa- tion of a few ministers and their congregations, but even this unhappy result would have been less calamitous than it proved to be six years later ; and, at the same time, it would have at once allayed all jealousies within the body, and convinced the world of the sincere adherence of the synod to her standards. But the course which was adopted at this meeting, though re- commended by the spirit of charity and forbearance which dic- tated it, only led to new encroachments on her discipline, and increased the dissatisfaction of botli ministers and people in all A.u. 1720. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 17 L parts of the province ; while the very persons whose scruples it was intended to remove, and who unanimously supported it,^'' afterwards upbraided the synod for having acted uncandidly to- wards them on this occasion.^*' The first measure which this synod adopted to mefet the present emergency is known by the nainc of The Pacifk;_Act, which, while it professed to adhere to the Westminster Confession of Faith, and renewed the law enjoining subscription to it, concluded by legalising the practice of receiving explanations of objectionable phrases, and thus sane- , tioned and encouraged further departures from it. Tliis im- \ portant Act is as follows : — " Whereas there has been a surmise of a design to lay aside the Westminster Confession of Faith and oiu" larger and shorter catechisms, we of this synod do unani- mously declare that none of us have or had such a design; but on the contrary, as wo still adhere to the said confession and catechisms, so we do earnestly recommend to all under our care to have in their custody and carefully peruse them and train up their cliildren in the knowledge of them : And if any have spoken disrespectfully or tending to disparage them, we strictly forbid any such thing to be done for the future, and that our people should be assured of this as the unanimous judgment of the synod for removing all jealousies they have had of any per- son on that account : And we heartily recommend and enjoin the said confession (as being a very good abridgment of the Christian doctrines contained in the sacred Scriptures) to be ob- served according to an act of the General Synod in the year 1705 ; [here a copy of this act rec^uiring simjile subscription to the con- fession is inserted], which is thus to be understood as now is practised by the presbyteries, that if any person called upon to subscribe shall scruple any phrase or phrases in the confession, ho shall have leave to use his own expressions whicli the pres- bytery shall accept of, providing they judge such a person sound in the faith, and that such expressions are consistent with the substance of the doctrine, and that such explications sliall be in- "* Masterton's " Apology," p. 31. '" '■ Narr.-xtive i>( tlie Seven Synods," p. 6. 172 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. sertetl in the presbytery books : Aud that this be a rule not only in relation to candidates licensed by ourselves but to all intrants into the ministry among us, tho' they have been licensed or or- dained elsewhere."!'^ The other measures of this synod, partly framed by the mem- bers of the Belfast Society,^^ were wiser and more judicious. By one of these, the synod entreated ministers, for one year at least, not to publish an;y thing connected with this rising controversy without consulting the more judicious of their brethren — a re- commendation which was so far faithfidly observed, that no pub- lication appeared until after the subsequent meeting of synod. By another act, ministers were directed to insist in their preach- ing " on the great and fundamental truths of Christianity accord- ing to the AVestminster Confession of Faith." It is necessary to give the synod's enumeration of these truths, in order to place beyond doubt what they meant in their Pacific Act by being " sound in the faith," and by adhering to " the substance of the doctrines" contained in that confession. These " great and fun- damental truths of Christianity" were — "thebeing and providence of Grod and the divine authority of the Holy Scriptures ; the necessary doctrine of the ever blessed Trinity in the unity of the Godhead, particularly the eternal Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ as being of the same substance with the Father, and equal in power and glory, and of the satisfaction he made to Divine jus- tice, who is only our propitiation ; of regeneration by efficacious grace ; of free justification by the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ received by faith alone ; of original sm ; of the mora- lity of the Sabbath ; the necessity of a holy life in order to the obtaining of everlasting salvation ; and such like important doc- trines." Lastly, by a third act, the synod endeavoured to allay the jealousies which, no one can doubt, were too prevalent at this conjuncture, and too readily entertained by both ministers and people, by exhorting all parties to be on their guard against hasty suspicions, to observe the Scriptural rule of first communi- 17 Tliompson's "Abstract," p. 25. 18 Stirling MS. Letters, vol. iv., No. 122. A.D. 1720. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 173 eating- any evil report against a brother to liiiuself, before ])re- siuning it to be true, and to " deal frankly and openly with one another on all such oceasion.s."'^ It was confidently believed that all causes of oftence had now been removed, and concord and mutual confidence restored to the Church. With these feelings, the synod empowered a committee, of which the brethren of the Belfast Society were the leading members,2o to recommend peace and mutual charity to the contending ministers in London ; and, in their letter on this occasion, they informed these brethren of the happy results of this meeting, and that the synod had " fallen into such peaceful measures as they hoped would strengthen and perpetuate their own good agreement."-^ But all these hopes were disappointed within one "little month," througk the deliberate violation of the Pacific Act, by the very party at whose suggestion, and for whose relief, it had been so recently enacted. The call to Mr. Haliday from the Belfast congregation was duly proceeded with by the presbytery, and his installation was fixed for the 28th of July. On the day of installation, jMr. Haliday refused to avail himself of the pro- visions of the Pacific Act, or to subscribe the Confession of Faith in any form. He tendered to the presbytery the foUoNving meagre and unsatisfactory declaration of his faith, and insisted that no Church had a right to demand any fuller confession : — " I sincerely believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- ment to be the only rule of revealed religion, a sufficient test of orthodoxy or soundness in the faith, and to settle all the terms of ministerial and Christian communion, to which nothing may be added by any synod, assembly or council whatsoe^•er : And I find all the essential ai'ticlcs of the Christian doctrine to be con- tained in the Westminster Confession of Faith ; which articles I '9 These acts may be seen in Thompson's "Abstract," pp. 26 and 27. 20 "Narrative of tlie Non-Subscribers Examined," p. 24:. 'I This letter from the svnod to the dissenting ministers in London is given in the " N.irrativo of Seven Synods," pp. 7-11. It was afterwards alleged tliat tiic members of the Belfast Society had not only drawn up this letter as already stated, but that they had also sent it off without having been signed by the modenator. Seo "Some Gcuer.il Remarks on Dr. Ferguson's Vindication, ' p. 3 of tho preface. 1^ 174 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. receive upon the sole authority of the Holy Scriptures."-^ Strange to say, through the influence of Mr. Kirkpatrick and the other members of presbytery who belonged to the Belfast Society, the majority resolved, in direct violation of the law of synod, to receive this confession as satisfactory ; and though fovn* mem- bers of presbytery protested against this resolution, and appealed to the svib- synod of Belfast, the installation was proceeded with, and Mr. Haliday was thus, with a high hand, intruded into the ministry of the Church, in manifest contravention of all its laws and usages. Such was the first fruits of the accommodating policy adopted by the late synod ! Its Pacific Act, from the operation of which so much peace and concord was expected, was violated almost before the ink that recorded it was dry. Of what use were terms of communion, and rules for the trial and admission of ministers, however stringent on paper, when they might thus be set aside, and, it may be, the most obnoxious ministers obtruded on the Church ? Was it any wonder that the ministers and people who were warmly attached to Presbyterian government, and to the Confession of Faith, as a test and safeguard of the truth, should be seriously alarmed by this unconstitutional act of the Belfast presbytery ? The crisis was of such an urgent nature as de- manded a prompt and vigorous vindication of the authority of the Church. Mr. Kennedy, the moderator, as might be expected from his character, was anxious that some such step should be immediately taken, and, with that view, he intimated to the presbyteries his intention of convoking a special synod. But the friends of the Belfast Society again interfered witli theii- ex- pedients for peace. They procured a meeting of the synod's committee, to be held at Newry in the end of September, which 2- I have seen an original copy of this confession, dated "Belfast, July 27th, 1720," and signed, as he still wrote his name, " Sam. Hollyday." He afterwards published it in page v. of the preface to his "Reasons against Subscription." In this, his first publication, he spelled his name Haliday, which he retained in his other works, and by which he has since been known. His sons, Robert and Alexander, used the same form when inscribing their names in tiie album of the University of Glasgow. A.D. 1721. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 175 was attended also by ministers from Dublin, with the view of preventing this proposed meeting of synod, and they succeeded. They alleged that such a meeting would only increase the fer- ment in the Church, and that the irregular procedure of the pres- bytery in Mr. Haliday's installation might be safely left to the ortlinary course of discipline. At the same time, some of the leading ministers present recommended the Belfast Society to dissolve their association, at least for the present, as a likely way to allay the jealousies they had awakened, and restore mutual confidence. This recommendation was at once repudiated by the society, strengthened as it now was by the addition of Mr. Haliday, and of another \ery active disciple of the party, the Rev. John jMairs,-^ who, in the month of February of this year, had succeeded his father of the same name in the congregation of Newtownards. They felt it necessary, however, to appear once more in their own vindication ; and, in the first week of December, they prepared a long and carefully composed letter, a copy of which they sent to each presbytery in the Jf orth, and to the one in Dublin, relating the rise and progress of their now famous society, vindicating themselves from the charges vn-ged against them of being enemies to the confession, and of violating the constitution, and destroying the peace of the Church; enu- merating the grievances to which they wei-e exposed, and theu" reasons for declining to adopt the recommendation of the Newry committee to dissolve their association ; and concluding with their standing exhortation to concord and unity, Avhich they must have known would be ineffectual so long as they persisted in op- posing the known principles of the sjmod as a subscribing body .2* -' Mr. Mairs, junior, entered the University of Glasgow in 1710, took the degree of M. A. in 1713, and in the following year entered the Divinity Hall under Professor Simpson. He is the minister alluded to by Kennedy, in his " Defence of the Synod," in answer to Haliday's reasons against sub- scription (introduction, p. 11), as impugning the received doctrine of the Trinity. The reader may see Mr. Mairs' reply in Haliday's " Letter to Kennedy," pp. 56-00. -'* This circular letter may bo seen in the " Narrative of Seven Synods," pp. 18-33. It was signed by the society's president and scribe, but their names arc not given. 176 HISTORY OF TlIK PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. This circular letter elicited no reply from any of the northern presbyteries. There can be no doubt it entirely failed in re- moving the dissatisfaction and alarm that prevailed throughout the province ; and all parties now looked forward to the sub- synod of Belfast to vindicate the authority aiid uphold the law of the Church, which had been so openly violated at Mr. Hali- day's installation. That provincial synod met in the first week of January 1721, and it augured ill for a satisfactory settle- ment of the question, that Mr. Haliday was absent, having gone to England, it was surmised, on piu"pose to evade this meeting, when the protest against his installation fell to be considered. The proceedings on this occasion will be best related in the words of a member of the synod, in a letter to a friend in Scot- land. " The quarterly synod met at Belfast this last week ; before whom the protest of the [four] brethren of the presbytery against Mr. Kirkj^^^^'i^^ and those that joined with him in in- stalling Mr. Haliday contrary to the act of the General Synod, came to be considered. The synod was kept by harangues and debates from Tuesday until Thursday, and to four of the clock on Friday morning, before they could come to consider the rea- sons of the protest. But when they were considered, they were approved by all but the members of the society, and the instal- ling party were pul)lickly rebuked. They so far submitted that they said, for preventing trouble, they would not appeal ; but they openly declared that their conscience could not allow them to subscribe the confession nor submit to the act of the synod. The synod [of Belfast] took no further notice of Mr. Haliday. He is expected over from England, but whether he will proceed now upon the installment and so enter and act as the minister of the congregation of Belfast, is not yet known."-'^ AVhen Mr. Haliday returned and appeared in the presbytery, the protesting members produced the resolution of the sub-synod finding his installation to have been irregularly performed, and called upon him to comply with the law of the Church, by subscribing the confession in the usual form. But he again resolutely refused ; = ' Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xx., No. 13fi. A. I.. 17-M. CHUllCH IN IRELAND. 177 and the majority of tlio presbytery, who still favoured j\Ir. Hali- day, dreading that another protest would l>e made against his taking his scat as a member until he had obeyed the law, hastily adjourned the presbytery, and so this unhappy case was per- mitted to stand over until the annual meeting of the General Synod. -<• During these unsatisfactory occurrences, the moderator of synod, Mr. Kennedy of Tullylish, had opened a friendly cor- respondence with Mr. Abernethy on the subject of subscription to a prepared confession, on which they had held some conversa- tion at the meeting of committee at Newry. A number of long and ably written letters passed between them, which have been fortunately preserved. Mr. Kcimedy argued the question in favour of subscription with great ability, and in a style decidedly superior to the work which he afterwards published on the same subject. He obtained some important admissions, which well nigli conceded the point in disjiute, from Mr.- Abernethy, who conducted the correspondence with his well-known talent and subtilty, and in a most becoming spirit. He did not, however, reply to Mr. Kennedy's last letter, which was wi'itten in the end of JNIarcli, and thus the controversy was left unfinished. -'' It may seem strange at the present day that Mr. Kennedy did not publish any of these excellent letters, and that no attempt was made from the press by any other faithful minister of the synod (at a time, too, when there was not a single newspaper in the ]»rovince) to draw the attention of the public to the critical state of the C'hurcli. Perhaps this silence may be attributed to the prudent recommendation of the last synod, procured through the intiuencc of the Belfast Society and its friends, not to rush hastily to the press on these disputes. It is certain that party continued to be on the alert to prevent all public discussion of their measures. "With that view, they had succeeded in prevent- ing a special meeting of the syiiod ; and it is a singular fact, 2" Wodrow's MS. li'.'ttors, vol. xx., No. 145, in tlie latter jart. of tho letter. -' The preservation of tliesu letters is owing to the indefatij^'aljle Wodrow, who copied them from the originals, .ind his transcript is deposited among i)is papiM's in the Advocates' library. I have also procured a copy of them. 178 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap xxv. illustrative of this policy, that when ISIi-. M'Cracken of Lisburn had put to jjress, in Dublin, a pamphlet on the present state of the Church, " giving the reasons, rise, and progress of our de- bates," it forthwith came to the knowledge of the leading men on the other side, Mr, Boyse and Mr. Kirkpatrick, and the latter succeeded in prevailing on the venerable author to withdraw it, on the plea — so inconsistent as coming from them — of its being calculated to stir up strife, and inflame the minds of the people 2^ — a strange position for a Church to be placed in, to have her discipline in a vital point deliberately overthrown, and her peace fatally disturbed, by a few ministers, and yet to have every effort of her faithful members to vindicate and defend her arrested on the pretext of a regard for her peace and unity ! These efforts, however, to prevent open discussion produced their invariable results, in increasing dissatisfaction and excit- ing further suspicions. The agitated state of the Church at this crisis is strikingly disclosed in the following extract from a letter by the Rev. George Lang of Loughbrickland, one of the most candid and peace-loving ministers of the synod.^^ Writing to the historian Wodrow, in the end of May, he says — " I am very glad to hear that your divisions are healed. I wish I could give you the same account of ours, which I'm afraid, if some on both sides do not collect a better temper and more moderate senti- ments, will certainly rend us in pieces and end in the separation of some members from our body ; the distant prospect of which, with all its lamentable consequences, occasions many sad thoughts to all who have the interest of religion and the pe&ee of the 28 Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xx., Nos. 137 and HI. 29 Mr. Lang was the son of the Rev. George Lang of Newry, whose wife was the daughter of the Rev. Bernard Sanderson, minister of a parish in Scotland. After studying philosophy in the University of Glasgow, and divinity in that of Edinburgh, he was licensed to preach by the pres- bytery of Down in 1700, and was ordained in Loughbrickland on the 5th of April 1701. His father died in January following. He was forty years minister at Loughbrickland, where he died May 29, 1741. His funeral ser- mon was preached and published by the Rev. James Moody, then minister of Newry, but wlio had been previously minister at Magherally, near Lough- brickland. A. 1). 1721. CHURCH IN IKELAND. 17t) Church at heart. The aversion of some among us to our con- fession as a term of ministerial communion, and indeed to all fixed tests of orthodoxy seems rather to increase : and what is far worse, we are not free of some aj^prohensions of Arianism having got some footmg among us ; some gentlemen taking the liberty to argue for it, and some ministers have not scrupled to say they would not refuse to connnunicate witli an Arian. The fears of this detestable heresy which saps the very foundations of the Christian faith make some ministers, (otherwise moderate) in- flexible as to any further concessions than what the Pacific Act of last General Synod doth allow. But howc\'cr it be as to Arianism, I'm pretty sure that several ministers incline to the Arminian principles. A suspicion of such tilings with zeal for our confession of faith has occasioned whole presbyteries, as Tyrone and Augher, to subscribe it. And in the beginning of this month the sub -synod of Derry, four or five ministers ex- cepted,^'' did the same. Our presbytery of Ai-magh have not yet thought fit to take any such step. For tho' we are of the same judgment concerning the confession (abating some phrases in two or three articles not essential nor important, which some scruple), yet we dislike the manner of it, supposing it the business of the General Synod to direct in matters of so general concernment to the whole Church. A general subscription or some declaration equal to it, I find, will be promoted at the synod by many mi- nisters ; and the people who are greatly alarmed, I believe, will expect some such thing. The manner of the [Belfast] Society's propagating their principles in public sermons and otherwise hath so inflamed the generality of the people and made them so jealous of ministers, that those who incline to moderate and peaceable methods have a very difficult part to act ; considering also the declared reso- lutions of the members of the society not to depart from the prin- ciples they have taken up, and to hazard all rather than yield.'"''! •■"' Of these four or five non-subscribers in the sub-synod of Deny, it is evident from their subsequent conduct that tiie following were three : — Tho Rev. John Elder of Aghadocy, the Rev. Robert Iliginboth.iin of Colcrainc, .ind tho Rev. Neheniiah Donaldson of Derj,'. 5' Wodrow's MS. I,etters, vol. xx., No. 145. VOL. in. N 180 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. It was, therefore, in tlie midst of much anxiety and many ap- prehensions that, in a month after the date of this letter, the synod held its annvial meeting at Belfast. It was attended by one hundred and twenty ministers, including three correspond- ing brethren from the southern presbytery at Dublin, and by one huncb'ed elders, indicating the deep interest which the eldership of the Church took in her present critical state. This feeling was es- f pecially manifested immediately after the opening of the meeting, i by the presentation of memorials from the sessions of seventeen 1 congregations, distributed over no fewer than seven counties of I Ulster, supplicating the supreme court that, in order to silence I the aspersions of enemies, and remove the apprehensions of her j own people, " all the members of the synod and all inferior judica- tories of the Church may be obliged to subscribe the Westminster Confession of Faith as the confession of their faith." Under these vuiusual circumstances, two measures were conceived to be neces- sary— the one to rebut the charge now urged by the Episco- palians and others, that the Presbyterian Church had departed from her early faith, and the doctrine of all the reformed Churches, on the supreme Deity of the Saviour ; the other, to satisfy her own members that, so far from having renovuiced her symbolical books, she not only required them to be faithfully sub- scribed by all future candidates, but recommended her existing ministers to renew their previous subscription. To meet the former object the following resolution was brought forward :■ — " ^Vliereas several aspersions have been cast upon the Protestant dissenters of our communion in this kingdom, as if they had made defection from the commonly received doctrine concerning the essential Deity of the Son of God by denying his essential Divine perfections, particularly his necessary exis- tence, absolute eternity and independence ; which doctrine has been always regarded by this synod as an essentiaP^ article of the Christian faith, and Avhich this synod still adheres to as such : — ^ When tliis declaration was first framed, this word was fundamental, but, at the request of some friends of the Belfast Society, it was changed to essential, in the hope of inducing them to join in it more willingly. "Re- view of the Presbytery of Antrim's Letter," p. 5b. A.D. 1721. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 181 Wo therefore unanimously declare that the said aspersions are, as far as we know, groundless. And it is our resolution, if any person or persons shall hereafter deny the said article as above ex])ressed, by preaching or writing or in conversation, to proceed against him or them according to the laws of the Gospel and the known practice of this Church, and not to own him or them as members of this Church." This resolution was "read, paragraph by paragraph, three several times ;" and, after some alterations, it was approved, and ordered to be printed on a separate sheet, and extensively circulated. It was not, however, unanimously adopted. For, though the Dublin ministers cordially concuiTed both in fi-aming and in voting for it, the members of the Belfast Society again took refuge under their cardinal principle of reli- gious liberty, and refused to adopt it. The minutes of synod state that they declined \'oting for it — " not because they disbelieved the article of Christ's supreme Deity ; for this article they pro- fessed in the strongest terms to believe. But because they are against all authoritative human decisions as tests of orthodoxy, and because they judged such decisions unseasonable at this time" — a very subtle distinction, truly, to feel at liberty to pro- fess " in the strongest terms" their belief in a doctrine, and yet to feel it to be a grievous infringement of Christian liberty to concur with their brethren in a resolution to the same effect ! It must be added, also, that, in this debate, several of the society drew another nice distinction, which tended still further to raise doubts, even in the minds of the most candid, of the soundness in the faith of those who urged it. They distinguished between the truth of the doctrine of the Saviour's Deity, which they pro- fessed to hold, and its being an essential or fundamental doc- trine of the Grospel, the belief of which was necessary to Christian or ministerial communion, which they denied — a distinction which, if carried out in harmony with their doctrine of personal persuasion, prepared them for admitting to the ordinances, and even the ministry of the Church, an Arian or Socinian. To allay the fears of the members of the Church, a second measure was proposed, namejj^not to enjoin, but simply to per- mit, all the members of synod, who were willing to do so, to sub- / 182 HISTORY OF THK PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. scribe the Westminster Confession of Faith. This proposal raised a long and violent debate, which continued from early in the fore- noon of Saturday until nine o'clock at night. The members of the Belfast Society produced all their new-born arguments against subscriliing any human formula, of which most of them were igno- rant in 171 G, when they agreed to subscribe either this same confession, or another human formula, as the basis of a toleration. On the other hand, the true friends of the peace and welfare of the Church urged this voluntary subscription as indispensable to vindicate her cliaracter, and lay the foundation for mutual con- fidence and lasting concord. As the debate drew toward a close, the opponents of the measure, perceiving they were unable to pre- vent its being carried, changed their policy, and endeavoured to postpone the debate until the following week, when few of the ministers from the remoter districts, who were its staunch sup- porters, Avould be present, and the members in its favour would be considerably lessened. But their motion for an adjournment being negatived by an overwhelming majority, they entered a protest on the minutes merely against coming to a vote at that time, which was signed by twelve ministers and only four elders. The original motion for a voluntary subscription was then carried by an equally decided majority, but that party did not offer any protest on this occasion. Two ministers only, both of whom were subscribers, dissented from it, on the not unreasonable ground of its being an unusual method of issuing offences, and contrary to the rules of discipline prescribed in the Word of God.^s 33 One of these dissentients wastlie Rev. Mr. Iredell of Dublin, .-xnd, injustice to the memory of this venerable minister, I subjoin his dissent in liis own y words, as entered in the Minutes of Synod : — " In the year 1G88 at my ordi- nation [in Donegore] I did openly own my assent to the Westminster Confes- sion of Faith as the confession of my faith. To this assent by the grace of God I have adhered and do adhere. But since, as I humbly conceive the vote passed on Saturday last countenances a method of issuing scandals or offences, real or supposed, not agreeable to the rules of discipline prescribed in the Word of God, a method unknown to this Church since ever I had the honour of being a member of it, a method that may be injurious to the reputation of several brethren ; for these reasons and to exonerate my own conscience, I beg leave to dissent from the said vote, and I do desire that tliis A.D. ITL'l. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 183 In pursuaneu of this resolution, a lai'go number of ministers, in the beginning of the follomng week, signed the confession, inchuling ahuost all the brethren who were then in attendance, , ami from this time the two parties were respectively designated / / / ■ as SuuscuiBEUS and Non-Subscribeus.^* Throughout these flebates, the latter party had contrived to render themselves more and more obnoxious to the pious and faithful portion of the laity, especially under their own ministry. These plain but shrewd men were unable to appreciate their fine-spun definitions of what constituted Christian liberty on the one hand, and anti-Christian tyranny on the other ; nor could they see any weight in theu* rciisons for having so completely changed their minds on the pro- priety of signing- a confession. To shield these brethren from the suspicions to which they had inevitably exposed themselves, Mr. Boyse proposed, and the synod rather hastily adopted, a resolu- tion, in which they declared that they did not " insinuate the least reflection on these brethren as if they were unsound in the faith ;" and they earnestly recommended the people " that they wy Jechiiatioii of assent to the Westminster Confession of Faith as the con- fession of my faitli, may bo entered into the records of this synod as also my dissent, and that 1 may liave an extract of them under the clerli's hand." The other minister wlio joined him in this dissent, "for the same reasons," was the Rev. William Smith of IJallee, in the county ofDown. " All these non-subscribers were members of the Belfast Society, but a few of them afterwards subscribed. Those who persisted in their non-subscrib- ing principles, and were ultimately excluded from the communion of the synod, were Mr. Kirkpatrick and Mr. Haliday of Belfast, Mr. Abernethy of Antrim, Samuel Harper of Moira, Michael Bruce of Holywood, Thomas Wilson of Ballyclare, Josias Clugston of Larne, Thomas Shaw of Ahoghill, Joiin Mairs of Newtownards, Thomas Nevin of Downpati'ick, William Tayloi-, junior, of Cairncastle, and John Henderson of Duncan — twelve ministers in all. Among those members of the society who afterwards subscribed were the Rev. Alexander Brown of Donogore, the Rev. Patrick Bruce of Drumbo, brother of Mr. Bruce of Holywood, Archibald Maclaine, junior, ofBanbridge, and his brother, Thomas Maclaine of Monaghan, father of the well-known translator of " Mosheim's Institutes." There were other ministers sus- pected of holding liun-subsciibing principles sv ho subscribed, but whether they were members of the Belfast Society I cannot discover. Wodrow'sMS. Let- ters, vol. XX., No. HO. 184 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. entertain no jealousies concerning any of their ministers merely on account of their not subscribing at this time, but that they would look upon this as a matter wherein Christians and ministers are to exercise mutual forbearance." The latter part of this " charitable declaration," as it was called, though creditable to the tenderness and good feeling of the synod, can scarcely be re- garded as candid or ingenuous. It assiu-ed the people that their ministers' refusal to subscribe at that particular juncture consti- tuted no sufficient grounds for suspicions or apprehensions, though, from the previous debates, the synod knew well that these ministers were equally determined not to subscribe at any future time, and to do all in their power to prevent others from yielding to such an inquisitorial tyranny. In the exuberance of their forbearance, the synod at the same time put upon their minutes another charitable declaration, not, however, emanating from themselves, but from the refractory non-subscribers to- wards themselves ! ^^ In this declaration these ministers expressed their belief, with siqjerfluous charity one would think, that the synod, in giving them an opportunity of renewing their subscrij)- tion of its confession, had acted towards them "according to the light of their conscience." They assured the synod, as a proof of their singular forbearance, that they would still condescend " to maintain brotherly correspondence and communion " with this body, whom they had just indignantly denounced as persecuting, anti-scriptural, and inquisitorial. They professed their readiness " to preserve the honour, just authority, and order" of presby- teries and synods, which they must have known to be impracti- cable, so long as they were resolved to disobey these courts in vital points of discipline, and concluded with promising " to pro- mote love and peace among all the people," though they were fuUy aware that their continued refusal to allay the popular mis- apprehensions was certain to perpetuate and augment discord and division. Such an inconsistent declaration was far from being creditable to the non-subscribers, while the acceptance of it by ^' These two declarations, though not verv correctly copied from the minutes of synod, may be seen in the " Narrative of Seven Synods," p. 53. A.D. 1721. CHUKCH IN IRELAND. lHo the synod still tarther detracted from their character and influence as sincere upholders of the faith and discipline of the Church. It was by such vacillating measures as those now detailed — one day contending for subscription as of vital importance to the interests of the Church, and the next apologising for those who repudiated it, and exhorting their people to treat this opposition as of little or no moment — which not only plunged the synod in tiercer de- bates, but prevented the salutary measures which they did adopt, for maintaining subscription and the constitution of the Church, from ha%ing their due eti'ect in removing the jealousies and mis- apprehensions of the laity. Another matter of importance which engaged the attention of this meeting was the irregular installation of Mr.Halidayjin which the synod manifested similar inconsistency. Though, in answer to their call, he again refused, on the plea of conscience and reli- gious liberty, to declare his adherence to his former subscription of the confession, yet, through the influence of the ministers from Dublin, they agreed to overlook this opposition, and to ckop the further consideration of the case. Contrary to expectation, the synod thus tamely submitted to have their Pacific Act violated, and one of the most valuable bulwarks of their discipline de- liberately overthrown, without taking a single step to mark their disapprobation either of the oftender or of the presl)ytery. No wonder that many members of Mr. Haliday's congregation were dissatisfied with this " lame and impotent conclusion" of an aflair which had excited so much discussion during the last ten months. They felt unwilling to continue inider the ministiy of one who had so publicly disavowed the law and authority of the synod. To remove these scruples, Mr. Haliday was called on to declare himself on the point of subjection to synodical authority, and though he gave a very ambiguous answer, declaring his willing- ness to be subject to synods and presbyteries merely " in all those things where the laws of the Gospel and the laws of society are not broke in upon," the synod willingly accepted of it, and received him as a member, -with no other proviso than " that this be no precedent in any instance for the future." But this evasive assurance, in connection with Mr. Haliday's well-known principles, 186 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxr. was far from being eqally satisfactory to his earnest and unso- phisticated hearers. They immediately supplicated the synod to be disjoined from his ministry, and erected into a separate con- gregation. With some difficulty the meeting was brought to concur so far in this supplication as to recommend the petitioners to confer privately with Mr. Haliday, and, if still unsatisfied, to lay their case before the presbytery of Belfast ; and should any party not concur in their decision, the synod's fixed committee were empowered to meet at Dungannon, when summoned by the moderator, and issue this afiair. The result was, that notwith- standing the opposition of Messrs. Kirkpatrick and Haliday, a third congregation was erected in Belfast by the presbytery in the end of August, and confirmed by the committee at Dungan- non in the month of October foUowing.^^ The only other proceedings of this synod, connected with this affair of Mr. Haliday, consisted in passing three overtures or resolutions for rendering the Pacific Act, which had been so notoriously violated in his case, " more effectual, and for securing the peace of the Church." By these acts, it was provided — ^first, that no person should be licensed, ordained, or installed without "5 Some of the difficulties tlirown in the way of this new congregation may be seen from the following extract of a letter from Mr. Lang of Loughbrick- land, written to Wodrow in November of this year : — "The new erection in Belfast goes on, the foundation of the new meeting-house being already laid. The presbytery of Belfast had limited them to a day and a half to take sub- scriptions for it, on which they appealed to the synod's committee, which met the I7th of last month to decide that affair, and did it in favour of the appellants to whom they allowed until the 1st of January to take subscrip- tions ; yet limiting them to £35 from the old [Mr. Haliday's] and £20 from the new congregation [Mr. Kirkpatrick's] of the present payments of the subscribers. [All this referred to the making up of the annual stipend list for this third congregation.] The committee also appointed them supplies to the next General Synod. The ministers of Belfast appcalevards occurred. Though Mr. Smith failed in obtaining a recommendatory letter from the synod to Scotland, he was not discouraged. Immediately after •** Wodrow's " Analcct.i, " vol. ii. p. 375, and Kennedy's " Defence of the Synod," in answer to Haliday' s " Reasons against Subscription," p. 9 of " The Preface Considered." 202 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxt. this meeting, he proceeded once more to Scotland, accompanied by the Rev. William Livingston of Templepatrick, where they spent nearly three months, making collections in Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Perth, Dundee, and other places, and meeting with much encouragement.*^^ Their jealous adversaries in Belfast, however, did all they could to mar the success of this fresh appeal to Scottish benevolence. They descended to the mean expedient of printing and circulating an anonymous pamphlet in Edinburgh, during the time the Irish deputation were in that city, representing the members of the new congregation as un- worthy of public assistance, and resorting to the most paltry in- sinuations in order to prejudice the people of Scotland against their claims.*''^ This pitiful attack was followed by a letter from Messrs. Kirkpatrick and Haliday, printed at Edinburgh at the same time, in which, in a more guarded manner, and under the pretext of vindicating themselves and their party, they endeavour to involve the new congregation, and all who aid it, in the guilt of schism.fis These ungenerous attempts to deprive the ad- herents of subscription in Belfast of the sympathy and assistance of the Scottish people do not appear to have been attended with much success. The deputation returned to Ireland in the j&rst week of April, well satisfied with the result of their mission. Mr. Livingston had scarcely reached home, when his elder, Colonel LTpton, sought his assistance in preparing for the trial of his apjjeal before the approaching synod. A meeting of the leading subscribing ministers was accordingly held at Castle Upton, adjoining the town of Templepatrick, to confer together, not only in reference to this appeal, but also on the state of the «6 Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xx:, No. 180. 8' It was entitled, "A Letter from a Gentleman of Ireland to a Minister of the Church of Scotland, concerning a Charitable Contribution vfhich is desired for Building a new Meeting-House in Belfast." Edin. 1723, 4to, pp. 8. S8 It was published with this title, " A Letter from the Rev. Messrs. Kirkpatrick and Haliday, Ministers in Belfast, to a Friend at Glasgow, with relation to the new Meeting-IIouse in Belfast." Edin. 1723, 4to, pp. 13. The latter is dated October 8, 1722, but it did not appear in print till February of this year. See Wodrow's opinion of both these pamphlets, in the "Wodrow Correspondence," vol. iii., letter x., p. 16. AD. 1723. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 203 Church, and the course which should be adopted. Several of the prnicipal persons -were unable to attend, among whom were Mr. Hutcheson of Armagh, Mr. Gilbert Kennedy of Tullylish, Mr. Thomas Kennedy of Brigh, Mr. Boyd of Macosquin, and Mr. M'Bride of Ballymouey. Nothmg final was settled, but certain queries, designed to elicit the opinion of their friends in Scotland, especially on the propriety of coming to an immediate breach of communion, were agreed upon, and sent thither by Mr. Livingston.''^ The replies which they received were too vague to be of much practical utility. On the question of a rupture at the approaching synod, Wodrow was of opinion that they were not yet ripe for this " last remedy ;" that they might rest content if the Church could be eftectually secured against the admission of non-subscribing ministers in time coming, " and some other things attained ;" and that the breach, if unavoidable, ought to be thro\\^^ upon the non-subscribers rather than on the synod.'^'' In the meantime, materials for a new trial at the approaching synod were furnished by a pamphlet which appeared shortly before it met. After a silence of some months, the Belfast Society at length condescended to notice the pamphlet which the Rev. Mr. Clerk of Kilrea had published against them in June 1722. In the following October they sent him a letter, signed by six members of the society resident in the county of Antrim, out of Belfast, specifying certain passages in which they alleged he had unwarrantably reflected on their characters, and calling upon him to explam or retract these, before they proceeded to prefer any public complaint against liim. Mr. Clerk took ample time to reply to this letter, as his answer did not make its ap- pearance in print till about a month before the meeting of synod. ''1 When it did appear, it was far from being calculated "9 " The Wodrow Correspondence," vol. iii. pp. 66-58, where a copy of the QUERIES, three in number, may be seen in the note. "» Ibid, vol. iii. p. 58, »fcc. " It bore this title, " A Letter from the Belfast Society to the Rev. Mr. Matthew Clerk, &c., with an Answer to the Society's Remarks on a pamphlet lately published, entituled, ' A Letter from the Country to a Friend in Bel- last,' " the church, and refused to permit the ordi- nation to take place. The presbytery, in which there were many non-subscribers, with Mr. Abernethy at their head, were obliged to acqviiesce. They appointed a new day for the ordination, and procured Mr. Masterton to preach and preside. Under his auspices the service was reverently performed on the 18th of March, though even the admission of the non-subscribers, to lay on hands in the act of ordination, was viewed by the jjeople with great dissatisfaction.^^ In other parts of the province, where there were few non- 83 WodroTv's MS. Letters, vol. xxi., No. 87. A.D. 1724. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 215 subscribers, though there was little external disquiet, there was an equally resolute determination, on the part of the great bulk of the people, to avoid all communication with that party. Their opinion was, and they did not hesitate to press it on their minis- ters, that the synod should delay no longer to demand from the non-subscribers a declaration of their belief in the doctrine of the Trinity, and that a law should be passed preventing every one from sitting in the courts of the Church who had not subscribed her standards. During this spring, various measures w^ere dis- cussed, by the subsi-ribing ministers and elders, for accomplish- ing these objects. One was, to require all members of presby- teries and synods to subscribe the Shorter Catechism, as being free from several objections which the non-subscribers urged against the Westminster Confession. Another was, to require a declaration of belief in the Divine authority of Presbyterian government, and in the duty of submission thereto, as expressed in the confession.^'' But on consulting their friends in Scotland, and finding them unfavourable to these measures, they were laid aside.^'' In the sub-synod of Derry, which met in May, several members conceiving themselves able to prove the inaccuracy of the statements in the synod's minutes in 1721, which alleged that the non-subscribers, though they opposed the declaration of faith in the Deity of Christ, had expressed their belief in that doctrine " in the strongest terms," prepared an overture, urging the synod, at its approaching annual meeting, to inquii-e into the truth of that allegation in their minutes. But though this overture received the sanction of the sub- synod, it also appears to have been dropped. This meeting, it may be added, drew up an excellent address to the people inider their care, which they published with this title, " A Seasonable Warning froni the Synod of London- derry to the several Congregations Avithin their bounds, against the Errors and Immoralities of the Present Age."®"^ This paper was widely circulated, and tended to quiet the apprehensions of 8« Chapter xxxi., section 3. Soc AVodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xxL, No. 85. •*' "The Wodiow Corres[)Oiulcuce," vol. iii. pp. 141, 142. ® Prhited in tlie year 1724, 12ino, pp. 12. It was probably jiriiitod at Helfast, as I do not tiiink tiu-ro was a press at this date in Loiidomierry. 216 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. the people, and to satisfy tlieui that a large body of ministers and elders were firm in upholding the doctrines and constitution of the Church. This publication was succeeded by another in defence of the truth, but more directly controversial. So soon as Mr. Haliday's " Reasons against Subscription" had appeared, several of the sub- scribing ministers united in drawing up a reply. They generally met at Stewartstown, in the county of Tyrone, to read and re- \'ise their respective contributions, wliich were finally committed to Mr. Kennedy of Tullylish, who was the principal writer, to be carried through the press. The work appeared in the month of June, under the title of " A Defence of the Principles and Conduct of the General Synod of Ulster."^^ It is an elaborate performance, and reviews in order the entire of Mr. Haliday's " Reasons," to which it furnishes full and satisfactory answers. But its occasional personalities, and its passionate reproaches of the opposite party, must have detracted much from its weight in those quarters where it was most needed — among the intelligent laity who sympathised with the non-subscribers. At the very same time appeared Mr. Abernethy's " Defence of his Seasonable Advice, in Answer to Mr. Masterton's Apology."^" It also contained a postscript from the Dublin ministers, Messrs. Weld, Boyse, and Choppin, vindicating their " preface" to the " Seasonable Advice" from the strictures of Mr. Masterton. This tedious and prolix work had been very hastily compiled, and is by no means a favourable specimen of this writer's temper or ability. These pviblications, from leading men on opposite sides ^^ The following is the remainder of the title — "Being an Answer to aPam- plilet published by the Rev, Mr. Samuel Haliday, containing his Reasons against the Imposition of Subscription unto the Westminster Confession, or any such Human Tests of Orthodoxy. Published by the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Ken- nedy." Belfast, 1724, 4to, pp. viii., 30, and 125 — the largest work that had yet appeared in this controversy, but it was exceeded in size by the pamphlet next named. ^o The title thus continued — " Wherein the DitFercnces between the Sub- scribers and Non-Subscribers are stated, and the Reasonableness of their continuing in Communion is proved." Belfast, 1724, 8vo, pp. viii. and 216. A. 0.1721. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 217 of the controversy, added much to the exeitemont now every- where prevalent. As tlie annual meeting of synod once more drew nigh, great interest was felt with respect to the questions likely to come before it, and the probable issue of its deliberations. In the midst of these anticipations, an unexpected subject was furnished for its consideration, by one of the non-subscribers, 1Ur__^.e^i" of Downpatrick. In the previous year, this minister, conversing on the subject of the Trinity in a company at Downpatrick, either in stating the arguments of the opponents to that doctrine, or in giving utterance to his own opinions, had so expressed himself as to provoke one Mr. Echlin of Bangor, a gentleman of the Established Church, to call him an Arian, and to represent him as such in various places. Mr. Ncvin called upon him to retract this imputation, and on his refusal commenced an action against him for defamation, which was ultimately set down for trial at the assizes in the ensuing July.^^ In the meantime, Mr. Echlin hav- ing heard of another conversation, in the end of the same year, in the house of Captain Hannyngton of Moneyrea, near Belfast, in which ]\Ir. Ncvin had been represented as using offensive ex- pressions with respect to the Deity of Christ, he eagerly laid hold of them to aid him in defending himself against Mr. Nevin's action at law. Had it not been for this circumstance, it is probable that this latter conversation would have attracted little attention ; but it was now rendered so notorious thi-ough personal animosity, calling to its aid theological opposition, that some account of it becomes necessary. The subject of this conversation was the power of the civil magistrate to suppress blasphemy, as laid down in the Westminster Con- fession of Faith. Mr. Nevin objected to such a power, for this, among other reasons, that it would compel the state to put to death the Jews, who denied the Deity of the Messiah, and thus defeat the prophesies which spoke of their continued testimony to the truth of Christianity, and their ultimate conversion to it. On being asked, was not such a denial sinful in tliem ? he admitted "' Wodiow's MS. Ltttcr.i, vol. x.nI., No. 02. The " AVodrow Corrcspon- dciico, " vol. iii. p. 110, note. / 218 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. it to be a sin, but not such a sin as exposed them to secular punishment. Being fui'ther interrogated, was not such a denial on their part blasphemy ? he replied that it was no blasphemy in them to deny Christ to be God, which he afterwards explained to mean, that it was no such blasphemy as deserved to be punished by the civil magistrate. The remainder of the conver- sation it is unnecessary to detail. The report soon spread that Mr. Nevin had asserted absolutely it was no blasphemy to deny Christ to be God ; and, as soon as this rumour reached Mr. Nevin, in company with a friend, he called on Captain Hannyng- ton in the beginning of this year, when he" remonstrated with him for having misrepresented the conversation, and endeavoured to set him right as to its real purport. For several months after this interview, no importance seems to have been attached to the report in question, till at length, at the instigation of Mr. Echlin, in the end of May, Captain Hannjmgton went before a magistrate in Comber, and, accompanied by his servant and a third person, they joined in an affidavit, to the effect, that Mr. Nevin had positively averred " it was no blasphemy to say Christ is not God." This document, duly authenticated, was carefully circulated, and, as it stood, justly excited the indigna- tion of the ministers and people attached to the subscribing party, who regarded it as a satisfactory proof of what many of them had all along suspected — the unsoundness in the faith of the non-subscribers generally. The Eev. Mr. Smith of Bailee having obtained a copy of this affidavit, sent it to Mr. Nevin, who, in the second week of June, published it in a letter to that minister, in whicli he related all the circumstances of the conver- sation in question, explained the connection and meaning of the obnoxious expression with which he was charged, and avowed his belief in the Deity of the Saviour. Had he confined himself simply to his own vindication, this letter would have been much more satisfactory than it proved to be. But he expressed him- self ou incidental topics with blameable levity, irreverently ap- plying a passage of Scripture to his accuser; and he laid him- self open to the charge of retracting the profession of faith in the Deitv of Christ, in which he had joined at the synod in 1721. A.K. 1724. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 219 This letter he printed f- and, bringing copies with him, he cir- culated them among the members of sjnod now sitting at Dun- gannon. This synod met under cii'cumstances of unusual excitement. The renewal of the trial of Colonel Upton's appeal, the expected proposals for compulsory subscription in one shape or other, and the new cause of oftence afibrded by Mr. Nevin's conduct and printed letter, all conspired to impart the deepest interest to this meeting. It was attended by one hundred and twenty-three ministers, and one hundred and six elders — a larger number of members than had been present either at any previous synod or at any subsequent one for more than a century, while the elders were more numerous than even during the exciting con- troversies of recent times, when the number of congregations had been more than doubled.^^ Colonel Upton not being able to attend this meeting, the consideration of his appeal was post- poned to next synod; but ere it met, this distinguished and valu- able member of the Church was removed by death. The pro- posals for a compulsory subscription, whether of the Shorter Catechism or of the Confession, had been laid aside, so that the only case of public interest wliich occupied this meeting was that of Mr. Nevin. Of this case there have been preserved the fullest details, especially in a long and elaborate narrative, pub- lished by Mr. Nevin himself, and forming an octavo volume of nearly three hundred pages.^* A general outline of it is, there- fore, all that seems necessary to be inserted here. »= It is entitled, "A Letter to the Rev. Mi-. William Smith of Bailee." Belfast, 1724, 8vo, pp. 12. "3 The largest number of ministers present at any meeting of the synod, down to the formation of the General Assembly, was 233 ministers in tho year 1840, yet there were only 86 elders present, and the largest number of elders was in the years 1828 and 1829, when 95 were present. ** This volume was published in the month of January following, with this title, "The Trial of Thomas Nevin, M. A., pastor of a Church of the Presbytei'ian denomination in Downpatrick, before the General Synod which met at Dungannon, June 10, 1724, and was continued by several adjourn- ments to the 26lh of tliat inontli : Containing Mr. Nevin's letter for which he was |irocc.5scd ; the libel against him ; his answer to it hiid before the 220 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxv, 80 soon as Mr. Nevin's printed letter appeared in Dungannon, the Eev. Samuel Henry, minister of Sligo, drew the attention of the synod to it, and stated that, in common with a number of his brethren, " he had not freedom to sit in synod with Mr. Nevin till he gave satisfaction as to the matter charged upon him in Mr. Hannyngton's affidavit." Had Mr, Nevin acted as his party had done at the previous synod, and put this meeting on proving either this letter to be his, or the affidavit contained in it to be genuine, no further step could have been taken in the matter, as such a proof could only have been taken in Belfast or Downpatrick. And, indeed, the obvious and proper course of proceeding would have been, to have remitted the case to the presbytery of Down, with instructions to deal with it according to the discipline of the Church. But Mr. Nevin at once owned the letter to be his, and admitted the genuineness of the affidavit against himself, adding an explanation of it tantamount to what he had already given in his printed letter. The synod thereupon resolved to enter on the trial of Mr. Nevin forthwith, though they soon found themselves obliged to remit one-half of the charges brought against him to be investigated by liis presbytery. They first of all appointed a committee, consisting of a few of the leading subscribing ministers,^^ to di'aw up articles against him, synod ; their proceedings on five articles of the libel, particularly their new inquisitory discipline on the fifth article ; reasons of the protestation of divers worthy ministers and elders a/^ainst their inquisitory and exclusive decisions ; with general observations on the whole trial. Faithfully collected from tlie Minutes of the Synod and other authentic vouciiers, and published by the said Thomas Nevin." Belfast, 1725, pp. xxiv. and 255. In this work he gives a full account of all the arguments used on both sides, which he obtained from short-hand notes taken in synod by the Rev. Patrick Simpson, minister of Dundalk, (nephew of the well-known Professor Simpson of Glasgow Univer- sity), who, though a subscriber of the confession, uniformly supported, and ultimately joined the non-subscribing party. The synod disliked very much this note-taking, and endeavoured to put a stop to it, but without success. See Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xxi.,>No. 100. ^^ This committee consisted of the Rev. Mr, Henry of Sligo, Mr. Gray, then of Usher's Quay, Dublin, Mr. Boyd of Macosquin, Mr. M 'Bride of Ballymoney, Mr. Thomas Kennedy of Brigh, and Mr. Gilbert Kennedy of Tullvlish. A.I.. 1724. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 221 which, to the nuuiljev of six, they produced the next morning ; and those having been read in synod, Mr. Nevin was allowed to the following day to give in a written answer. It was not until the beginning of the second week of its meeting that the synod entered formally on the trial of these charges. Each article of the libel was read, then Mr. Nevin's written answer to it Avas subjoined, and the committee in charge of the case replied. The result was, that the first three articles were referred to the pres- bytery of Down to be investigated and issued by them ; the fourth was agreed to be dropped, after it had occupied the s}Tiod the greater part of two days. The fifth constituted the crisis of the case, and must, therefore, be noticed somewhat more fully. It charged Mr. Nevin with having said in his printed letter, that whereas he had made a profession of faith in the Saviour's Deity before the synod in 1721, he was now sorry he had ever done so, and would take care for the future that no temptation would make him venture so far again. These words were, indeed, in the printed letter, but they occurred in two distinct paragraphs, at the distance of twenty lines from each other, yet they were quoted by the committee as if they formed one continuous sen- tence, and were thereby made to convey a sentiment which Mr. Nevin in his answer expressly disavowed. As the article reads, it would imply that Mr. Nevin had changed his mind since the year 1721 with regard to the Saviour's Deity, whereas, what he stated in his letter amounted only to this, that while, for the sake of peace and the removal of suspicions of his unsoundness in the faith, he had in that year declared his belief in the doctrine of the Saviour's Deity "in the strongest terms ;" yet, if that act of his was understood to countenance such an unjust and unchris- tion method of issuing scandal, as that of first charging a man with heresy, and then demanding of him to clear himself by answering such questions, or subscribing such declarations as may be required of him, he now expressed his sorrow that he had ever given in to such an inquisitorial way of issuing scandals, and resolved never to do so again. At the same time, he added, that by this principle he was determined to abide. A long and keen debate ensued, during which satisfactory proofs were laid 222 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. before the synod of Mr. Nevin's orthodoxy in this cardinal point of the Saviour's Deity, by Mr. Boyse, who heard him, in his pulpit in Dublin, prove that doctrine by solid arguments, and refute the Arian scheme to his great satisfaction ; by Mr. Henry of Sligo, the originator of the trial, who had received full satis- faction from Mr. Nevin, since the trial began, that he was as orthodox in that point as any in the synod, and by several other brethren.9'5 Yet the syiaod, disregarding these testimonies, and fully aware of Mr. Nevin's determination not to clear himself, under existing circumstances, by any declaration or subscription, resolved not to inquire farther into the truth or relevancy of this fifth article, but to require of him an immediate declaration of his belief in the supreme Deity of Christ. With this demand, as was to be expected, he refused to comply, on the principle so frequently avowed by the non-subscribers, that to clear himself by any such method was directly sinful ; but adding, that his refusal did not proceed from any disbelief of the doctrine of the supreme Deity of Christ. Nothing, therefore, could be held to be proved against him, beyond the fact of his being a non-sub- scriber like the rest of his party. Yet it was moved, that as Mr. Nevin had refused to make the declaration required of him, the synod should hold no further ministerial communion with him, nor proceed any farther in his trial. This motion was carried on the night of Friday, in the second week of the meeting, by a large majority, but in a very thin house, consisting of less than fifty members. The minority consisted of the usual non-sub- scribers and their elders, with a few other mmisters who protested against the vote, and joined in this declaration, which was re- corded in the minutes, " that they think themselves bound by the laws of the Gospel to maintain ministerial commvniion with Mr. Nevin, notwithstanding the resolutioia of this synod ex- cluding him, which they look upon as unjust and unwarrantable, because convicted of no scandal."^'^ In the majority there were only thirty-two ministers f^ thirty-four or thirty-five votes had 9« Nevin's "Trial," &c., pp. 170-72. " Ibid, p. 156. •'^ This small luiiiibcr of ministers may be partly aecounted for by the late- A.D. 1724. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 223 actually been given for the motion ; but of these, two at least were fictitious, some unprincipled partisans of the subscribing party having fraudulently answered to the names of two minis- ters who had left Dunganuon previous to the vote,^'-* and the name of a third, who had also left town, appeared in the ma- jority, but it could not bo ascertained whether, as in the other cases, any one had answered for him at the call of the roll.^'"* By this motion Mr. Nevin was cut ofi" from communion from the synod, but, strange to say, he was neither disjoined from his congregation, nor dejjosed from the ministerial office — a novel species of censure, hitherto unknown in the Church's discipline. Such was the issue of this protracted trial, hastily undertaken by the synod in a moment of unwonted excitement, persisted in contrary to established usage, till they were compelled to remit it to the presbytery with whom it ought to have originated, and abruptly terminated by a sentence, which was as unjust to the individual as it Avas injurious to their character as impartial and dispassionate judges. In truth, this synod, like too many popular assemblies, was the dupe of their own suspicions and apprehen- sions. They were hurried on by their eagerness to signalise this meeting by some decided testimony against prevalent errors. They conceived that the time had come when a blow must be struck at non-subscription ; and in this state of mind the oppor- tunity of establishing the connection, so long suspected, between that system and Arianism, was too tempting to be overlooked. Hence the undue eagerness with which they seized on tliis case ness of the time when the vote was taken, many ministers having, no doubt, been previously obliged to return liomo. But this apology cannot be pleaded for many well-known subscribing ministers who lived not far from Dungannon, yet were not present at tlie vote. I cannot but believe that many of that party saw the impropriety of the course adopted by the synod, when it was too late to rectify it, and preferred absenting themselves to embarrassing their friends by a hostile vote. It is quite obvious that the conduct of the synod in this case did not meet the approbation of their Scottish friends, after they had the opportunity of reading Kevin's account of it. See "The Wodrow Correspondence," vol. iii. pp. 170, 171 . »!> Ncvin's "Trial," p. 239. 100 Nfvin's " Review of his Trial," &c., p. 01. 1/ 224 HISTOllY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN miAP. xxv. of Mr. Nevin, and prosecuted it to his exclusion from the synod, by liigh-handed authority ; yet all the while they were tolerating and retaining in communion the other non-subscribers, all of whom they might have excluded by the very same process, and who, to their former acts of insubordination, now added this new offence of unananimously declaring that, in despite of the sen- tence of the synod, they would persist in holding communion with Mr. Nevin — a provocation which was also unaccountably overlooked. If not chargeable with injustice in this case, the synod must at least be condemned as partial and inconsistent. The peculiar nature of the sentence passed on Mr. Nevin — depriving him of ministerial communion with the synod, but not of his ministerial character, and recognising him as still minister of Downpatrick, by refraining from declaring his congregation vacant — soon occasioned no little embarrassment both in the presbytery and sub-synod, of which he was a member. When the presbytery of Down met in August, their first meeting after the synod, Mr. Mairs, the clerk, insisted on calling Mr. Nevin's name as a member of the court, notwithstanding the sentence of the synod. And when this was objected to, the non-subscribers and their friends carried a very preposterous motion, to this effect, that as the presbytery could not exclude Mr. Nevin, ex- cept by their own vote after hearing his case, so they would now proceed to re-hear what had already been issued by the General Synod. After several manoeuvres by that party, this motion was carried; but the subscribing ministers, having protested against it, left the meeting, and refused to sit as members of the court, so long as the authority of the synod shoiild be thus con- temned.i'^^ But when the presbytery met in the following month, as these ministers persisted in their refusal to act, the friends of Mr. Nevin abandoned their untenable position, and he was declared to be no longer a member; Mr. Mairs was relieved of the office of clerk, and the presbytery proceeded with their usual i"' These ministers were tiie Rev. Henry Hamilton of Donaghadee, the Rev. John Goudy of Ballywalter, the Rev. James Maealpin of Ballynahinch, the Rev. William Biggar of Bangor, the Rev. Nathaniel Orr of Ballyhalbcrt, and the Rev. Francis Montgomery of Castlereagh. A. D. 1724. CHURCH IN IllELAND. '225 business."^- They were now occupied with serious disagi-ee- ments, which had broken out in the congregation of Comber, under their care. In this congregation, vacant by the death of the Rev. Thomas Orr, one of the earliest members of the Belfast Society, the Rev. John Orr, probably his son, was ordained as minister on the 6th of January iia this year. Though a subscri- ber, this young man immediately signalised himself by his vio- lent support of the non-subscribing party ; and to such a length did he carry it, especially at and after this synod, that the greater portion of his congregation applied to the presbytery, at a special meeting held in Comber in the month of August, to loose the relation between him and them, which had subsisted little more than half a year. Above one hundred of the most substantial families joined in this application, while not more than twenty families were in favour of retaining him. ^"3 Owing to the influence of the non-subscribers in the presbytery, a schism in this old and respectable congregation was in the meantime prevented. But, in proportion as it was repressed, the alienation of the people increased, till it vented itself in a violent collision in the following year.'"* Similar dissatisfaction was manifested in various places imme- '0- Wodrow's MS. Lcttcrf, vol. xxi., Nos. 7i and 92. '"3 Ibid, vol. xxi.. No. 88. 1"* Soon after the synod in 1725, when their minister, Mr. Orr, had joined the newly-formed non-subscribing presbytery of Antrim, the people attached to the synod, who constituted the great bulk of the congregation, took pos- session of their meeting-house on the 20th of July, and prevented Mr. Orr from oflSciating in it. But the non-subscribing party, though a small minority, had the influence to get the local magistracy and the high-sheriflf to eject their opponents, and hand over the house to them. The orthodox party were consequently obliged to commence an action at law to recover their property, and at length obtained a verdict reinstating them in pos- session of their meeting-house ; the judge who tried the case observing that "Mr. Orr was more like a wolf or a tyrant than a minister, to conspire against the people as ho had done." This suit cost them £120 — a large sum in those d;iys. (Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xxi.. No. 113, and " The Nar- rative of the Non-Subscribers Examined," pp. 3.5, 3G ) I have not been able to ascertain what became of Mr. Orr and his tew adherents in this placo after the moeting-houso had reverted to the svnotl. 226 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap.xxy. diately after the late meeting of synod. The popvilar feeling now prevalent is thus described by a minister, writing to a friend in Scotland in the month of September : — " A considerable number of the people in those congregations whose ministers protested against the synod's resolution concerning Mr. Nevin, and who declared they would keep communion with him, have now with- drawn themselves from hearing these ministers, and apply them- selves to their respective presbyteries for liberty to join neigh- bouring ministers. Their great complaint is, that whereas their ministers subscribed the confession, and promised solemnly to adhere to our Presbyterian government, yet now seem to act a contrary part in violent opposition to all the synod's measures for preserving truth and discipline ; they therefore suspect the sincerity of these ministers very much, and will trust them no longer. N"ay, the people stand not to say that they have a worse opinion of those ministers who themselves subscribe and yet do what they can to support Mr. Nevin and defend non-sub- scription, than they have even of Mr, Nevin himself or the non- subscribers."i*'5 On this ground it was that the presbytery of Eoute took cognisance of the conduct of the Kev. Mr. Elder, who had been ordained in the congregation of Aghadoey about a year before. Though he had not voted in Mr. Nevin's case at the synod, he had, on his return home, expressed his disapproba- tion of the sentence against him very offensively, had inveighed against the subscribing ministers who concurred therein, and had spoken very freely of some of the members of his own presby- tery as partial and unjust judges. In the end of August, the presbytery publicly reprimanded him for these misdemeanours ; and, two months later, they suspended him till the meeting of the sub-synod of Derry in the following May, for declining their authority and jurisdiction. How far this sentence vras executed, or under what circumstances it was recalled, cannot now be ascertained. He continued to be minister of Aghadoey, but most of his brethren refused to assist at his sacrament, or even to be present where he officiated. 105 Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xxi., No. 92. The postcript. A.„. 1725. CHURCH IN IRELAND. -^1?( To check this practice of refusing to hokl communion with the non-subscribers and their supporters, which was now becoming prevalent throughout Ulster, Mr. Kirkpatriek of Belfast, in the early part of September, pubUshed a work on which he had been engaged since the first manifestation of this spirit at Mr. INIaster- ton's communion in the previous February. This publication was entitled, " A Scripture Plea against a fatal rupture and breach of Christian communion amongst the Presbyterians in the North of Ireland."!"*^ In the preface he gives a full account of what took place between himself and Mr. Haliday, and Mr. Masterton's session, when they proposed to join with the latter in the Lord's Supper, which attracted so much attention at the time, and which had induced him to prepare and publish this Avork. He discusses the question, whether the maintenance of non-subscribing principles be a just ground for refusing to hold communion with ministers. The arguments in favour of holding communion with, them he sets forth, in the first part of the pam- phlet, with great plausibility, but his reasoning proceeds oil the assumption, that all non-subscribers are sound in the faith, which it is obvious is only a begging of the question at issue. In pro- fessing, in the second part, to answer the objections of subscribers, he merely attempts to refute the principle which had been affirmed by the synod in 1723, " that non-subscription opened a door to let in errors and heresies into the Chui'ch." And, in the last part, he endeavours to demonstrate the mischief of either party abstaining voluntarily from communion with the other, for the sake of peace or edification. The work is written with much vigour, and presents a more favourable specimen of his style as a writer, and his ability as a polemic, than his previous work, " The Vindication," published by Dr. Ferguson. Mr. Nevin's " Account of his Trial," already mentioned, was the next publication which issued from the press. It appeared a day or two before the meeting of the sub-synod of Belfast, in the first week of January, and formed the ground on which its author pleaded to he received as a member of that court, '»" Bclfhst, 1724, 8vo, pp. xii. and 91. VOI. III. Q 228 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. though disowned by the General Synod, and rejected by his own presbytery. This meeting was opened by a sermon from Mr. Bruce of Holywood, the previous moderator, in support of Mr. Kirkpatrick's views in his recent pamphlet ; and he soon after published it, with this title, " The Duty of Christians to live to- gether in religious communion recommended."^*'''^ When the clerk called the name of Mr. Nevin, which was still on the roll of this synod, the latter, being purposely present, answered to it, and proceeded to insist on his right to sit and vote. This prepos- terous claim occasioned a violent debate, which was prolonged through the greater part of two days. A large assemblage of people of all denominations crowded the house, before whom the non-subscribers took the opportunity — which it was, no doubt, the main object of Mr. Nevin's claim to afford them — of con- demning, in the strongest terms, the conduct of the synod in his 'case, and of advocating, at the same time, their peculiar views. Mr. Haliday denounced the resolution calling on Mr. Nevin to declare his belief in the Deity of the Saviour as an unrigliteous inquisition — nay, as the very worst part of the Spanish inquisi- tion, because it required men to declare their secret sentiments. i**^ The debate was closed late on the second day of meeting, by a member formally protesting against Mr. Nevin's name being continued on the roll, and inviting those who concurred in this view to join in this protest. Owing to the confusion in the house, the protestors, who turned out to be a large majority of the synod, including both the moderator and clerk, were obliged to retire to prepare and sign the document. But the non-subscribers, who appear to have been supported by the audience, taking advantage of the absence of these members, hastily appointed a new moderator and clerk, admitted Mr. Ne\'in to his seat, and affected to pro- ceed with the business of the court. When the majority returned with their protest, so great was the disorder in the house, that they coidd not get it received — a part of the preconcerted scheme — and after several attempts to restore order, tlie synod was dissolved in the most disgraceful confusion, without having 10' Belfast, 1725, Syo, pp. 35. '"? Wodrow's MS. Letter?, vol. xxi., No. 94. A.D. 172.5. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 229 transacted any business whatever. i**^ Though it was thus quite obvious that the non-subscribing party had determined to destroy the peace and impair the authority of those courts of the Church in whicli they possessed any influcnco, and that a separation was the only remedy for this increasing evil, yet one is surprised to find that another year and a half elapsed before it was applied. The non-subscribers, greatly to the credit of their talents and zeal, still held possession of the field of literary combat. Since the last synod, no woi'k had appeared on the side of the sub- scribers, while, in addition to tliose by Kirkpatrick, Nevin, and Bruce, two others now issued from the same quarter. One of these appeared in February, from the pen of Mr. Haliday, en- titled, " A Letter to the Rev, Mr. Gilbert Kennedy, occasioned by some Personal Reflections contained in his Answer to Mr. Haliday 's 'Reasons,'" fec^^'' In this publication, he vindicates himself against a charge, or rather two charges, brought against him by Mr. Kennedy. The first of those was founded on a private conversation wliich he had held with a friend, who had reported it to Mr. Kennedy, wherein he had denied that article in the Westminster Confession which states, in opposition to the Eutychian heresy, that the two natures of Christ were united " in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion.''^ Mr. Haliday, wdiile he complains of the underhand means by which this opinion of liis had been divnilged, now publicly defends it, but on the mistaken ground that the doctrine of the confession was equivalent to an assertion that Christ was not a compound per- son, whereas it was directed solely against the assertion that the two natures were so compounded, or so united together, as to de- stroy their distinct existence, and to forni only one nature as well 'f" Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. sxi., No. 93. Twenty-one ministers and seventeen elders subscribed the protest against the retaining of Mr. Nevin's name on the roll ; three other ministers protested, merely on the ground of its being inexpedient ; and five ministers, known by the name of trimmers, declined to protest, but joined in a declaration of opinion, that, under exist- ing circumstances, liis name ouglit not to bo called. '10 Belfast, 1725, 8vo, pp. 07. '" " Westminster Confession of Faith, '' chap, viii., sec 2. 230 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTEIUAN chap. xxv. as one person. The other charge which he rebuts is, that he held Ariaii or semi-Arian principles ; and in its refutation he produces a number of testimonies, proving that he was a believer in the doctrine of the Trinity and the supreme Deity of the Saviour.ii^ In the close of his pamphlet he inserts an anonymous communi- cation, but well known to be from Mr. Mairs of Newtownards, vindicating himself from charges of heresy Avhich Mr. Kennedy had also inserted in his work, and that, too, on the evidence of private and confidential communications. ^^^ The other publica- tion on the same side, Avhich appeared a few weeks after Mr. Haliday's letter, was from the pen of a professed subscriber, but one who had already attained considerable notoriety in his district for his warm support of the non-subscribing party. This was the Eev. Mr. Elder of Aghadoey, who, in the month of March, published " Reasons for Moderation in the Present De- bates amongst Presbyterians in the North of Ireland.''^^^ He does not, of course, directly advocate non-subscribing principles, but he strenuously supports the cause of that party, by represent- ing the question of subscription as one of little or no importance to the Church's interests, and on which opposite sides may be taken mthout involving any breach of communion. Wliile the non-subscribers were thus openly and vigorously defending their cause from the press with great skill and talent, they clandestinely encouraged a proceeding for augmenting their party, and defeating the discipline of the synod, which justly ex- cited great animosity. The congregation of Dromoro, in the county of Down, had become vacant, in the close of the year 1719, by the death of the Rev. Alexander ColviUe, one of the early members of the Belfast Society, who had successfully incul- cated his latitudinarian views on too many members of his charge. They continued vacant for some years, waiting, it is said, till the son of their late minister, and of the same name, should have completed his course for the ministry. At length, in the year 1724, they gave a call to this young man, the Rev. Alexander 112 "Letter," pp. 45-48. 113 Ibid. pp. 56-66. 1" Belfast, 1725, 8vo, pp. viii. and 108- A.n. 1725. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 231 Colville, M.D., who had been heensed by the pre.sbytery of Cupar, in Scotland, ^i^ and who soon made himself known us a more violent opponent of subscription than his father had been. His extreme non-subscribing views, though he had just come over from giving an unqualified subscription to the Westminster Confession of Faith, raised up a party in the congregation who opposed his settlement, on the ground of erroneous views relative to the Trinity. The case was carried by appeal from the presby- tery to the sub-synod of Armagh ; and this latter court having, at their October meeting iu that year, sustained the objections raised against his ordination, untd he should subscribe the con- fession in the usual form, JNIr. Colville and his friends appealed to the next General Synod, where there was every probability of these objections being finally confirmed. Perceiving there was now no hope of his being ordained in Dromore, under the authority of the synod, without obeying the law, and fortified by private letters from his Irish non-subscribing friends, he took the extraordinary and unprecedented step_of pTOQg.eding- to Loudon, unknown to his presbytery, to seek ordination from the hands of the English dissenters. These ministers were but too glad to have so favourable an opportunity of annoying and thwarting the subscribing party in Ulstei", to make any objection to this irregular and unauthorised proposal. Accordingly, in the first week of December, about ten of them were got together in the vestry-room of Dr. Calamy's church, for they wished to avoid drawing the attention of their subscribing brethren in London to this strange spectacle by a public ordination service ; and in this furtive manner they ordained young Colville, without subscrip- tion to any creed, to the ministerial oftice. The Eev. Dr. Old- field, who had been the leader of the non-subscribers in the Salter's Hall debates, presided on the occasion ; and the minis- ters signed a formal certificate, stating that they had " ordained him on the ground of recommendatory letters from sundry minis- ters iu Dublin and the North of Ireland." On his return, Mr. Colville applied to the presbytery of Armagh, 1'^ Wodiow's M.S. I.cttPi-s, vol. .N.\i., No. Hit. 232 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. at their first meeting, to receive him as an ordained minister, and both he and the people attached to him in Dromore petitioned the presbytery to install him in that congregation, now that all the difficulties in the way of ordination had, as they pleaded, been removed by his London trip. So far, however, from grant- ing any such petition, they not only refused to acknowledge him in any way, but they immediately sent ministers to preach to that part of the congregation who adhered to the synod.^^^ I When his London ordainers heard of this reception which their ' favourite had met with, they were pleased to be very indignant ; Dr. Calamy even threatened the Synod with the loss of the Eoyal Bounty, though it is difficult to conceive how they could have expected that their unauthorised interference with the disci- pline of the Irish Church wovild have been treated in any other way. This incident furnished a new subject of debate for the synod, whose annual meeting was now again approaching. Pre- vious to its assembling, the non-subscribers, at least those of the metropolis, made another dishonourable effiDrt to intimidate the synod from pursuing their course of policy towards that party, by holding over them the displeasure of the crown. In the be- ginning of June, the Dublin ministers, with Mr. Boyse at their head, put themselves in communication with Lord Carteret, the lord- lieutenant ; and having represented to him the conduct of the synod in the light which they are well known to have viewed it, as unjust, unchristian, tyrannical, and so forth, they readily obtained from his Excellency a declaration, to the effect that the divisions among the northern Presbyterians were very displeasing to his majesty, and a recommendation that such courses should be dropped. This result of their interview with the lord-lieute- nant Messrs. Weld and Boyse hastened to transmit to the synod, in a letter which was duly read to the assembled ministers, but which failed to effect any change in their policy. The annual meeting of this year was again hold at Dungannon in the middle of June. It does not appear to have excited the same interest throughout the Church as previous synods, for the attendance of ministers was less than it had been since the year ii« Wodrow's MS. Lctteis, vol. xxi., No. 97. A.D. 1725. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 233 1715, but that of the eldership, though above twenty less than the preceding year, was stiU rather abo\e the average. Various topics connected with the state of the Church occupied the atten- tion of this synod. One of the most prominent of these was the case of Mr. Colville, which came before the meeting by the ap- peal of himself and his adherents in Dromore against the refusal of the sub-synod of Armagh to proceed with his installation. Two courses were open to the synod — either to try this appeal, overlooking what had occurred since it had been taken in October last, or to proceed at once to inquire into the irregular conduct of Colville in seeking foreign ordination, without consulting his presbytery, and while this very question of his ordination, coupled with other charges against liim, was still pending before the ju- dicatories of the Church. Though, in opposition to the opinion of the non-subscribers, the synod very properly resolved to take cognisance of his recent conduct first, because he had tliereby abandoned his appeal. Accordingly, having received a full nar- rative of what had occurred from the presbytery and sub-synod of Armagh, who had before them the formal certificate of his ordination in London, and having heard the statements of his own commissioners from Dromore, who acknowledged the fact (Mr. Colville himself, though in Dungannon, and duly cited, hav- ing declined to appear), the synod suspended him from the exer- cise of his ministry for three months, with power to the sub-, synod of Armagh to terminate or to prolong this suspension as his conduct might deserve. The synod proceeded a stej) farther in the vintlication of their discipline and authority. They re- solved to inflict the penalty of suspension on any members of their body who should, m defiance of their sentence, hold minis- terial communion with Colville during the period of his suspen- sion. All these resolutions of synod the non-subscribers warmly opposed, defending their associate as far as they could venture to do, and entering protests at every stage of the proceedings. At this synod the practice wdiich had been introduced at the preceding one, of the subscribers and non-subscribers meeting separately during the adjournments, was resumed. The former body, anxiously considering in their separate meetings the dis- 234 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTEIUAN chap. xxr. tracted state of tlie Chui'ch, prepared a number of proposals or overtures for restoring the peace, securing the purity, and sus- taining the authority of the Church, all of which had been so seriously impaired during the past year by the proceedings of the non-subscribers. Of these overtures, three were adopted by the present meetings. The first granted full liberty to those persons " who scrupled communion with ministers of non-subscribing or non-declaring principles to follow the light of their own con- sciences therein," notwithstanding the former charitable declara- tions and advices of the synod, which the non- subscribers had interpreted as absolutely prohibiting the people from acting on such scruples, and leaving their ministiy to join that of subscrib- ing pastors. The second contained another explanation of that well-intended but untoward act, which had proved one of the primary sources of all the past misunderstandings and embarrass- ments. It was now distinctly provided that the Pacific Act did not warrant the questioning of any doctrines contained in the I ' I Westminster Confession, but only of the phrases in which they ,7p I were expressed ; and it was enacted, that should any intrant object to subscribe liis assent to any doctrine of the confession, tlie presbytery were to proceed no farther with his case till the General Synod should decide thereon ; and that, in the mean- time, his objections should be transmitted to the other presby- teries for their consideration until the meeting of synod, with penalties on those intrants, ministers or presbyteries, who contra- vened this act. By the the third overture, the synod sanctioned an arrangment, which, though not designed as such, was the first direct step to that formal separation which afterwards occurred. The congregations which composed the three j^resbyteries of Antrim, Belfast, and Down, forming the sub-synod of Belfast, were now distributed anew into five presbyteries, by dividing that of Down into those of Bangor and K,illileagh, by constitut- ing a new presbytery at Templepatrick, and by placing in the presbytery of Antrim all the non-subscribing ministers. ^^'^ The "^ The names of these ministers, twelve in number, will be found in note 31 of this chapter. At the same time, tlie synod gave permission to Mr. Orr of Comber, Mr. Elder of Aghadoey, and Mr. Patrick Simpson of Dun- A.D. 1725. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 235 overture stated that this new arrangement was made in order " that such ministers and congregations may be presbyterially united as may carry on the aftairs of this Church without debate or confusion to the glory of God and the good of souls ; which expedient is to be continued till the God of peace shall mercifully remove the present misunderstandings-''^^^ At the same time, it was enacted, that " all these presbyteries were to be subject and accountable to superior judicatories, and to act agreeably to synodical rules, more especially in the acbnission of intrants." The consequence of this measure was immediate peace and quiet in all the presbyteries of this sub-synod. It also diminished very much the power and influence of the non-subscribing party, who, being perspicacious enough to perceive this result, opposed the adoption of this overture. For in the three presbyteries of which they previously formed a part, tlu'ough their connections and their own personal mfluence, they possessed a decided preponderance; and by means of their able speeches on public occasions, when opposing their subscribing co-presbyters, they gained many adherents to their cause. But when collected together into one court, and having no opposition to encounter, they wielded only the power of a single presbytery, and attracted little notice. The more pressing emergencies of the year having been provided for by these acts,!^^ both parties in the synod acknowledged that the futiu'e peace of the CUiurch could only be secured by the adop- tion of some definite principles on which they could agree. With this view, the subscribing ministers submitted to the synod FIVK overtures, as " expedients for peace," which were ordered to be transmitted to presbyteries for their consideration until the next d.ilk, to join this presbytery if they saw fit, all of whom subsequently became members of it- In tbc following year, the synod also erected a new presby- tery at Dublin. "8 To such an extent did the synod carry this accommodating principle, •that thoy placed in the presbytery of Killilcagh the moderate subscribers who were in favour of holding communion with the non-subscribers, and in that of Bangor those who were opposed to that practice. Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xxi.. No. 1 15. "» They may be seen in Thompson's " Abstract," itc, p[i. -il, o'J. 236 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. meeting of synod. The non-subscribers, not having their " ex- pedients" ready, promised to draw them up without loss of time, and transmit them in like manner to the several presbyteries. Such were the principal proceedings of this synod in relation to the non-subscription controversy. They had satisfactorily vindicated the order and authority of the Church in Colville's case, though they strangely overlooked the insidious j^art acted by those members of their own body who, by their recommen- datory letters to London, had conspired to defeat their common discipline. The sequel of this anomalous case may be related here. After the synod, Mr. Colville continued to preach in de- spite of its sentence ; and in a little time he applied to the non- subscribing presbytery of Dublin, complaining of the injustice which had been done him, and praying them to install him in the charge of the congregation of Dromore. These ministers at once entertained the case, and having constituted themselves judges tlierein, they called upon the presbytery of Armagh to answer Mr. Colville's complaint. Though the presbytery, as a matter of course, declined to plead before this foreign tribunal, they furnished them with an account of Mr. Colville's conduct, and of several causes of offence which had been alleged against him, and which they were ready to investigate, according to the discipline of the synod. The Dublin presbytery next deputed three of their number, Messrs. Choppin of Dublin, M'Gachy of Athy, and Wood of Summerhill, to proceed to the North, under the pretext of accommodating matters between Colville and the synod, but in reality to take charge of the congregation, and install him as their minister. This deputation waited on the sub- synod of Armagh, at their meeting on the 19th of October, and en- deavoured to persuade them to exercise the power committed to them by the General Synod, of removing from Colville the sentence of suspension. But so far from comj^lying with such a request, they adopted the following resolution, and ordered it to be read in all the congregations within their bounds on the fol- lowing Sabbath : — " Whereas Mr. Colville hath counteracted and contemned the sentence of suspension inflicted on him by the Greneral Synod, and persists in his contumacy before us in A.D. 1725. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 237 renouncing all subjection to our judicatories, and makes applica- tion to others to support liim in his way, we hereby declare that he continues under the aforesaid sentence of suspension, and we therefore warn those of our persuasion not to own the said Mr. Colville in any of his ministrations, nor receive Gospel ordi- nances from liim ; and we ai^point that any persons who shall aid him in his present course shall not be received into any congre- gation belonging to this synod, or be admitted to ordinances without certificates from the presbytery of Armagh ; and if Mr. Cohdlle persist in his contumacy, we appoint the presbytery of Armagh to proceed to further censure upon him as the rules of oiu' discipline direct." On the following Lord's-day, the minis- ters from the South preached in Dromore, and on Tuesday they professed to inquire into Mr. Colville's case, in presence of the congregation, and afterwards to receive them under their care. On this occasion, no fewer than nine of the Ulster non-subscrib- ing ministers mot privately with these brethren at Dromore, but they took no part in what was going on, nor did they make their appearance at the installation, which was performed by the Dublin ministers alone on the following day, Wednesday, the 25th of October.!-'^ The adherents of the synod in Dromore soon after called a minister, who was ordained therein the month of May following. This procedin-e of the Dublin non-subscribing ministers inter- rupted the harmony wliich had so long existed in that city be- tween them and the subscribing ministers who were members of the northern synod. The venerable Mr. Iredell, having heard of their intention to intermeddle in Colville's case, fully warned them of the impropriety of their conduct. " I told them," he writes to a friend, " that they had nothing to do with the affair of Dromore, and as to them it was coram nonjudice ; that they must not think the people of the North Avould count themselves obliged to answer at their bar — (this, I said, because as I apj^re- hended their letter to the presbytery of Armagh was with an air of authority) — that they were going to com])lete the ruin of that >-■« Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. .\xi., No. 117. 238 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. poor conceited young fellow ; and that the North had never med- dled in their affairs." Mr. Iredell adds — " Some of the best of the ministers here (I mean such as have no relation to the North) were not for going that length ; but they were outvoted by some brethren in from the country. A reverend minister observing I had withdrawn from their meetings on Mondays, spoke to me about it ; to whom I wrote that since the presbytery here had so far concerned themselves in the affair of Dromore in opposition to the synod whereof I was a member, and since with respect to them I was only in the nature of a correspondent, my present thoughts were that, to my grief, I wa« under a necessity of with- drawing from their presbyterial meetings till God is pleased to send better times."'i-i Meanwhile the press continued to send forth fresh contribu- tions to the polemical warfare. In the month of September, Mr. Hemphill of Castleblayney, who had written the preface to Mas- terton's " Apology for the Northern Presbyterians," published a vindication of himself from some personal reflections in which Mr. Abernethy had indulged in his last pamphlet. This vindi- cation he entitled — " The third page of Mr. Abernethy's Pre- face to the Defence of his Seasonable Advice considered.''^-^ It is altogether occupied with personal matters, and does not touch upon the general question in debate. But in the following month Mr. Masterton published an excellent discourse, on a topic which had been much misunderstood by the non-subscribers, and on Avhich they had both spoken and written very inaccurately and xuiadvisedly. Its title was — " Christian Liberty founded on Gos- pel Truth, or the great Argument of Christian Liberty explained in its necessary connexion with sound principles, in opposition to some dangerous notions relating to both.''^^^ He exposes several of the imsound opinions vented 1>y Mr. Abernethy in his well- known sermon on jiersonal persuasion, and applies the subject directly to the controversy with the non-subscribers. It presents '21 Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xxi., No. 121. 'i^^ Belfast, 1725, 8vo, pp. 16. '" Belfast, 1725, 8vo, pp. 40. A.D. 1725-26. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 239 a favourable specimen of his talents for preaching, and is altoge- ther a judicious and instructive discourse. During the next six months the press was unemployed in this controversy. It was reawakened into activity by the overtubes which had been transmitted to the several presbyteries by the last meeting of synod. These overtures or proposed laws were five in number. The first created an entirely new offence, never before set forth in the discipline of the Church, and at- tached a serious penalty to it ; yet it is most vaguely and insuf- ficiently described, and for that reason alone it was highly objec- tionable. It proposed to inflict the penalty of suspension on axiyl ) «/ minister or licentiate who should, in any unbecoming manner, reflect upon or reproach synods, or presbyteries, or their acts. The SECOND forbade any one to vote in ecclesiastical courts who -^ maintained that Christ had not lodged any authority in the judi- catories of the Church, but that they are merely consultative meetings, whose decisions, even in matters of prudence and ex- pediency, may be counteracted or defeated by every man's pri- vate judgment. The third proposed to censure any member who should refuse, as Mr. Nevin had done, to declare his senti- ments on any doctrine of the confession, when required to do so by a judicatory who conceived that such a declaration would con- tribute to the glory of God and the edification of souls. The FOURTH requested the presbyteries to say, whether it should not be enacted that every minister and elder, before being admitted i^ • to vote in each annual synod, should subscribe or declare the Westminster Confession of Faith to be the confession of his faith. And the last proposed to inflict the penalty of suspension on V the moderator and clerk of any inferior judicatory who should reverse or alter the decisions of the superior judicatory.^-* Had these overtures been duly considered in the ensuing- synod, it is diflicult to say either how many of them would have been adopted, or, if adopted, in what form they would have ap- peared. As they stood when transmitted to presbyteries, they "* These five overtures may bo seen in the " Narrative of Seven Synods," pp. 161-63. 240 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. wei'e o]5en to many and serious objections, Avhich were not then discerned by their proposers, in their anxiety to obviate an immi- nent danger ; but that danger having been removed by the ex- clusion of the non-subscribers, tliese overtures were never sub- mitted to the consideration of the synod, but were tacitly abandoned as no longer required. It is therefore unnecessary to discuss them here, or to point out wherein they were objection- able. It will be enough to notice the publications to which they gave rise. It is singular that not one of the non-subscribers wrote against them. Perhaps they had now made up their minds to secede at the ensuing synod ; and, as they would thus be be- yond their reach if adopted, they deemed it needless to discuss them from the press. The only person who publicly opposed them was a subscribing minister, the Rev. Eobert Higinbotham of Coleraine, who had not previously distinguished himself as a sup- porter of the non-subscribers. When the presbytery of Route were engaged in discussing these overtures, he had abstained from attending their meetings ; and though they specially post- poned the question to another meeting on the 1st of March, to suit his convenience, he still absented himself, and never con- ferred with his brethren regarding them. They were therefore greatly surprised when, in the end of that month, he published his " Reasons against the Overtures which were referred to the consideration of the several presbyteries by the last General Synod, which met in Dungannon in June 1725. In a letter to a friend."i2^ In this pamphlet he points out the objectionable na- ture of these proposed measures with considerable ability ; and though he does not formally disown subscribing principles, it is difficult to discern his adherence to them, especially when treat- ing of the fourth overture. He indulges in several severe and unwarranted reflections on the conduct and writings of Mr. Mastertou, and proves himself throughout to be a keen partisan of the non-subscribing faction. Its publication, therefore, ex- cited much dissatisfaction, not only among his brethren in the 125 Belfast, 1726, 8\'o, pp. 52. It is dated from Coleraine, February 28, 1726. A.D. 1720. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 241 presbytery, but among the members of his congregation in Cole- raine, many of whom felt so aggrie\'ed by this change of opinion on the part of their minister, that, not long after, nearly ninety families separated from him, and were erected into a new congre- gation in that town. Nor did his presbytery overlook this unex- pected attack on the principles and policy of the synod. One of their number, the Rev. Mr. M'Bride of Ballymoney, at the re- quest of his brethren, immediately engaged in preparing a reply, and, in the end of May, published it wdth this title — " The Overtures transmitted by the General Synod, 1725, set in a fair light, in answer to Mi*. Higinbotham's late print, entituled, ' Rea- sons against the Overtures.' "i^ Though Mr. M'Bride was a leading minister on the subscribing side, this is the only produc- tion connected with this debate which appeared from his pen. And though it is in some respects acute and satisfactory, it can- not be said to exhibit either his temper or his talents as a contro- versialist in a favourable light. The presbytery of Route after- wards took judicial cognisance of several unguarded and dan- gerous positions in j\Ir. Higinbotham's pamphlet, which occupied their attention, and that of the superior courts, for several months. The approach of the annual meeting of synod was principally discernible in the increased activity of the press. During the early part of the month of June, no fewer than four new publi- cations made then" appearance. The first of these was from the pen of Ml'. Masterton. This able writer had declined to notice the animadversions which had been made on his " Apology for the Northern Presbyterians," by Mr. Abernethy, in his " Defence of the Seasonable Advice," but he now felt it his duty to reply '-" The rcm;under of tlic title is as follows : — " Wherein a letter in MS., subscribed J. Boysc, copied and spread by Mr. lliginbotham, is also consi- dered ; the General Synod's principles and practice vindicated ; Mr. Nevin's exclusion and Mr. Elder's suspension defended ; and the non-confess- ing controversy laid open. The whole dedicated to the presbytery of Route. To which is added, a letter from a worthy minister in the same pres- bytery, known for modesty and moderation." Belfast, 1726, 4to, pp. 72 and 18. The minister referred to in the end of this prolix title is the Rev. Robert llaltridge, minister of Finvoy. 242 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxv, to the postscript which the three Dublin ministers had subjoined to Abernethy's " Defence."^-'^ In this " Short Eeply," he took occasion to point out, with great clearness and force of reasoning, the impracticability of Christian communion being maintained, ex- cept among those who were agreed in acknowledging the same fundamental truths of the Grospel ; and that, so long as the non- subscribers persisted in licensing and ordaining candidates who might hold the most conflicting interpretations of Scripture doc- trines, it was impossible for subscribers to act in harmony with them in fulfilling the great purposes of a Christian Church — the defence and propagation of the truth. The next pamphlet that a^ipeared was a letter from the Kev. Mr. Hemphill of Castleblay- ney, addressed to Mr. Haliday,i28 [yy which he very ably turns the objections of the latter to subscribing the Westminster Con- fession against his own theory of ministerial communion, and shows very clearly, that if these objections be valid against the subscribing, they are equally, if not more valid, against the non- subsci-ibing scheme. These authors, Mr. Masterton and Mr. Hemphill, were the ablest writers on the side of subscription, and both of these pamphlets afforded most potent and seasonable sup- port to that cause at this critical conjuncture. At the same time, the venerable Mr. Iredell of Dublin published " Remarks upon 1-' The title of Mr. Mastertoii's pamphlet will indicate its chief object. It was entitled, " A Short Reply to the Postscript to Mr. Abernethy's Defence of the Seasonable Advice, by the three reverend Dublin ministers : Wherein is considei-ed what they offer against the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the use of it in reference to candidates for the holy ministry, as is practised in the North according to Synodical regulations. And likewise what they pro- pose for having ministerial communion allowed among the northern Pi'csby- terians without subscription to the said confession or declaration of assent to the doctrines of it, is showed to be inexpedient and of dangerous conse- quence." Dublin, 1726, 8vo, pp.72. 123 It is entitled, " A Letter to the Rev. Mr. Samuel Haliday, wherein his scheme of ministerial communion in the seventh page of his introduction to his ' Reasons against Subscription to the Westminster Coiifossion of Faith,' is examined and compared with his four grand arguments. Also a remark occasioned by an uncharitable reflection in the eleventh page of his late letter, dii'ected to the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Kennedy." Dublin, 1726, 8vo, pp. 34. It is dated Castleblaynoy, May 30, 1 720. A.I). 172C. CHURCH IN IRELAND; 243 some Passages relating to the Westminster Confession of Faith, in the Rev. Mr. Samuel Haliday's Letter to the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Kemiody."'-'-' His object was to correct the mistakes of that writer with regard to the two natures of Christ being united in one person, " without composition," and he ])roves very clearly, not only that the doctrine of the Confession was in accordance with that of the Church of Christ in all ages, but that it was a truth of great importance in religion. These three pamphlets were on the subscribing side ; the fourth was from an adlierent of the opposite party. This was the celebrated controversialist and excellent minister, JSIi'. Boyse of Dublin, who now published a vindication of the jirivate letter on wliich IVlr. M'Bride had ani- madverted in his defence of the ovei*tm"es, with a few remarks in a postscript on ISIr. IVIasterton's recent pamphlet. ^^"^ This was Mr. Boyse's last appeai-ance from the press, after a long and honourable career as an author, and especially as a controver- sialist, on the most important points of doctrine and government ; but this closing production of his pen is by no means equal to his other writings, while it is especially deficient in that temper and moderation which he had displayed on much more serious topics. Amid the excitement produced by these controversial publica- tions, the synod assembled in its usual place of meeting at Dun- gannon on the 21st of June. The attendance of ministers and elders was not larger than at the preceding meeting, though the improbability of the expected separation being deferred any longer must have been very apparent. The first subject of discus- sion was furnished by the " expedients for peace," which had been drawn out as promised by the non-subscribers, but copies of which had been sent to only a few presbyteries, owing to tlie great length of the paper, which, when afterwards printed, formed an octavo pamphlet of nearly fifty pages. These overtures or ex- pedients were also five, but the first was the principal one, and formed, as they themselves state, " the foundation of all the rest." '=» Dublin, 172G, 8vo, pp. 25. 130 Belfast, 1Y26, 8vo, pp. 80. It is reprinted in his collected works, though by no means worthy of such a position. Mr. Royse died November 22, 1728, in the sixty-ciglith year of liis age. VOL. III. 1? 244 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. It embodied the points in dispute between them and the sub- scribers in six general propositions. In these they reiterate their well-known views on Cliristian and ministerial communion, as deduced from the sole headship of Christ in his Church, and on subscription, as opposed to religious liberty, and contrary to the Divine law. They also declare their opposition to all such compulsory declarations of faith as had been demanded from Mr. Nevin, and to all such voluntary subscriptions as had been sanc- tioned by the synod in 1721. This elaborate manifesto of their principles was now formally laid before the synod by Mr. Kirkpatrick, who read it in open court on Wednesday afternoon. It was then agreed, in accor- dance with the precedent set at the two previous synods, that the subscribers should meet separately for the consideration of this paper, and that they should be allowed to Friday morning to frame their answer for the consideration of the synod. The purport of this answer could scarcely be doubted, after learning the uncompromising character of these expedients. Moderate men had hoped, that while the non-subscribers would still have objected to subscribe any invariable creed, and the Westminster Confession in particular, they would have specified in their expe- dients some leading truths of the Grospel, as a substitute for the latter, and would have joined in requiring all future candidates for the ministry to declare in their own words their assent to these truths — a proposal wliich would not have contradicted any principle they had hitherto professed to hold.^^^ But no such expedient was now tendered. Not a single offer was made on which an agreement with the subscribers could be based. They "1 For example, Mr. Haliday wrote, in 1T24 — " I never have pleaded that any man ought to be ordained who has not given to his ordainers sufficient proofs of his holding the faithful word taught by Christ and his apostles, and of his aptness to teach the doctrine of the Gospel. And I see no reason why it should be .accounted impossible for a man to do this as well in his own words as by subscribing to a public, authorised, human form of confession." ( " Reasons against Subscription," p. 138. ) Similar admissions were made by Abernethy and Kirkpatrick ; and had they been now offered, they might have afforded the basis of a union. A.I). 172«. CUHRCH IN IRELANP. 24r> took up extromo grouml, and thus left the synod no other alter- native than to propose a separation, in the only form in which it could be proposed — namely, by exclusion ; for they had uni- formly declared that a voluntary separation from the synod would, on their part, be in the highest degree sinful. Accordingly the following overture was laid before the synod on Friday morning, and the non-subscribers were allowed to next morning to prepare their observations on it : — " The committee appointed by the subscribing body, having seriously considered the propositions offered by the non-subscribers, do obser\e that some of the prin- ciples contained in these propositions are evasive of the Pacific Act, several other important resolutions of the General Synod, and the known principles of our constitution, which we believe are founded upon and agreeable to the laws of the Gospel, as well as consonant to the principles and practices of other reformed Churches. We therefore justly reject these new terms of peace contained in their propositions (by which they endeavour to establish their non-declaring principles), as inconsistent with the peace and ui:iity of this Church. And we do declare our steady adherence to our own principles, and that it is matter of the deepest concern to us that, by these their principles, and their declared resolution to adhere to them, they put it out of our power to maintain ministerial communion with them in Church judicatories as formerly, consistently with the faithful discharge of our ministerial office and the peace of our own con- seiences."'^^ On Saturday morning, Mr. Kirkpatrick read the observations of his party on this overture. They complained that their " expedients" had been misunderstood, and that the condemnation of their principles contained in this overture was undeserved, and, at the same tune, so indefinite, as to render it diffi- cult for them to frame a distinct reply. They call upon the synod to answer their arguments before they proceed to a rupture, and conclude with pointing out the manifold evils which would result from such a step. On these documents the last debate in this long-protracted 1S3 " Narrative of Sevpn Synods," p, 228, 220. It is also given in " Tlio Nanvitive Kxaniinoil," ]). 73. 246 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. controversy was founded. After much discussion, a motion was made by some of the moderate subscribers, who deprecated any breach of communion, that the further consideration of these ])apers should be delayed for another year ; but this motion was negatived by a great majority. The same brethren made another proposal, that should the non-subscribers agree to absent them- selves from the next synod, and, in the meantime, all debates and publications on controverted points be waived, the consideration of the overture might be indefinitely postponed. But the non- subscribers very properly declined to come under any such en- gagements, and, therefore, this puerile proposal fell to the ground. Mr. Abernethy, on behalf of his party, next offered, as a ground for deferring the debate, to leave this meeting, and to waive their privilege of attending the ensuing meeting of synod, on certain conditions ; but these were of such a nature as to render the proj^osal unacceptable. At this point it will be most satisfactory to relate the close of this important debate in the words of the synod's minutes — " In the course of the debate the non-sub- scribers were desired, again and again, to let us know their prin- ciples or where we may find a scheme of them. To this they answered, they knew not our principles. To this it was replied that our principles are very well known, being contained in our confession of faith ; and that Ave might go through our said con- fession, article by article, and declare our assent, and where they agree they might declare their assent too. But this they de- clined. After long reasoning, a question was offered — ' Shall we agree to the above overture from the subscribing body or not ?' Then another question was offered by others — ' Whether the con- cessions offered by the non -subscribers of waiving their privilege of attending this synod from this time, and of attending the next General Synod, with the limitations mentioned, be a satisfactory ground to delay or not ?' And then a debate arising, it Avas moved that the previous question shall be put ; and the previous question being put, it carried that the first question shall be put. And then the first question — viz., ' Shall we agree to the over- ture from the subscribing body or not ?' Avas put, and it carried AGREED by a great majoi'ity." A.D. 1720. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 547 On the first motion, agreeing to put the que.stion on the sub- scribers' overture in preference to Mr. Abernethy's proposal of delay, there was a majority of eleven ministers for the second question being put first ; but the elders carried the motion in favour of the first question. The last and more important mo- tion, approving of the overture, was carried by only thirty-six ministers against tliii'ty-four who voted agamst it ; while eight others declined voting, and two who were unable to attend joined in the protest against it, and thus, had they been present, the ministerial votes would have been equal. ^^^ The great body of the elders, however, supported the overture, and thereby res-/ cued the Church from another mischievous compromise and another year's perplexing agitation. Thanks to the faithful and honest eldersliip of the Church ! They had long seen both the folly of trying to unite these two tliscordant pai'ties in harmonious action in the same synod, as well as the impropriety of a union, even were it practicable, with those who refused, on every occasion, to avow their doctrinal views. They had long deplored the unseemly divi- sions and debates by which the Chui'ch had been so grievously dis- tracted. And now, when the opportunity was presented of ter- minating them, by the only course which was open to the synod, they heartily embraced it, unmoved by the apprehensions which induced so many ministers to waver and postpone the evil day ; and fully satisfied that, as separation was the path of duty, so it would prove, as it did, the path of safety and of true peace. Yet the separation, which wa^ carried with so much difiiculty, almost in spite of the ministers, was only of a limited nature. The non-subscribers wore not excluded from Christian fellow- ship, nor their ministerial characters or position in any way in- terfered with. Neither were they excluded from ministerial communion in religious oi'dinances and sacraments. Their exclusion was merely from "ministerial communion with sub- scribers in church judicatories as formerly ;" or, in other words, from ecclesiastical fellowship, by being members of the synod or its inferior courts. This separation, too, Avas not only limited 133 << Xaii-ativc of .Seven Svncds," p. 201- V 248 HISTORY OF TJIE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxv. in its nature, it was also incomplete in its extent and operation. It tlid not remove from the synod all those ministers who had opposed and renounced her principles. The non-subscribers had many Avarm partisans who had secretly adopted their views, but who, not being honest enough to avow them, continued in the communion of the synod. ^^^ By acquiescing in her disci- pline, these " false brethren" disarmed the subscribing ministers of their fears ; and while " men slept," they successfully disse- minated their views in private, and, in the presbyteries in which they possessed influence, they gradually undermined the consti- tutional principles of the Church, By this means the seeds of error and discord were still retained, and these ultimately pro- duceil in the synod the most dangerous errors, as they did, also, though at an earlier period, in the separated presbytery, when left to act on its avowed scheme of Christian liberty and religious ^ communion. The several Presbyterian Churches, both in Eng- land and Ireland, who now began to carry out their non-sub- scribing principles to their legitimate and oft-predicted results, \ in ne long time became both anti-Presbyterian in government and heretical in doctrine. The instructive experiment which was now tried of a non-declaring Church ended in independency, real or virtual, and, what was much more deplorable, in Unita- I'ianisra. And just in proportion as certain presbyteries of the synod relapsed into non-subscription, the same doctrinal errors prevailed in them, until, at the distance of a century, this state of things led to another separation, which, as it proceeded on sounder principles than the one now related, may be expected to prove more effectual. From that portion of her histoiy which has been detailed in this chapter, let the Presbyterian Church in Ireland learn the important lesson of abiding faithfully by her confession of faith. '3* Thus I find Mr. Mastoi ton, in a letter to a friend in Scotland, written the week after the separation, admitting — "Indeed, the number of those in the synod who are for a strict adherence to our confession as a term of communion seems to be but small ; and a vast number are so carried off that they could make greater concessions to the noii-subscribei-s than some of us oin with peace yield unto." Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xxii., No- 75. A.n. 1726. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 249 Tliat confession may, indeed, be enlarged, or abridged, or varied, to suit abounding error ; but let her ever " hold fast the faith- ful Word as she hath been taught," in a definite and authorised confession, and let her suffer no latitudinarian pretexts of Chris- tian liberty to absolve those who seek to exercise the ministry in her communion from declaring their concurrence in her re- cognised standards. 250 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxvi. OHAPTEE XXVI. A.D. 1726-36. The Non-Stihscrihers permitted to retain their share of the Royal Bounty — Address their congregations — Secessions from their congregations — Con- duct of Mr. Higinbotham — Pamphlets relating to the separation — Narra- tive of the Seven Synods— Mr. Hutcheson's tract— Essay on Church Fewer- Reply to the Narrative of the Seven Synods — Passing of the Act of Toleration — Remaining grievances— Presbyterian marriages— Acces- sion of George 11., and proclamation of the new Sovereign— Favourable disposition of Government — Emigration to America, and its causes — Mission of Mr. Craghead to London, and its residts — Renewed efforts for a Repeal of the Sacramental Test defeated— An Act -passed to free Pres- byterians from persecution in the celebration of marriage — A new rule made by the Synod relative to the election of ministers — Attempts to evade subscription to the Confession of Faith — Prospects of the Church. When the separation of the non- subscribers had been effected, little remained for this synod to do. They received reasons of protest from those subscribing ministers who had opposed this separation, but they refused to receive a protest from the non- subscribers themselves, on the valid ground of their being no longer members of the court — the language of the minute is, " they being now excluded from membership." And, lastly, at a meeting of the ministers in interloquitur, it was inianimously agreed that the usual proportions of the Royal Bounty should bo paid to the members of the excluded presbytery as regiUarly as if they still formed a constituent part of the synod. Before leaving Dungannon, the non -subscribers drew up an address to the congregations under their charge, which was im- mediately printed and widely circulated. ^ In it they give the 1 It was entitled, " A Letter from the Presbytery of Antrim to tlie Congre- gations under their care, occasioned by the uncliaritable breach of Synodical Communion made by tlie General Synod at Dungannon, June 25, 1726." Belfast, 1720, 8vo, pp. 23. A.D. 172G. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 251 six propositions oii which tlicir " expedients for peace" had been founded, togetlier with a full nari-ative of the proceedings which terminated in their exclusion. At the same time, they carefully explain to their people that tliis exclusion was only from minis- terial communion in Church judicatories, and they subjoin the substance of the i)rotest presented to the synod by their subscrib- ing friends and sympathisers. On their return home, every effort was made to secure the confidence and attachment of then" con- gregations. In a letter from Belfast, written on Wednesday, the Gth of July, it is said — " This day Mr, Kirkpatrick and Mr. Hali- day have convened the whole town, to relate to them the great injuries done to the non-subscribers, which causeth a dreadful ferment in the place ; and great pains is taken to expose INIi*. Masterton especially to the odium of their people."^ Similar means were employed elsewhere ; but notwithstanding these eftbrts, many now left the ministry of the non-subscribers. About ninety families separated from JNIi". Abernethy, and nearly one hundred, residing in and about Portglenone, seceded from the mmistry of Mi-. Shaw of Ahoghill ; and the synod's commit- tee, assembled at Monaghan in October, erected them into con- gregations, annexing the one in Antrim to the presbytery of Templepatrick, and the other in Portglenone to the presbytery of Route. Some families also left the small congregation of Mr. Bruce, in Holywood, but it was some time before they were able to foim a separate congregation. His income, however, was so far reduced by this secession, that the zealous and opulent non- subscribers of Belfast established an evening lecture, to be given every fortnight, in connection with Mi*. Haliday's congregation, and appointed Mr. Bruce to it, with an annual salary of tAventy pounds.3 In Coleraine, the conduct and writings of Mr. Higin- - Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xxii., No. 15. 3 Ibid, vol. xxii., No. 89. See also Wodrow's "Analecta, " vol. iii. pp. 466, 467, from which it appears, on the authority of Mr. Stewart of Dun- doiiald, that Mr. Bruce had given too good reason to conclude he was an Arian, and that in consequence his congregation had been reduced to a very tew families, who were able to pny him not more than four pounds of yearly sti- pend. Wodrow subjoins this just reflection — "I was still afraid that tho 252 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxvi. botham caused great dissatisfaction. Tlie 2>i'csbytery of Koute, in the first instance, commenced a process against him, on account of certain opinions contained in his late pamphlet against the overtures, for which he was censured by the synod's committee in October, when brought before them by appeal. At the same time, a number of families abandoned his ministry, and were erected into a new congregation in the town, at which he was so indig- nant, that he formally withdrew, together with his congregation, from the presbytery and synod, and joined the excluded non- subscribers. But he and they soon repented of this hasty step, and applied for readmission into communion, which was granted by the synod in the following year, on his declaring his adhe- rence to subscription, and promising, for himself and his congre- gation, to live orderly and peaceably under its authority. Though the controversy was now hushed for a season in the Church courts, it was continued for some time longer through the press. In the first place, the letter from the presbytery of Antrim to their congregations called forth an anonymous reply, entitled, " A Seasonable Warning offered by some Subscribing Ministers in the North to their Congregations, occasioned by the Misrepresentations in the Pi'inted Letter of the Rev. Presbytery of Antrim," &c.,'^ in which they endeavoured to blunt the edge of that new attack on their principles. Next appeared one of the earliest opponents of the non-subscribers, the venerable Mr. Malcome of Dunmurry, now in the fortieth year of his ministry in that congregation. In the month of August, he published a pamphlet against them, with this title — " The Dangerous Princi- ples of the Sectarians of the last age, revived again by our Mo- dern New-Lights. In a letter to all lovers of peace and truth."^ looseness, in point of government and subscription, would land in looseness in doctrine ; I am grieved to hear this beginning, and pray it may not spread among the rest of the non-subscribers." This prayer of the good man was not heard. * I have never seen this pamphlet. Thei'c is a copy, in manuscript, in Wodrow's collections, in the Advocates' Library. Folio JISS., vol. xlix., No. 30, p. 86. ■' Belfast, 1726, 12 mo, pp. 15. A.D. 1727. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 253 By the " sectarians of the last age," he meant the dissenting bre- thren and their adherents, who created so many debates on go- vernment and discipline in the Westminster Assembly, and who had effectually thwarted the setting up of Presbyterian govern- ment in England. He institutes a parallel between them and the modern non-subscribers in no fewer than twenty-one points of resemblance, some of them fanciful and unfounded, and all of them calculated to direct popular odium against the latter. So unjust and offensive was this attack felt to be, that Mr. Aber- nethy came forward, in the end of this yeai', to repel it, and 23ub- lished " A Letter to Mr. John Malcome, occasioned by his late pamphlet."'^ About the same time, there also appeared a " Let- ter" from Mr. Haliday to Mr. Iredell of Dublin, in reply to the " Kemarks" of the latter on his " Letter to Mr. Kennedy," which called forth, in the beginning of the next year, a rejoinder from Mr. Iredell, in vindication of his origuial " Remarks."'^ In the month of March in this year, 1727, Mr. Elder of Aghadoey, after an interval of nearly a year, published a spirited vindication of himself from the harsh and uncalled-for animadversions which Mr. M'Bride of Ballymoney had made upon him in his pamphlet on the overtures. It was entitled, "ALettertotheRev. Mr. Robert M'Bride, occasioned by his pretending to defend Mr. Elder's sus- pension, and by divers injurious reflections cast upon Mr. Elder in his late pamphlet."* In this publication he confines himself almost exclusively to an explanation of the circumstances con- ' Belfast, 1726, pp. 19. I have not been able to obtain a sight of this pamphlet so as to take any notice of it in the text. Together with several other tracts of Mr. Abcrnethy, it is not reprinted in the volume of his " Scarce and Valuable Tracts," published after his death in 1751. ' Mr. Haliday's pamphlet was entitled, " A. Letter to the Rev. Mr. Francis Iredell, occasioned by his remarks on a letter to the Rev. Mr. Gil- bert Kennedy." Belfast, 1726, 8vo, pp. 46. Mr. Iredell's rejoinder bore this title — "A Letter to the Rev. Mr. Samuel Haliday, wherein the re- ni.arks upon some passages in his letter to the Kev. Mr. Gilbert Kennedy arc defended." Dublin, 1727, 8vo, pp.34. I have never seen cither of these pamphlets, but they were most probably confined to the theological question of the union of two natures in one person in the Saviour. •• Helfast, 1727, Svo, pp. -ll. It is dated from Aghadoey, Feb. 0, 1727. 254 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxvi. nected with Lis suspension by the presbytery of Route in the year 1724. He complains, in no measured terms, of the injustice of that censure, and of the partiality with which he had been treated by the majority of the presbytery ; and, in the absence of any reply from Mr. M'Bride, this defence must prepossess the reader in his favour. Mr. M'Bride's pamphlet drew down upon him another formidable attack, from the pen of Mr. Nevin of Downpatrick, whose exclusion from the synod he had also at- tempted to defend. But it was not until the middle of the fol- lowing year that this answer appeared, under the title, " A Re- view of Mr. Nevin's Trial before the Synod in 1724, occasioned by Mr. M'Bride's few thoughts in Defence of the Synod con- tained in his pamphlet."^ This is an unsparing exposure of his op- ponent, and an able ^'indication of his own principles and conduct in that untoward trial; but it is flippantly written, and several Scriptural texts are quoted, and applied in an oifensive and irre- verent manner. It was certainly unfortunate for Mr. M'Bride that his only publication in this controversy should have called forth against him no fewer than three assailants, Messrs. Boyse, Elder, and Nevin, and that he should not have ventured to reply to any one of their attacks. The most important publication of this year was the account of the entire proceedings of the synod during the last six years, which the non-subscribers had promised to give to the world imme- diately after their exclusion. It did not make its appearance, however, until the month of August m this year, when it was published under the title of " A Narrative of the Proceedings of Seven General Synods of the Northern Presbyterians in Ireland, with relation to their differences in judgment and practice, from the year 1720 to the year 1726, in which they issued in a syno- dical breach."^" This account is, as might be expected, partial " Belfast, 1728, 8vo, pp. f)6. 1" The following is the remainder of this prolix title: — " Containing the occasion, rise, true state, and progress of the differences ; expedients for peace offered by the non-subscribers and many other original papers ; Sy nodical debates, overtures, and decisions ; tlie conduct of the parties since tho breach ; with general observations npon the whole, and an appendix in A.i). 1727. CHURCH IN IRELAND. ^OO aiul onc-skled, and contains an elaborate defence of all tlie pecu- liar view.s and principles of the non-subscribers. It is, however, a valual»le conii)ilation, both from the original documents it con- tains, as well as from the full reports of the debates in synod which it has preserved from oblivion. By the plausibility of its reasonings, its aifectation of candour and moderation, and its mis- representations of the subsciibers' grounds of defence, it must have proved, in many quarters, a formidable attack on the prin- ciples of the synod. The subscribing ministers, therefore, from the time of its appearance, were anxious to provide an efficient antidote to its sophistries and misrepresentations. Their atten- tion appears to have been at once directed to Mr. Hutchoson of Armagh, as one well fitted to undertake this task, although he liad not yet published anything on this controversy. He had recently drawn up some remarks on the " Letter" of the presby- tery of Antrim, which he had communicated to a few of his brethren ; and these remarks were so satisfactory, that they entreated and persuaded him to review the " Narrative of the Seven Synods." He had proceeded some length in this work, when his illness, and finally his death, in February 1729, pre- vented its completion. This excellent minister was of so retired habits, and of so unobtrusive a disposition, that his friends could never induce him to consent to the publication of the valuable remarks he had prepared on the Antrim presbytery's letter. But after his death, although his executors also refused to commit them to the press, his friend, Mr. Lang of Loughbrickland, ob- tained the copy, and with some additional observations, and a few notes by himself and others, publislied it early ui the year 1730.'' This is by far the most satisfactory vindication of sub- •■xiiswcr to a late pamphlet, entitled, ' A Seasonable Warning, oftcred by some Subscribing Ministers in tlic North to their Congregations,' &c. By the Ministers of the Presbytery of Antrim, in the North of Ireland." Belfast, 1727, 8vo, pp. xxiv. and 392. " It bore this long title — " A Brief Review of a Paper, entitled, ' A Letter from tlio Presbytery of Antrim,' &c., with arguments for a proper authority and power of Government in the Church, and for submission to Sentences of Lawful .Judicatures supposed to be passed clave errante. Also the right of 256 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxvx. scription to a confession of faith, and of the authority of the Church, and the conduct of the synod, which appeared during this controversy. Though his remarks are comprised in a few pages, the author carefully analyses the six propositions on which the non-subscribers had latterly rested their case, and he shows their contrariety to Sci'ipture, and to one another. He refutes their plavisible sophisms with great clearness and skill, and writes with exemplary temper and moderation. His style is correct and perspicuous, and, in this respect also, he fully equals the most practised of his opponents. It is, indeed, much to be regretted, that the controversy with the non-subscribers had not, at the very commencement, fallen into the hands of this able and pleas- ing writer. No reply was oiFered to this seasonable vindication of subscription, and of the proceedings of the synod ; but the defence of Church power, contained in this pamphlet, called forth an answer in the following year, " in the name of some non-sub- scribing ministers in the North of Ireland," but written almost entirely by Mr. Kirkpatrick of Belfast. ^^ With the exception of the preface, it was confined to the discussion of the difficult ques- tion of the nature and extent of the authority possessed by the Church ; which, like the analogous question of civil authority, cannot be correctly stated in general propositions, or its limits accurately determined by mere abstract reasoning. This branch of the controversy was, therefore, far from leading to any satis- factory results. As yet, the most formidable attack of the non-subscribers, con- tained in their " Narrative of the Seven Synods," had remained unansAvered. Three years had elapsed since it was published, and still no reply appeared. This delay was principally owing- Churches to require Subscription of such iberty and Truth," Belfast, 1732, Svo, pp. 35, to which Mr. Holmes replied in a pamphlet, with this title, "Impartial Reflections upon Mr. Duch.al's Remarks," cd oft' from hence for the West Indies within three years ; and of these above 3100 this last summer. Of tliese pos- sibly one in ten may be a man of substance, and may do well enough abroad, but the case of the rest is deplorable. They cither hire themselves to those of substance for their passage, or contract with the masters of shijis for foui" years' ser\'itude when they come thither. Or if they make a shift to pay for their passage, they will be under a necessity of selling themselves for servants for four years, for their subsistence when they come there. The whole North is in a ferment at present, and people every day engaging one another to go next year to the West Indies. The humour has spread like a contagious distemper, and the people will hardly hear anybody that tries to cure them of their madness. The worst is, that it aftects only Protestants, and reigns chiefly in the North, which is the seat of our linen manufacture."-^ Alarmed by tliis extensive emigration from Ulster, one of the lords-justices, desirous of ascertaining its causes, consulted Mr. Iredell and Mr. Craghead of Dublin on the subject. At his Ex- cellency's request, the former wrote to all the northern presby- teries, urging them to send him their views on this subject. The answer of one of the presbyteries, written in December, has been preserved.23 They specify the discouragements under which they lay by the Sacramental Test excluding them from all places of public trust and honour, as among the chief causes of driving them to other parts of the empu-e where no such discouragements existed. But they also subjoin — " The bad seasons for three years past, together with the high price of lands and tythes, have all contributed to the general run to America, and to the ruin -■* Boulter's "Letters," Oxford edition, voL i. pp. 200, 26L Writing in March 1729, he communicates this additional information: — "The Im- mour of going to America still continues, and the scarcity of provisions cer- tainly makes many quit us. Tiicrc are now seven ships at Belfast that arc c.irrying off about 1000 passengers thither." Ibid, p. 2SS. See also No. V. of the " Reasons fur the Repeal of the Sacramental Test," p. 68, note. '-' Among the Wodrow MSS. in the Advocates' Library. It is from tiie presbytery of Tyrone. Sec also Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. .\xii., No. 108. 264 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxvi. of many families, avIio are daily leaving tlieir houses and lands desolate. This," they conclude by saying, " may be looked on by some as country clamour and noise. But the many waste lands, the starving condition of multitudes, the flight of others from hardships felt and feared, will soon be found powerful enough arguments against their unbelief." The Dublin minis- ters embodied the result of these inquiries into Presbyterian grievances in a memorial, which they laid before the lords-jus- tices in the beginning of March 1729. In this memorial they si^ecified the extraordinaiy rise in their tithes, and the oppres- sions of the ecclesiastical courts in their recovery, as not the least among their grievances. But the archbishop, true to his order, in transmitting this memorial to the lord-lieutenant, then in Eng- land, warmly opposed this representation ; and, at the same time, he wrote at great length to the Bishop of London, to assure him that the oppressed state of the northern Presbyterians was owing entirely to the landlords, who had latterly set their lands so high as to disable their tenantry from paying the rise in tithes, which was certain to follow the rise in rents.^* The ministei's followed up this statement of their grievances by commissioning Mr. Craghead to proceed to London, for the twofold purpose of urging their removal, and of settling some matters connected with the English or additional Royal Bounty. This grant had been hitherto received by a Mr. Hamilton, a mer- chant in London, in his own name, who transmitted it to the Irish Presbyterians both of North and South. But this gentle- man, having recently become a member of the English House of Commons, wished his name to appear no longer as the receiver of such a grant, and it therefore became necessary to provide a new agent.2^ There were also some years of this grant remain- 2* Boulter's "Letters," vol. i. pp. 289-295. But a committee of the House of Commons, in March ITSG, corroborated this Presbyterian memo- rial, when they reported to the house, " That a strong inclination has pre- vailed for some time among the Protestants of this kingdom to withdraw themselves and their effects to America. And that tliis temper of mind is greatly increased by the new and burdensome demand niade by the clergy," rif the tithe of agistment. " Journals of the Irish Commons," vol. vi. p. 661. -'' Wodrow, in his " AnaU'cta, " vol. iv. p. 57, speaks as if this gentleman A.n. 1729. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 265 ing- uiipaitl, prior to the accession of George II., and Mr. Crag- licalcpatri«k, situated in the best part of the county of Antrim, who, wriiiuir just two d:iys before the .-irehbibhop, to a 266 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap.xxvi. very well affected to his majesty and his royal family ; and by the best inquiries I could make, do their endeavours to keep their congregations from deserting the country ; not more than one or two of the younger ministers having any ways encouraged the humour now prevailing here." When the synod met in June of this year, Mr. Craghead, by letter, reported favourably of his negotiations in London. The ar- rears appear to have been allowed ; and from this date the Eng- lish Royal Bounty was regularly paid, although the Irish grant frequently fell into arrear.^^ But though Mr. Craghead had succeeded in one part of his mission to London, he failed in in- ducing the government to attempt the removal of the civil grie- vances still pressing on the Presbyterians. Two years having elapsed, and another session of parliament, held in 1730, having closed without anything being done for their relief, they resolved to make a vigorous effort in their own behalf. With tliis view, tlie' synod, in 1731, again commissioned Mr. Craghead to proceed to London, to urge upon the English government a repeal of the Sacramental Test. It was so far favourable to his mission, that, fi-icnd in Scotland, saj-s — " Such a dearth and scarcity of victuals was never lioard of in these parts. Almost the whole product of the last harvest is al- ready spent. There is not seed enough to sow the ground, and little money to buy what is brouglit by sea from foreign parts: which, with the oppressive and exorbitant rents and tythes from the landlords and established clergy, is driving the inhabitants out of the country to America. This people [of Tem- plepatrick] are now indebted to me in four years' full stipend ; and I have not received above £12 since January was a twelvemonth." (Wodrow's MS. Letters, vol. xxii,. No. 109.) This, I regret to say, must be my last refe- rence to this valuable collection of " Letters," which, from the year 1703 to ihis date — an interval of a quarter of a century — have furnished me with so much information, hitherto imknown, on the ecclesiastical aifairs of Ulster. This letter of Mr. Livingston is the last in tlie series of L-ish letters pre- served by Wodrow, and now deposited in the Advocates' Library, Edinburgh. They amount to 225, of which eight only have been printed among "The Wodrow Correspondence." 29 Thus I find, from the accounts presented to parliament, that, in 1731, half a year of the Irish Royal Bounty had been for some time unpaid, which, in 1735, had increased to three quarters ; this sum was still duo and unpaid in 1737. A.D. 1731. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 267 in tlio previous year, Lord Carteret, who had hitterly become so much of a High-Churchman as to be adverse to their claims, had ceased to be lord-lieutenant, and had been succeeded by a more tolerant nobleman, the Duke of Dorset, then in London, but just on the eve of coming over to Ireland to hold a meeting of parlia- ment. Mr. Craghead met with a favourable reception from the English ministry ; and the friends of the dissenters in the go- vernment made an effort to have the repeal of the Test Act in- serted among the instructions drawn up for the new lord-lieute- nant. It was generally believed that this object had been gained ; and that, when the Duke came over in September of this yeai-, he was fully empowered to use his influence to obtain that re- peal. Accordingly, when the Presbyterian ministers waited on his grace, after bis arrival, they were full of hope that he would hold out some encouragement to this effect. But they were put off with the usual unmeaning compliments ; and, when they waited on their friend, Archbishop Boulter, he " told them that he believed they were disappointed, and so was he himself; that he had seen the lord-lieutenant's instructions, that he was only empowered to take off the Test, after the king's business was over in parliament, and that its repeal, under such circumstances, appeared to be a perfect uncertainty to him and them."30 Still, although nothing was done for the relief of the Presby- terians at the commencement of this session of parliament, strong hopes were entertained of a favourable result at no distant period. To pave the way for such relief, Mr. Abernethy, who had suc- ceeded Mr. Boyse in the congregation of Strand Street, in Dub- lin, published anonymously, while parliament was sitting, a poli- tical pamphlet, entitled, " The Nature and Consequences of the Sacramental Test considered, with Reasons humbly offered for the Repeal of it."-'* This is an exceedingly clear and cogent statement of the injustice done to the Presbyterian population of Ireland by that obnoxious act, and of their strong claims to have it repealed. But Mr. Abernethy wrote and reasoned in \ain. '« \yodrow's " Analccta," vol. iv. p. 298, 209. '' Dublin, 1*731, 8vo, pp.63; republished in his "Scarce and Valuable Tracts." 268 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxvi. All the former enemies of toleration immediately bestirred them- selves to defeat the wished-for repeal. Dean Swift, the earliest and bitterest opponent of the dissenters, resumed his formidable pen, Avhich had just set the kingdom in a blaze by his unscrupu- lous assault on Wood's halfpence, and used every art to rouse the Established Church and the aristocracy to oppose their claims. During this session of parliament, he published " The Presbyte- rians' Plea of Merit, in order to take off the Test, imiiartially exa- mined." And, in the appendix, he reprinted the greater part of Tisdall's preface to his " Case of the Sacramental Test," with a few concluding observations on Abernethy's pamphlet, which had just appeared.^^ He followed up this vindictive attack by pub- lishing, early in the following year, 1732, an ironical piece, en- titled, " The Advantages proposed by Repealing the Sacramen- tal Test impartially considered, "^^ to which he added a fuller and more elaborate reply to Abernethy's tract than he had given in his former pamphlet. Several other pieces on this subject, mostly anonymous, appeared during the course of this year ; but the chief seat of the controversy was now transferred from Ire- land to England. In 1732, the English Protestant dissenters made a vigorous effort to procure, from the Whig government of Sir Robert Walpole, the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts. A host of pamphlets issued from the London press ; and meet- ings were held throughout England to organise their plans, and to bring their influence, now considerable on the eve of a gene- ral election, to bear on their representatives in parliament and on the ministry. But the latter deemed this an unsuitable time for proposing such a measure ; and they fully realised the ironical title of one of the anti-dissenting pamphlets, which was in these words — " The Dispute Adjusted about the proper time of Re- pealing the Test Act, by shewing that no time is proper." The dexterous intrigues by which the wary prime minister succeeded ^- This preface by Tisdall li.id been recently republished in a Dublin pe- riodical, called "The Correspondent," whence it had been taken by Swift, or his publisher, and appended to this pamphlet. See note 11, chap xxiv. '3 Dublin, 1732, Svo, pp. 32. Reprinted in London the same year. The rci)1y to .\bernethy occupies two-thirds of the pamphlet. A.D 1733. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 269 ill postponing tliis embarrassing question have only been recently eonnnunicated to the public, but it is unnecessary to advert to them herc.-'^^ Suffice it to say, that the English dissenters, or at least a majority of them, were persuaded that it would be most advisable not to press their claims at this conjuncture, but to post- pone their consideration to that " more convenient season," which in this, as in most other eases, so seldom arrives. Almost a similar result attended the efforts of the Irish Pres- byterians to procure a repeal of their Test Act in the following year. So obvious was the justice of their claims, and the policy of conceding them to so large a body of the Protestants of Ire- land, that the English ministry had at length committed full powers for carrying a repeal of the Sacramental Test to the Duke of Dorset, on his return to Ireland, in September 1733, to hold a meeting of parliament. On the J:th of October, he opened the session by a speech from the throne, in which he hinted at the projected repeal, by reminding both houses of the civil and religi- ous rights secured to them by his majesty, and assuring them that " an inviolable attachment to his royal person and family, and a firm union amongst all Protestants, who have one common interest and the same common enemy, will be the surest means (under God) of securing these blessings to our latest posterity." But neither house responded to this significant allusion, and it soon became but too evident that the attempt to carry the repeal of that act would be unsuccessful. The proceedings on this oc- casion, when the hopes of the Presbyterians were once more sig- nally disappointed, wiU be best related in the words of Archbishop Boulter, in the following extract from his letter to the Duke of Newcastle, dated from Dublin on the 18th of December :^^ — "As an affair of great consequence is just over with us, I mean the push for repealing the test in favour of the dissenters, I thought it my duty to acquaint your grace how that aftair stantls. When my lord-lieutenant first came hither this time, he let the dissen- ters and others know that he had instructions, if it could be done, ■■" They m.'iy be seen in "Lord Hervcy's Memoirs of the Reign of George tlic .Second." London, 1818, vol. i. chapter vii. "■■' I$oiiUcr'.>i "Letters," tte., vol. ii. [.. 108-112. 270 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxri. to get the Test repealed ; and he has since si>oken to all any ways dependent on the government, as well as to others whom he could hope to influence, to dispose them to concur with the design ; and so have others done that have the honour to be in his majesty's service. But it was unanimously agreed that it was not proper to bring that affair into either house of parliament till the supply was secured. However, as the design could not be kept secret, and as the dissenters sent up agents from the North to solicit the affair among the members of parliament, it soon oc- casioned a great ferment both in the two houses and out of them, and brought a greater number of members to town than is usual. There came likewise many of the clergy from the several parts of the kingdom to oppose the design, and a pamphlet war was car- ried on for and against repealing the Test, in which those who wrote for it showed the greatest temper.^c ^^^ ^j^us the persons who came to town to oppose it by degrees heated one another and visibly gained ground ; and the members of the House of Commons were by adjourned calls of the house kept in town. There were daily reports spread that the bill would be brought in such or such a day ; and some in the opposition gave out they would move for it, that the point might be decided one way or another. Till at length, after much impatience shown on the occasion, on this day se'nnight a very unusual, and, I think, un- parliamentary motion was made, that, after the next Friday, the house would neither receive bills, nor heads of bills, for repealing any part of the acts to prevent the growth of Popery, in one of which the Sacramental Test is enacted.^'^ There was some oppo- 3" The curious reader will see, in Mason's " History of St. Patrick's Catlie- dral," pp. 387, 388, the names of various pamphlets which appeared on this occasion ; but the list might be extended much farther. I possess at least half a dozen others, all anonymous. Among these the most important were five numbers of a paper, entitled, ' ' Reasons for the Repeal of the Sacramental Test," which appeared weekly at this particular crisis. They were the joint production of Mr. Abernetby and of Mr. "William Bruce, a bookseller in Dub- lin, youngest son of the Rev. James Bruce, minister of Ivillileagh, in the county of Down, from 1685 to 1730. •"*' This resolution of the commons, on Tuesday, the 11th of Dccembci', stands thus on their "Journals:" — "Resolved, that no bill or heads of a A.i>. 1733. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 271 sitlon made to the .sliortnoss of the time and the next Monday moved for ; but the warmth of the house, which was a very full one, against any further delay, and indeed against any repeal of the Test, appeared so great and so general, that it was thought most prudent not to divide al)out that resolution. And upon considering what then appeared to be the sense of much the greater part of the house, and what was found to be the disposi- tion of the members by talking with them, it was concluded at a meeting at the castle on Wednesday morning and another on Thursday morning, where some of the agents for the dissenters were present, to be most for the credit of the government and the peace of the kingdom, not to push for a thing which plainly ap- peared impracticable. And at a meeting of several members of the House of Commons who were disposed to repeal the Test, it was agreed that in the present state of aftairs it woukl be wrong to push for a thing that would certainly miscarry. ^Yliat has happened here will probably the less surprise your grace, be- cause the Archbishop of Dublin [Dr. Hoadly] in London, ac- quainted the ministry that he thought such a repeal could not pass here ; which has been my opinion from the beginning of this session. What representation the dissenters here may make of this affair I cannot tell. But I believe their agents from the North had at first met wnth either such encouragement or such general civil answers, that they had given greater hopes of suc- cess to their friends in the country than there was just reason for. And some of them at the meeting at the castle last Thursday, Avere for pushing the attair at all adventures, urging that they thought they should not lose the cause very dishonourably, tho' upon what passed there they seemed to have little hopes of its succeetling ; in which I think they looked more at their own honour than his majesty's service." In a letter to the Bishop of London, written two days afterwards, the archbishop furnishes this additional in- formation : — " I am apt to think that there were near three to two against it among the commons; and the majority was so clear that I question whether many who were for it would not have bill bo received after Friday next for the repeal of any clause in any act to prevent the further growth of Popery." Sec vol. vi. p. 326. 272 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxvr. absented themselves or have voted against it, if it liad come to a division, to avoid marking themselves to no purpose. And I am fully satisfied that in the House of Lords there would have been at least two to one against it." Such was the unsuccessful termination of this effort to repeal the obnoxious test ! Let the lesson which this failure teaches be carefully borne in mind. The Presbyterians too readily acqui- esced in it at first, being assured by the High Church party that it would be speedily abolished. But it had now existed thirty years, and its repeal seemed more hopeless than ever ; nor was the attempt renewed till nearly half a century afterwards, when it was at length crowned with success. The only relief extended to the Presbyterians duiing this reign was an act passed in the year 1738, by which they were exempted from all prosecutions for marriages celebrated in their congregations by ministers who had qualified under the Toleration Act.^^ This act, so far as it went, was an important boon. For though it did not directly legalise Presbyterian marriages, and even studiously withheld that name from them, yet, as it sanctioned and provided for their celebration, and exempted them from prosecutions in the eccle- siatical courts, it justified the inference that the legislature looked upon them as valid and unimpeachable. During these political struggles and external vicissitudes, the Presbyterian Church continued to enjoy internal prosperity, busied in endeavouring to train up an educated ministry, and to secure for them adequate encouragement. Symptoms of a desire to lower the standard of ministeriaP^ education had, in some 33 11 George II., chap. 10. It was entitled, "An Act for giving further ease to Protestant Dissenters with respect to Matrimonial Contracts," the legislature not deigning to call them marriages. It passed through parlia- ment, and received the royal assent as part of the customary bill of indemnity, though it is printed in the statutes as a separate act, which it was not. 39 The MS. of Dr. Reid terminates here abruptly. He had reached the foot of the page, and, intending to turn the leaf, had written part (min-) of the word " ministerial;" but it was the will of Him, whose providence extends to every stroke of the pen, that the sentence should be finished by the hand of another. Dr. Killen here takes up tlie narrative, and for the remainder of this history he alone is responsible. A.i). 1733. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 273 (luartcrs, been recently exliiltited ; l)ut, in 1730, a rule fonneily adopted by the synod was revived, and ordered to be punctually observed by all the presbyteries of the Church. According to this arrangement, every candidate, after having obtained the degree of master of arts, was required to study divinity at least four years.^*^ The synod soon afterwards passed a resolution, de- signed at once to maintain the numerical strength of its existing congregations, and to encourage young men of promise to devote themselves to the service of the Church. When a minister died, and when his flock disagreed as to the choice of a successor, it occasionally happened that an influential minority withdrew from the meeting-house, and took stops for the erection of another place of worship. Thus a Presbyterian population, not more than sufficient for the care of one pastor, was sometimes split up into two congregations. To prevent such divisions, the synod, at its meeting in Ballymena, in 1733, agreed to the rule, that unless two-thirds of the people concurred in the choice of a mi- nister, the presbytery should not sustain the call, and that the two-thirds should be reckoned according to " the number, quahty, and stipend of the congregation."^^ The choice had been previously determined by a simple majority of electors, and this new enactment involved an important, as well as a very questionable change, of the ecclesiastical franchise. As just quoted, it is ratlier vague, for no explanation is given of what is meant by " the quality" of the parties ; but, practically, the two-thirds of the voters, paying the two-thirds of the annual stipend, constituted what was called a " synodical majority." By introducing the element of money, this law imparted addi- tional weight to the votes of the more opulent, and so far violated the spirit of apostolic discipline, for, as members of *" " Abstract," p. 33. Before this time, students sometimes received tiie whole of their theologicixl educr.tion at home. It is related of the celebrated Leiand, that " he applied himself to the study of Hebrew and divinity under the direction of some learned and worthy ministers, who greatly assisted him in his studies." (" Life of Dr. John Leiand," prefixed to his " Discourses.") But tlic synod now required that every student should attend " two seasons, or at least one, in some- Divinity Hall in the colleges abroad." joctions, he at first gave an unsatisfactory answer, and, when more closely pressed, returned a positive refusal." His heterodoxy was now sufficiently clear, and it was accordingly suggested that his license, as a preacher, should be withdrawn. As Mr. Aprichard by this time saw that the presbytery of Armagh would not be permitted to ordain him, he came forward and put an end to the debate by renouncing the jurisdiction of the General Synod. The rejection of this heterodox candidate for ordination would not have attracted much notice, had it not been for the pertina- city with wliich he was supported by Mr. Cherry and other minis- ters. The most strenuous efforts were employed to obtain the sanction of the Church to the terms on which he sought to dis- pense with subscription. Motion after motion was artfully pro- posed, with a view to secure the votes of the wavering and un- wary ; and when the party found all their exertions unavailing, they had the temerity to enter two distinct protests upon the minutes. As these protests were accompanied with reasons which contained reflections, not only on the synod itself, but also on in- dividual members, they increased the iri'itation which the contro- versy had created ; and though the synod had so far sustained its credit and consistency as to set aside Mr. Aprichard's application, yet the fact that no less than twelve of its own muiisters had re- corded their dissent from its decision, had a tendency to lower its reputation in the estimation of a large portion of the community.'^ « MS: Minutes of tlie Synod of Ulster for 1739. Mr. Aprichard had received a call from the congregation of Mourno. He afterwards published a " Nar- rative" of his case, to which Mr. Thomas Kennedy, minister of Brigh, re- plied in another pamphlet. ' As the protests were not put into the clerk's hands, for insertion in tlie minutes, until about the close of the meeting, wlien the parties who felt ag- 282 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTEI^IAN chap, xxvii. Another act of the synod of 1739 did not escape the observa- tion of those lay members of the Church who were anxious for the maintenance of an orthodox ministry. The Rev. James Moody; minister of Magherally, had lately received a call to Newry, but as he was unwilling to renew his subscription to the confession, he had not yet been installed. A committee, ap- pointed to confer with him, reported that " he professed himself to be of subscribing principles ;" and without stating whether he had any other objections, added, " that he scrupled in regard to the article of the magistrate's authority."^ This vague apology was accepted, and the presbytery of Armagh was instructed to proceed with his installation. But the suspicions of those who questioned his soundness in the faith were not allayed by the cir- cumstance that he appeared among the protesters against the synod's deliverance in the case of Mr. Aprichard. Whilst these proceedings served to show that the synod fal- tered in enforcing its own law with regard to subscription, ac- counts of the successful progress of the Scotch secession con- tinued to reach Ulster. Many families in the neighbourhood of Lisburn, who had memorialed the Associate Presbytery for a sup- ply of ordinances shortly after the installation of INIr. Patton, still remained dissatisfied with the ministry of that gentleman ; and others not far distant, at a place called Lylehill, were now disposed to make a similar application. The motives whicli in- fluenced the people of Lylehill appear to have been of a mixed character. As they belonged to the congregation of Temple- patrick, they could not have objected to the doctrine preached to them, for the Rev. William Livingston, their minister, was a decided Calvinist, who had taken an active part in the contro- grieved by them had no opportunity of explanation or reply, it was ruled, the year following (1740), that, in future, reasons of protest should not be recorded without the synod's special permission. " Abstract," p. 39. 8 MS. Minutes of Synod for 1739. It appears that Mr. Moody never re- newed his subscription. (Clark's "New Light set in a Clear Light," p. 45.) It would seem, too, tliat he never was formally installed as minister of Newry, though he oflSciated as the pastor of the congregation for forty years. ' ' De- fence of the Answer to the Presbytery of Armagh's Appeal," p. 6. A.D. 1741-42. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 283 versy with the non-subscribers.^ Their numbers, and their dis- tance from Templepatrick, probably led them to think of obtain- ing a pastor for themselves; and the conduct of the neighbour- ing ministers, who refused to sanction the erection of the new congregation, weakened their attachment to the synod of Ulster. An oftence, given either by Mr. Livingston himself, or by a member of his family, to a person of some influence who resided near Lylehill, seems also to have contributed to the feeling of estrangement which prevailed throughout the district.^*^ Their first petition to the Associate Presbytery was presented towards the end of the year 1741. It was followed up by another a few months afterwards; and, in August 1742, Messrs. John Gibson and Samuel Henderson appeared as commissioners to support a memorial, " earnestly requesting supply of sermon."ii These de- puties were successful ; and, about the 1st of Sei^tember, they returned home, in company with ]SIr. Thomas Ballantyne, the first seceding preacher who visited Ireland.^^ Mr. Ballantyne ' See chap, xxv., notes GG and 69, and the text. Mr. Livingston was or- dained minister of Templepatrick in 1709, and died in 1758. In 1735, the Rev. Robert White, a native of Larne, was ordained as his assistant. 10 "The family of Henderson had a farm in Ricamore under the Upton family ; when the lease was expired, the esquire granted a lease of it either to Mr. Livingston or to his son, which gave so much offence to Mr. Henderson and his friends, that they withdrew from the congregation." Stephenson's " Historical Essay on the Parish and Congregation of Templepatrick," p. 44. " Clark's " New Light set in a Clear Light," pp. 88, 89. John Gibson married the daughter of his fellow-commissioner, Samuel Henderson, and among their great grandchildren are the Rev. John Barnett, D.D., Presby- terian minister of Moneymore, and James Gibson, Esq., one of the elders of Rosemary Street Church, Belfast, at present assistant-barrister for Queen's County, and late M.P. for Belfast. '- Ibid, p. 89. A New-Light minister from Dublin, who happened to bo on A visit in the North at this time, thus refers to these proceedings : — "The Seceding Presbytery, usually called the Erskinites, upon an application from a few giddy people in the head of Templepatrick and Killead parish, have very rashly sent over a candidate who, when I was at Antrim, preached two Lord's-days to vast multitudes. He has returned, and has along with him a supplication, subscribed by considerable numbers, for .i minister of that kidney." Letter from Dr. Duchal to Mr. William Bruce, dated October 1, 1742. " Notices of William Bruce, by Thomas Dix lliticks," j). 8. 284 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. remained little more than a fortnight in the country, but, during his visit, he preached repeatedly to numerous audiences ; and, in the October following, a document was laid on the table of the Associate Presbytery, announcing " the accession" of " a body of people in Ireland, being about ninety persons, inhabitants of Templepat- rick, Killead, and Crumlin."^^ j^j.^ Gravin Beugo, a licentiate of the Church of Scotland, Avho had espoused the cause of the se- cession, was now sent to labour for a short time as a missionary in the county of Antrim. He arrived about the beginning of January 1743, and preached eight Sabbaths. Messrs. Thomas Ballantyne and John Erskine^^ were afterwards appointed to preach here on the third and fourth Sabbaths of August ; but by this time the Associate Presbytery had become so popular in Scot- land, that it could not overtake all the claims on its ministerial services ; and, though several applications were presented to it from Lisburn, as well as from Lylehill, it does not appear that, for the remainder of the year, it was able to make any further arrangement to meet these appeals. Whilst the Associate Presbytery was furnishing occasional sup- plies of preaching to one or two districts in the North of Ireland, dissensions continued in the synod of Ulster. A new topic for discussion was now furnished, by a disruption which took place about this time in the congregation of Newtownlimavady. The Rev. William Conyngham, the minister of that place, died in May 1740 ; there was then a protracted struggle among the people relative to the choice of a successor, and at length, in May 1742, the Rev. Henry Erskine was ordained to the pastoral charge. Meanwhile a party adhered to another candidate, Mr. Joseph Osborne, and though his supporters were comparatively few, they " Secession Records. Some of the individuals in this country, who first joined the Seceders, were Scotchmen by birth, who had been long acquainted with members of the Associate Presbytery. Clark's "New Light set in a Clear Light," p. 90. 1* Mr. John Ersliine was the second son of the Rev. Ralph Erskine. He was at this time a licentiate of the Associate Presbytery. In the following year, he was ordained to the pastoral charge of the Secession congregation of Leslie, Fifeshire. AD. 1743. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 285 were wealthy and influential. Having applied in vain to their own presbytery of Deny to be ereeted into a new congregation, they had recourse to the presbytery of Antrim, and with the aid of re- commendatory letters from some members of synod by whom they were supported, they induced that body to receive them, and to ordain Mr. Osborne as their minister. These disorderly proceed- ings were condemned by all who were concerned for the mainten- ance of ecclesiastical discipline; and when they were brought under the notice of the synod assembled at Dungannon, in Juno 17-12, a series of overtures was adopted, announcing the deter- mination of the Church to punish probationers who encouraged divisions in vacant congregations, as well as to censure ministers who countenanced such probationers in applying for ordination " to any association not belonging to the General Synod."i^ \Vlien Mr. Osborne joined the presbytery of Antrim, his party asserted their right to occupy the meeting-house ; and, as it was erected on a plot of ground to which one of them had the legal title, they succeeded in obtaining possession of the building, so that Mr. Erskine and his congregation were obliged, for a time, to worship in the open field in the depth of winter. But Mr. Osborne and his adherents soon discovered that their connection with the presbytery of Anti'im was prejudicial to their interests as a congregation ; and accordingly, at its annual meeting in June 1743, they presented a memorial, praying to bo taken un- der the care of the synod. By some management this document was not brought forward for consideration until many, whose hostility might have been anticipated, had set out on their way home. Wlien it was introduced, at the very close of the business, it met with a most determined opposition, and a counter-memo- rial was presented from Mr. Erskine's congregation, complaining of their unjust expulsion from the meeting-house ; but as those members who were favourable to Mr. Osborne were jiresent in their full strength, and as they used their utmost efforts to sup- port him, they were able, when the question of his reception was put to the vote, to carry it in the aflirmative by a considerable '■■' " Abstnict," p. 40. 286 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. majority. Mr. Osborne was, indeed, obliged to express his con- cern because lie had irregularly applied for ordination to the presbytei'y of Antrim, and he was required, in terms of the authorised formula, to subscribe the Westminster Confession of Faith ; but, on complying with these conditions, he was formally admitted a member of the synod. The records of the Church show that this case excited uncom- mon interest, and that many were indignant at the hasty recep- tion of Mr. Osborne. At the annual meeting of synod in 1744, the Eev. John Stirling, the venerable minister of Bally- kelly,^*^ was permitted to enter on the records, on the part of him- self and others, a protest against the decision, as rash, unfair, and unconstitutional. The matter might not have been permitted to rest here, had it not been for the prudence with which Mr. Osborne acted after his reception by the synod, as contrasted with the indiscretion of his rival. The sympathy at first awakened in favour of those who attended Mr. Ersldne's ministry gradually abated, for it was soon discovered that the man of their choice was a rather unamiable individual, who could never live at peace with his co-presbyters, and who miserably failed in sustain- ing the credit of the ministerial character .^'^ Wliilst the two parties into which the Presbyterians of New- townlimavady were divided, were contending before the courts of the Church, another affair of a more perplexing description con- tinued to embarrass the General Synod. For some years, misun- derstandings had existed among the members of the presbytery of Armagh, and their counsels had been distracted by their mutual jealousies and distrust. The one party believed that the other did not faithfully maintain the doctrines of the Westminster Con- fession ; and though the ministers whose sentiments were chal- '" Mr. Stirling was ordained in 1701, and died in January 1752. 1' His congregation was called the congregation of Drunriachose. He de- mitted the charge in October 1761. His rival, ]\Ir. Osborne, was chosen moderator of the General Synod in 1780, and died in 1800. Shortly after his reception into the synod, the dispute relative to the mecting-liouse was submitted to arbitration, and amicably settled. MS. Minutes of Synod for 1744 and 1745. A.u. 1743. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 287 lenged were not prepared to admit the charge of heterodoxy, it is by no means clear that it was altogether destitute of founda- tion. The first occasion on which they betrayed a decided want of confidence in each other was when the business of Mr. Ap- richard, already mentioned, was under consideration ; and cer- tainly the zeal with which some of them supported a candidate of such questionable principles, was at least sufficient to awaken sus- picion. Not long afterwards, the case of another licentiate led to another controversy. Mr. Michael Hein-y had received a call from the congregation of Drumbanagher ; but as many families in the congregation earnestly objected to his settlement, and as the frivolity of his deportment was calculated to make a most un- favourable impression upon the minds of persons of intelligence and piety, some of his fathers in the ministry scrupled to proceed with his ordination.^^ This matter led to a discussion, in the course of wliich the parties too plainly discovered their estrange- ment ; and, as they were nearly equally balanced, their debates were, perhaps, conducted with the greater pertinacity. At the annual meeting of synod in 1742, a di\'ision of the presbytery was proposed, but in the hope that a little time would bring about a reconciliation, it was resolved that no change should be niadc for another year. In 1743, the prospect of harmony appeared as distant as ever, and the parties were now separated by the synod into the two presbyteries of Armagh and Dromore.^^ Even this '8 It was arranged, at the meeting of synod in 1742, that Mr. Henry and the congregation of Drumbanagher should be transferred to the care of the presbytery of Killileagh. He was ordained in October 1742. He never seems to have maintained a high character as a man of piety. See Clark's "New Light set in a Clear Light," p. 54. "• At the time of the division, the following ministers and congregations were connected respectively with the presbyteries of Armagh and Droniore: — Armagh iircsbytery .—i(A\n Menogh, Lurgan ; George Cherry, Clare: John Maxwell, Armagh; James Moody, Newry ; George Ferguson, Mar- kcthill ; ■ , Carlingford ; Andrew Kennedy, Mourne ; , Banbridge. Dromore presbyter ij. — Gilbert Kennedy, Donacloney, orTully- lish ; James Allen, 2d Dromore ; John King, Dromara ; Robert Thomson, Bailyroney ; William Thomson, Magherally ; John Mulligan, Mountnorris ; , Loughbrickland ; Robert Gordon, Rathfriland ; James Johnson, Donou'rhmorc. 288 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. arrangement did not put an end to their hostilities, for a paper war soon commenced, which attracted a considerable share of pubhc attention.^o The most exciting topic of discussion was furnished by a breach which took place about this time in the congregation of Markethill. The Eev. George Ferguson had been ordained there in March 1741, but his ministry had proved unacceptable to many of the people ; and, after the division of the old presbytery of Armagh, the malcontents had been supplied with preaching by the presbytery of Dromore. This proceeding, on the part of their former co-presbyters, was resented by the members of the new presbytery of Armagh, as a most unwarrant- able interference ; for they maintained, that as Markethill was under their care, no other co-ordinate court of the Church, with- out a breach of ecclesiastical propriety, could send preachers to any part of the congregation. When the question came before the synod for decision in 1744, the presbytery of Dromore was required to confine its ministrations to jjarties under its own su- perintendence ; and its conduct, in providing ordinances for mal- contents under the jurisdiction of the presbytery of Armagh, was pronounced to be " irregular and offensive/'^i But as a fama 20 Some time prior to June 1743, the parties afterwards connected with the presbytery of Dromore prepared a paper, intended for presentation to the General Synod, and headed, ' ' A Declaration in favour of Truth and Christian Liberty." Soon after the division which then took place, the two presby- teries became embroiled in the affair of Markethill ; and, in the beginning of the year 1*74:4;, the presbytery of Armagh published a tract, entitled, " An Appeal to the Impartial World." To this the presbytery of Dromore pub- lished a rejoinder, called "An Answer to the Appeal of the Presbytery of Armagh, wherein the Proceedings of the Presbytery of Dromore are laid open to public view." The other party put forth "A Reply" to this production ; and, in 1745, the controversy terminated by the publication of •' A Defe' ■• of the Answer to the Presbytery of Armagh's Appeal." 21 MS. Minutes of Synod of Ulster for 1744. The following are the names of the commissioners who appeared before the pi'esbytery of Dromore, and presented the first memorial from Markethill for a supply of preaching, viz.: — James Gray, Michael Ochletree, John Grier, Samuel M'Caskie, John Marshal], Hugh Wiiite, John Armstrong, David Clements, and John Grier. The immediate predecessor of Mr. Ferguson in the pastoral charge of Mar- kethill was the Rev. Archibald Maclaine, whose son, the Rev. Thomas Mac- A.D. 1744-45. CHURCH LN IRELAND. 289 clamosa, impeaching INIr. Ferguson's soundness in the faith, liad obtained extensive circulation, the synod instructed the presby- tery of Armagh, with commissioners from several other presbyteries, to meet at Markethill, on a prescribed day, that the matter might be investigated. This inquiry led to no satisfactory result. Mr. Ferguson was said to have denied the doctrine of original sin ; but, before the trial, parties expected to appear as witnesses were intimidated ; and, as no sufficient testimony was produced, the court adopted the dubious verdict of " not proved."^^ The pres- bytery of Armagh was understood to sympathise strongly with the non-subscribers, and the taunts which some of its ministers most imprudently addressed, on this occasion, to those dissatisfied with Mr. Ferguson, greatly aggravated the excitement of the neighbourhood. The complainants had all along regarded the members of the presbytery of Dromore as the friends of ortho- doxy, and they now desired more earnestly than ever to be placed under their ecclesiastical supervision. They accordingly presented a memorial to that effect to the synod of 1745 ; but the aj^pli- cation was unsuccessful, and those who did not relish the minis- try of Mr. Ferguson were instructed " to join Portnorris,23 or any other congregation subject to the presbytery of Dromore." The treatment of the people of Markethill indicated the grow- laine, minister of Monaghan, was the father of the celebrated Dr. Archibald Maclaine, the translator of" Mosheini's Ecclesiastical History." Dr. Maclaine ofiBciated for half a century as minister of the Scottish Church at the Hague. He resigned his charge in 1796, and died at Bath, in England, in 1804, in the eighty-second year of his age. He was for some time preceptor to the King of the Netherlands. Steven's " History of Scottish Church, Rotter- dam," pp. 309, 310. 2- MS. Minutes of Synod for 1745. At the time of the investigation, the court well knew why witnesses were not forthcoming. "They offered their solemn declaration to clear some facts before a magistrate then present, yet no security to them or their families to do it with safety was allowed ; but antecedent to their inquiry, a legal prosecution was threatened which muzzled one of the parties." ("Defence of the Answer to the Appeal," p. 10.) Tho same pamphlet states — "The discontented people are one hundred and seventy- nine souls, as we are informed — some two, some four, others five miles from the place of worship where they can join with freedom." (p. 10. ) -' Tliis is now called the congregation of Mountnorris. 290 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. ing influence of an anti-evangelical party in the synod of Ulster. A minister, believed by many to hold the errors of Pelagius, was permitted, with impunity, to intimidate his accusers, so that the charges against him could not be substantiated ; and a large body of people, who could derive no benefit from his services, and who were able, as well as willing, to support a pastor of their own, were not permitted to form themselves into a separate congrega- tion. At this period the adherents of the non-subscribers were full of hope, and some of them did not hesitate to say, that if a " few men were dead,"^^ alluding to certain leading ministers now far advanced in life, the synod and the presbytery of Antrim would again be united. The sermon delivered by the outgoing moderator, at the opening of the synod of 1745, proclaims the confidence of the abettors of what was now called " moderation." The Rev. John Carlisle, the preacher on this occasion, was the minister of Clogher.' Discoursing from the words of the apostle, " concerning zeal, persecuting the Church," he describes " different forms of Church polity, different creeds and confes- sions, and human schemes of Divine truth," as the " tithe of mint, anise, and cummin." He condemns a zeal for what he calls " the private and distinguishing ojjinions of particular sects and parties ;" he declares that " subscription is nothing," and that " non-sub- scription is nothing ;" he asserts that " zeal is only fit for wise men ;" and he endeavours to convince liis auditors that this zeal is " a dangerous thing in the weak and ignorant sort of people," being " an edge-tool which children in understanding should not meddle much with." The interest taken by the elders in the subscription controversy must have been regarded by him as par- ticularly censurable ; for he admonishes them to " meddle not in things which they do not understand," and he reminds them that the clergy " may have many little disputes among themselves" with which others " have no immediate concern." At a time when the Church enjoyed outward peace, and when a spirit of lukewarmness was threatening to paralyse her energies, the sub- ject of discourse was singularly inappropriate ; and the observa- -■' Clark's "Survey," p. 26. A.D. 1745. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 291 tions of the preacher, as they related to her struggles for the mahitenance of an evangelical testimony, vrere peculiarly objec- tionable. Comparatively icw ministers heard the sermon preached, for the greater number of the members had not yet arrived at the place of meeting ; but some, who were present, listened to it with impatience, and, at a private meeting of the brethren assembled on the following day, complained of several statements which the ex-nioderator had uttered.^^ Mr. Carlisle, when thus challenged, found it easy to put such a construction on his observations as rendered them pointless and harmless ; and the objectors, unwill- ing to disturb the peace of the Church, consented, with rather too much facility, to accept of his explanations. They had soon cause to repent of their acquiescence. The author immediately published his discourse,-*' and, as it had prefixed to it an extract from the minutes, signed by the moderator and clerk, stating that his " explications" of certain expressions it contained had given satisfaction to the assembled ministers and elders, not a few in- ferred that it had virtually received the imprimatur of the synod. Those who marked the signs of the times could not fail to be impressed by the perusal of this sermon ; for the fact that it had been preached before the supreme court of the Church, and that it had been permitted to pass without rebuke, was an indisput- able evidence of the progress of " moderate" ])rinciples. The inhabitants of Lylehill and the neighbourhood, who had ah'eady announced their adherence to the Associate Presbytery of Scotland, were not indifferent spectators of the proceedings of the synod of Ulster. Confirmed in their attachment to the cause of the secession by the increasing symptoms of defection in the -s Scrapie's "Survey Imprirtially Examined," p. 7. -*' It appeared with the following title : — "The Nature of Religious Zeal. A Sermon on Phil. iii. 6, preached at a General Synod held at Antrim, Juno the eighteenth 1745. By John Carlisle, M. A." Duod., pp. 32. The quo- tations given above are from pp. IC, 18, 27, 30, 31. Mr. Carlisle states, in the preface, that he had been solicited "by most of the ministers at the Ge- neral Synod" to publish the discourse. Mr. Semplc understands by this, "most part of the ministers who came in time to hear sermon." who, ac- cording to his account, did not exceed twenty. .Semplc's " Siirvoy Impar- tially Examined," p. 2. VOL III. U 292 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. Church from which they had withdrawn, they laboured, with the zeal of new converts, to induce others to join their standard. For several years, as we have seen, part of the congregation of Lis- burn had been dissatisfied with the ministry of Mr. Patton ; and, about the beginning of the year 1744, a number of families in the town and its vicinity followed the example of the people of Lylehill, by placing themselves under the care of the Scottish judi- catory.-'^ That body had now grown to such an extent by new ac- cessions, and its business had multiplied so rapidly, that it was obliged to adopt a new ecclesiastical organisation. On the 11th of October 1744, its members constituted themselves into " The Associate Synod," consisting of the three presbyteries of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dunfermline. By this arrangement the presby- tery of Glasgow was entrusted with the superintendence of the adherents of the secession in Ireland.^^ During the year, several seceding preachers came over, by appointment, to this country, and, in 1745, their supporters were prepared to give a call to a minister. The Associate Synod held its first meeting at Stirling, on the first Tuesday of March 1745 ; and, on that occasion, Mr. Isaac Patton, a licentiate under the care of the presbytery of Dunfermline, was commissioned to preach nine Sabbaths in Ulster. According to his instructions, he was to officiate four Sabbaths at Templepatrick, two at Belfast, two at Lisburn, and the remaining Sabbath " where he judged most for edification." At the same time, Mr. John M'Ara, a member of the presbytery of Glasgow, was required to visit Ireland in the end of June, and to preach there four Sabbaths.^^ His mission led to important results, for, on the 6th of July, he presided at the preparation of the call presented to the first seceding minister settled in Ireland. On that day, the adherents of the Associate Synod in Templepatrick, Belfast, and Lisburn, unanimously agreed to in- vite Mr. Isaac Patton to be their pastor, Mr. Patton was well fitted for the station which he was now invited to occupy. He has been described as " a little, active, 2' Secession Records. 28 M'Kerrow, p. 197. _ 38 Secession Records. A.D. 1746. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 293 sharp-eyed man," of respectable talents and ardent temperament, " exceedingly quick in all his motions," a keen controversialist, and noted for his " quaint, remarkable, and forcible sayings."^'' But, notwithstanding the anxiety of the people for his settlement at Lylehill, the state of matters in Scotland obliged his fathers in the ministry to defer his ordination. Shortly after the date of the call, the Pretender made his appearance in that country, and for nine months all ranks were kept in a state of pei-petual disquietude by the alarms of civil war. During this period, there seems to have been little intercourse between the members of the Associate Synod and their Irish adherents. At length, in April 1746, steps were taken for proceeding with the ordination. The synod, then assembled in Edinburgh, directed the presbytery of Glasgow to appoint a commission for the purpose, and recom- mended the presbytery of Dunfermline, under whose care Mr. Patton had been previously placed, to send over one of their members to take part in the ceremony .^i By four ministers no- minated accordingly, he was solemnly invested with the pastoral office at Lylehill, on the 9th of July 1746.32 A meeting-house was soon afterwards erected there for the accommodation of the worshippers. We have already seen how the General Synod, in 1745, re- fused to recognise the discontented Presbyterians of Markethill as a separate congregation. This decision did not, however, ex- so " Irish Unitarian Magaziiiu" for July 18i7, p. 230. '1 Secession Records. '* Tlie following record, published for the first time in the " Irish Unita- rian Magazine" for July 1817, describes the pecuniary arrangements mado for the support of the first Irish Secession minister : — "At Ballynaglougli, July the 8th 17iG, the day preceding Mr. Isaac Patton's ordination, then and there it was agreed upon, betwixt the members of presbytery, and some members of this congregation representing the whole, viz. — that Mr. Isaac Patton should have fifty pounds, sterling, yearly, by way of stipend ; the one half to be paid by this associate congregation, and the other half by Belfast and Lisburn, while supplying the same ; and then, whatever time Lisburn is laid aside, this congregation is to make up their quota ; and whatever timo Belfast is laid aside, this congregation is to make up their quota, to Mr. Patton. — Extracted ^ John Gibson, Session-Clerk.' 294 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. tinguish their hopes of obtauiing a minister. They immediately turned their attention to the Associate Synod, and, in the month of Sejitember of the same year, applied to it for preaching. As it appeared that the memorialists made their appeal simply on the ground of dissatisfaction with their pastor, and that they were ignorant of the peculiar princijjles of the Church with which they now intended to ally themselves, the synod did not deem it expedient, in the first instance, to accede to their petition. The war which wasted Scotland had probably some influence in dic- tating this decision, for it is not strange that neither ministers nor licentiates were willing to undertake a distant journey at so perilous a juncture. But that the people of Markethill might not be altogether discouraged, they were instructed, in the mean- time, to make themselves acquainted with the " Act and Testi- mony," and the other formularies of the synod ; and they were given to understand, that on a future occasion they might hope for a more favourable answer.^^ The terror created in Scotland by the presence of the Pre- tender imposed a temporary check on the missionary zeal of the secession ministers ; but, on the restoration of tranquillity, they resumed their labours in Ireland with increased energy. About two months after the ordination of Mr. Patton at Lylehill, Mr. John Swanston, one of the licentiates of the Associate Synod, was appointed to itinerate three months in that country ; and Mr. George Murray, a member of the Associate Presbytery of Edin- burgh, was sent over to preach one Sabbath at Belfast, another at Saintfield, a third at Markethill, and a fourth at Ballinderry.^* ^^ Secession Records. 2* Secession Records. At this time the congregation of Saintfield was vacant. The Rev. James Rainey, the former minister, died in January 1 745, and about two years and a half afterwards, or in July 1747, the Rev. Richard Walker was ordained to the pastoral charge. To this period we may trace the origin of the seceding congregation of Boardmills. The Rev. Clotworthy Brown, ordained February 1746 as minister of Ballinderry, was one of the New-Light party. In the following year he was removed to Ballynure. Un- willing to renew his subscription to the confession, he refused to be installed in Ballynui-e by the pi'esbytery of Templepatrick, and, in consequence, joined the presbytery of Antrim. MS. Minutes of Synod for 1747-48. A.D. 17iO. CHURCH IN IRELAND, 295 Not long afterwards, one of the founders of the secession, the Rev. James Fisher of Ghisgow, the son-in-law of Ebenezer Ers- kine, visited Ireland, and preached at Ballynahineh, Belluly near Banbridge, and various other places. So great Avas the popu- larity of Mr. Fisher, that persons had been known to go from Ireland to Kinclaven, the little Scottish parish where he was ori- ginally settled, to attend his communions.-'^ When he appeared in Ulster, he attracted crowded audiences, as every one was anxious to see and to hear a preacher who enjoyed such reputa- tion, and who had made so great personal sacrifices in the cause of the secession. Even some of the ministers of tlie synod of Ulster were disposed to bid him welcome. He himself states, that he was " kindly entertaiued"3C at the house of Mr. Allen, the minister of Dromore, and that he had taken friendly counsel with Mr. King, the minister of Dromara. The excitement occasioned by the controversy between the presbyteries of Armagh and Dro- more had yet scarcely subsided, and Messrs. King and Allen seem to have considered that their hands would be strengthened, and the cause of truth promoted, by the preaching of the mission- aries of the Associate Synod within the bounds of the congrega- tions of their " moderate brethren." But Mr. Fisher had another object in view in his conferences with these ministers. He was anxious to encourage a disruption in the synod of Ulster,^'' as he saw that, if the evangelical party could be induced to adopt the testimony of his Church, the secession would be at once firmly and extensively established in the North of Ireland. The friendly intercourse between Mr. Fisher and these members of the pres- bytery of Dromore was not, however, of long continuance. '* M'Kerrow, p. 833- 3« Letter to Mr. King. In his reply to this letter, Mr. King says — "I could look upon it as no bad thing in the Sccedcrs, their being much con- cerned about us, nor did I like very ill their first concerning themselves in our affairs. I hop'd even their coming over to this country, however irregular, might have some good effects. I must own I took it to have a promising aspect." (".\ View of Seceders," p. 23.) This pamphlet, which was printed at Belfast in 1748, simply contains a letter from Fisher to King, and King's reply. 3" "A View of Seceders," p. 27. 296 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. Though Messrs. King and Allen did not pretend to vindicate either the spirit or the conduct of many of their brethren, they considered that all overt acts of ministerial delinquency could be corrected by the faithful exercise of discipline, and they did not feel themselves at liberty to attempt a breach in the synod of Ulster, inasmuch as they could not conscientiously object to any of its constitutional principles. They were not, therefore, at all prepared to join the ranks of the secession. It soon appeared that the two parties could not cordially co-operate, and their cor- respondence terminated in a settled alienation. But their tem- porary intercourse had a healthful influence, for it led the mem- bers of the presbytery of Dromore to expose existing abuses with greater boldness than before, and to promote an agitation of the public mind extremely detrimental to the progress of New- Light sentiments. At the annual meeting of synod, held at Magherafelt in 1747, "supplications" were presented from Mag- herally, Dromore, Dromara, and Ballyroney, " complaining of sundry errors and corruptions" which were creeping in upon the Church, and praying for their removal.^^ These suppli- cations were supported by commissioners, who pointed out, in detail, the evils which the petitioners deplored. It appeared that the tide of infidelity, which had been sweeping over Europe, had set in upon the North of Ireland, and that various publica- tions of a deistical tendency had been recently spread through- out Ulster. Several ministers of the General Synod, though professing an orthodox creed, had justly incurred suspicion by lending their countenance to publications which directly assailed the doctrines of the Westminster Confession. A new edition of Taylor " On Original Sin," one of the most artful treatises in defence of Pelagianism that has ever appeared, had been lately undertaken,39 and the more serious and intelligent portion of the Presbyterian public had been astonished and alarmed by hearing that some of their own pastors had subscribed for the publication. 38 MS. Minutes of General Synod for 1747. 59 The treatise of the great Jonathan Edwards "On Original Sin," in answer to this work by Taylor, did not make its appearance until the year 1757. A.D. 1747. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 297 At this time there was not a single minister in the synod who had not puhlicly professed liis adherence to the Westminster for- mularies ; and those wlio had betrayed their inconsistency, by encouraging the reprint of the -work of Taylor, made only an abortive effort to excuse themselves, by j)leading that they were the friends of free inquiry, and that their purchase of a book did not imply their approval of its sentiments ; for it was Avell known that they had been putting the volume into the hands of mem- bers of their congregations, and that, at least in a few instances, a single individual had subscribed for a number of copies.*'^ ^Vhen the deputies from Dromara and the other congregations connected with the presbytery of Dromore had explained the views of their constituents, a committee was appointed to prepare a statement on the subject, to be submitted to the consideration of the synod. The result of these deliberations was such as some, at least, of the petitioners could scarcely have anticipated. Though the " supplications" had a special reference to the con- duct of those who wore now known by the designation of " mode- rate men,"*^ the ministers implicated had not the courage to stand forward in their own vindication. They deemed it prudent to bow, for the time, before this demonstration of popular feeling, and agreed to a document admitting, in general terms, the exist- ence of the evils of which the petitions complained ; but they adroitly contrived to blunt the edge of these acknowledgments, by recounting, as grievances, some items which many who signed the " supplications" would have never thought of including in such an enumeration. Of late, the missionaries of the Associate Synod had been itinerating in all tlirections, and vast multitudes had been attending their sermons. As often as they enjoyed an opportunity of addressing the congregation of a moderate or *<• "Some members of the synod subscribed for the reprinting of Mr. Taylor's book against original sin, particularly Mr. Henry Jackson (minister of Banbridge), iov thirtij-two copies." King's Letter to Fisher, 'M'iew of Seccders," p. 17. *' The designation " moderate men" was applied to those members of the synod who sympathised with the non-subscribers. It occurs in the contro- versy between the presbyteries of Armagh and Dromore, and was then ob- viously in current uso. Sec " Aiiswcr to the Appeal," p. 10. 298 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. New-Light preacher, they had galled himself and his friends by the severity with which they assailed liis ministrations. The anti- evangelical portion of the synod eagerly grasped at the present opportunity for retaliation. They proposed to insert in the docu- ment to be prepared an attack upon their new enemies ; and as the Seceders had now lost the confidence of the presbytery of Dromore, and had been endeavouring to establish preaching sta- tions in the congregations of ministers of undoubted orthodoxy, the other members not imwillingly agreed to the overture. The paper now drawn up by the committee was called " A Serious Warning," and was addressed to the Presbyterian laity of Ulster. This paper, when submitted to the synod, led to some discus- sion, and several amendments were proposed and adopted. It was then resolved, with only one dissentient voice, that it should be printed, and read on the Lord's-day from the pulpits of all the congregations of the Church. As the document occupies a prominent place in this portion of the history of Irish Presbyte- rianism, it is here given at length : — " A Serious Warning to the people of our communion, within the bounds of the synod. " Whereas this synod has been well informed that several dan- gerous errors, that sap the very foundation of Christianity, are creeping into our bounds — such as men's denying the doctrine of original sin — the proper and real satisfaction of Christ, and the necessity of his imputed righteousness in order to our justifica- tion— as also the necessity of sincere obedience to the moral law to qualify us for communion with God here and eternal life here- after^2 — and that the doctrine of the ever-blessed Trinity of Per- sons in the Unity of Essence, and their being of one substance, power, and eternity — and the Grospel ordinances instituted by *2 King states ("View of Seceders, " p. 32) that this clause was put into the first draught of the " Warniug, " "by some who suspected the Seceders that way," and mentions thnt he objected to its insertion, knowing that tliey could not be justly charged with antinomianism ; but adds, that it was per- mitted to remain, because it appeared "that there were others, particularly in Dublin, who denied the necessity of obedience to the moral law, and it was fit to warn against them." A.D. 1747. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 299 Christ, the great Head and Lawgiver of his Church, are ques- tioned or denied by some — nay, even the Sacred Scriptures themselves, disbelieved and openly impugned : — this synod thought it their duty both to lament this mournful case, and to express, hereby, their utmost detestation and abhorrence of, and to bear testimony against these and all other errors whatso- ever, and do take this opportunity to warn and obtest all that are in their communion watchfully to guard against them, and to continue steadfast in the faith that has been handed down to us from oiu" forefathers contained in the Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, and summarily abridged in our West- minster Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catecliisms. And for this end we would advise unlearned men not to read erroneous books, but rather that they apply themselves to the reading of the Sacred Scriptures, and such practical sound writ- ings as, by the Divine blessing, may be of use to fill their hearts with grace, and not their heads with vain disputes, or dangerous errors. And we strictly enjoin all of our communion to beware of putting erroneous books into the hands of unlearned men, which we look upon to be as dangerous as putting swords into the hands of childi'en who know not how to use them. " And whereas some teachers, known by the name of Seceders, have, in a most disorderly way, intruded themselves into our bounds, and in many cases have vehemently railed against this synod, as if we kept in our communion such as are tainted with the most dangerous errors, we hereby declare that no such thing has ever yet appeared to vis in a judicial way, and sure it would be most contrary to the rules of reason and presbji;erial govern- ment to cast out of our communion any member or members without trial or evidence of any sort ; and therefore we challenge and at the same time cheerfully invite all such as pretend to know any such person or persons, to appear and libel them, according to the right and knoAvn rules of presbyterial Church discipline and government — and we faithfully promise if any be convicted, that they shall be duly censured according to the demerit of their crime. And further we recommend it to all the inferior judica- tories of this Church to do their utmost, in a true presbyterial 300 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvh. way, to purge this Church of all unsound members, if any such be among us ; and to endeavour with all true zeal and diligence to preserve, as mvich as lies in their power, the purity of doctrine, discipline, and worship established in this Church within their respective bounds." Those members of the synod whose orthodoxy was suspected could join with perfect safety in this challenge to the Seceders, for the real ground of comjilaint was, not that they directly as- sailed any of the great doctrines of the Gospel, but that they did not " declare all the counsel of God." By their studied silence, or their ambiguous phraseology, they left their hearers to infer that they either discarded or questioned certain principles promi- nently set forth in the confession. Piety was now rapidly de- clining, and too many of the ministers were exhibiting a very secular spirit ; but there was not at this period even one avowed Unitarian or Arminian among the members of the synod of Ulster. Though this " Warning" notices the Seceders in no very com- plimentary language, its publication is an evidence that they were already beginning to exercise a very salutary influence. The public mind was now excited, the associate ministers en- joyed an extensive popularity, and some of the members of the General Synod clearly saw, that if they adhered to the lukewarm and vacillating course which they had lately been pursuing, they would endanger the stability of their congregations. Hence it was that they agreed with so much unanimity to the publication of this ecclesiastical manifesto. Another act of the annual meeting of 1747 shows how recent movements had balked the hopes' of the advocates of moderation. Towards the close of the proceed- ings, one of the party moved that the synod should consider " how far communion with the non-subsci"ibers should be allowed." The proposal Avas designed to prepare the way for a reunion with the presbytery of Antrim. To moot such a question at such a time was highly injudicious, as its discussion was calculated to add immensely to the agitation which the Seceders had produced; and as the greater number of the ministers and elders had already set out on their way homewards, it was urged that the considera- tion of a matter of such deep importance could not then bo intro- A.D. 1717. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 301 dueed. As the "moderate men" had sometimes, on former oc- casions, carried their measures in a thin liouse, the other party seem to have been afraid to meet their motion witli a direct ne- gative, and they accordingly suggested that a deliverance sliould be delayed for another year. The friends of the non-subscribers rejected this very reasonable proposition, and insisted upon an immediate decision. When the roll was called, it was plain that they had miscalculated their strength, as the motion for delay was carried " by a great majority. "^^ A few months before this meeting of synod, an event occurred fitted greatly to damage the reputation of the secession. Its ad- herents, in consequence of their separation from the Established Church, occupied a new social position, and it had become a ques- tion whether they could, with propriety, take an oath adminis- tered to the burgesses in several of the borough towns of Scot- land. The oath pledged the party adjured to support " the true religion presently professed within the realm, and authorised by the laws thereof," but the exact meaning of this formulary was keenly disputed. One party maintained that the oath, having been framed with a view to prevent Papists from becoming bur- gesses, merely implied an approval of the true religion itself, as that which was settled and professed in the realm, and that, as the Seceders were sound Protestants, they might take it with safety ; the other party contended that it should be rejected by aU the faithful supporters of the Associate Testimony, inasmuch as it involved a recognition of patronage, and all the legalised abuses of the existing Presbyterian establishment.** Had they agreed to differ on the subject, and to act as their con\dctions dictated, they would have displayed a becoming forbearance ; « MS. Minutes of the Synod for 1747. ** The following is the disputed clause of the burgess oath : — " Here I protest before God, .tnd your lordships, that I profess, and allow with my heart, the true religion presently professed within this realm, and authorised by the laws thereof: I shall abide thereat, and defend the samc'to my life's end ; renouncing the Roman religion called Papistry." This clause was con- tiiined in the oath administered to burgesses in the towns of Edinburfh, Glasgow, and Perth. M'Kcnow, p. 210. 302 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. but those who condemned the oath insisted that submission to their views should be made a term of ministerial and Christian fellowship. The Secession Church was occupied upwards of two years with these discussions, and at length, in April 1747, thoy issued in a disruption. The two parties claimed each the desig- nation of " The Associate Synod ;" but, in popular language, those who defended the taking of the oath, and those who con- demned it, Avere known respectively as Burghers and Anti- burghers. The acrimony with which the controversy was con- ducted, as well as the narrow spii'it it exhibited, lowered the Se- ceders in public estimation, and Presbyterian discipline suffered a terrible indignity when the Antiburghei's pronounced upon the Erskines and then- adherents the sentence of the greater excom- munication.*^ Mr. Patton, the seceding minister of Lylehill, was present at the meeting of the Associate Synod which ended in its disrup- tion. The Scottish burgess oath did not concern Irish Pres- byterians, and, in as far as they were personally interested, they might fairly have regarded the debates which it engendered as if they had pertained to a question of barren and unprofitable casu- istry ; but the controversial spirit is infectious, and the Irish, as well as the Scotch Seceders, were divided into two sections. Mr. Patton and his congregation joined the Antiburghers ; other societies, recently established in Ireland, em'oUed themselves under the standard of the Burghers. Had the Irish Presbyte- rian Church been at this j^eriod in a healthy condition, the schism occasioned by the burgess oath might, at least in Ulster, have proved fatal to the new sect ; but it seems to have had compara- tively little influence, and the existence of a deep and extensive dissatisfaction with the General Synod is clearly estabUshed by the fact, that the Seceders continued to prosper, notwithstanding the scandal connected with this division. The publication of the " Serious Warning" produced a great sensation. It was hailed with much satisfaction by a large por- tion of the laity attached to the synod of Ulster, but the Sece- ** M'Kerrow, p. 236, 237. A.D. 1747. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 303 tiers attacked it with all their powers of logic and declamation. In their estimation, it was but "a cunning gravestone upon truth,"**^ for they alleged that it professed zeal for doctrines which its framers had virtually entombed. They insisted that it attempted to practise a gross delusion on the laity, by requiring them to come forward and prosecute unsound teachers, at a time when the synod was so corrupt that the condemnation of a heterodox minister was not to be expected. They complained that it treated themselves with much injustice, by describing them as disorderly persons, railers, and intruders. But, perhaps, their most weighty and telling charge was based upon that part of it which speaks of " the necessity of sincere obedience to the moral law to qualify us for communion with God here and eternal life hereafter." This, said they, is the very essence of "New -Light" doctrine. "Nothing can qualify any of Adam's family for communion with God here, and eternal life hereafter, but vital union with the Lord Jesus by faith," and the statement in the " Warning" " overturns the doc- trines of original sin, the satisfaction of Christ, and his imputed righteousness."'^'^ Wliatever may be thought of the other objec- tions urged against this ecclesiastical proclamation, it must be ad- mitted that the Seceders here discover their correct acquaintance with theology ; for the members of the General Synod, in their anxiety to iusmuate a charge of antinomianism against their trou- blesome assailants, had incautiously adopted phraseology which cannot stand the test of Scriptural criticism. *" Fisher's Letter to King. The Seceders lilcewise complained, tliat whilst the "Warning" att.iclced them with so much sevcritj', it took no notice of the Moravians, who had lately made their appearance in Ulster. In 1740, the Rev. John Cennick, originally a Methodist preacher, hut then a mi- nister of the Church of the United Bretliren, visited various parts of tho North of Ireland. In the controversial pamphlets of the day, his adherents are styled "the wild Moravians" by the Seceders, as vrell as by the mem- bers of the synod of Ulster. (See Clark's " Brief Survey," pp. 48, 50, 51.) About this time, some of the Moravians were justly charged with fanaticism. Mr. Cennick is said to have been invited to the North of Ireland in 1740 by "a certain zealous man at Ballymenagh." (Cranz " History of the Brethren," p. 421. London, 1780. ) He preached to " vast numbers of people." Ibid. " Fisher's I^etter to Kiii". / 804 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvir. The controversy between the Seceders and the synod of Ulster continued for years ; but as there was little variety in the argu- ments employed on either side, the topics generally introduced into the discussion may here be summarily enumerated. The Scottish preachers justified their appearance in Ireland, by plead- ing the unfaithfulness of the existing ministry. They upbraided their adversaries for their neglect of ecclesiastical discipline; and, in support of the accusation, they afiirmed that the ignorant and profane were often admitted to the Lord's table — that parents who did not maintain family worship were suffered to present their children for baptism — and that violators of the seventh com- mandment were not always censured in presence of the whole congregation. They complained, farther, that ministers did not duly visit and catechise the families committed to their pastoral oversight. The practice of reading sermons from the pulpit, which at this time prevailed to a considerable extent among the members of the synod of Ulster, was a grievance on which the Seceders frequently expatiated. " We have never known," said they, " any instances of sermons thus read blessed for the convic- tion and conversion of sinners. Paper-readers are no preachers of the Gospel. To what a low pass is the Sabbath-day's work now reduced among Protestant dissenters in the North of Ireland, when multitudes of them must travel several miles to places of public worship to hear and see a man standing up in a pulpit, reading an oration like a schoolmaster."*^ The matter contained in the odious manuscripts elicited a still weightier condemnation, for many of the ministers, instead of proclaiming the glorious Grospel, were said " to discourse like heathen moralists." The personal conduct of the members of the General Synod did not escape the animadversion of their unsparing critics. They were reproached for their inattention to family religion, for their con- formity to the world, and for their " excessive entanglement with the aftairs of this life."*^ 18 Clark's "Survey," p. 38, 39. ■" "The dissenters think it unseemly that any of their teachers should divert themselves from the work in yarn-buying, linendraping, being lawyers, proctors, distillers of spirits — and being drovers, might have been added." A.u. 1747. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 305 Tlio parties against whom these heavy charges were preferred were not disposed to permit them to pass unnoticed. Some of them them they tried to palliate, and others they attempted to prove grouudless. They admitted that the reading of sermons was not uncommon ; but without pretending in every case to vin- dicate the practice, they contended that, under sjjecial circum- stances, it was perfectly warrantable. They accused the Sece- ders of exaggeration and calumny, and they called on them to accept of the challenge held out in the " Serious Warning," and to table their complaints before the Church courts of the General Synod, that they might be thoroughly investigated. As the associate missionaries had now commenced to administer the various ordinances of religion in several districts where New- Light doctrine had made very little progress, and as they did not require the usual certificates of character and standing from those who applied to them for admission to communion, they were con- demned as destroyers of Presbyterian discipline ; and it was al- leged that they involved themselves in the guilt of schism, by entering into settled congregations where the Gospel was faith- fully proclaimed, and by there setting up altar against altar. Their attacks upon the strain of preaching, at this time but too common amongst the Presbyterian ministers of Ulster, pro\^oked retalia- tion, and the utmost anxiety was manifested to convict them- selves of some theological error. Their ambiguous or unguarded statements were seized on with avidity, and attempts were often made to fasten on them the imputation either of ignorance or of heresy. The severest criticism was applied to the examination of their "Act and Testimony," and it was pronounced absurd, disloyal, and intolerant. Their proceedings in their Church courts were held up to ridicule ; and they were represented as a party of impracticable men, who delighted in the whirlwind of sectarian strife, and Avho, at the termination of their stormy de- (Clark's "New Light," «kc., p. 67.) In tlie last clause of tliis sentence, Mr. Clark probably refers to a minister in the county of Derry, who occupied himself with the management of a largo stock-farm, to tiie great neglect of his congregation. This minister was eventually obliged by the presbytery to demit his pastoral charge. 306 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. bates about the burgess oath, had just consummated their folly by renouncing communion with each other. It was not to be expected that these hot belligerents would be always satisfied with fulmmating from distant pulpits. More im- petuous and chivah-ous spirits panted for a closer engagement. It accordingly happened that the one party sometimes challenged the other to a public discussion. On these occasions the merits of the Secession and the Greneral Synod were defended and attacked by their respective champions in the j^resence of immense audi- tories. One of the most remarkable of these theological combats took place at Ballyrashane about this period. Mr. John Swan- ston, a licentiate of the secession, had been preaching in the neigh- bourhood of Coleraine, and, as he possessed superior talents and a popular address, he attracted much attention. In his ser- mons, he often declaimed with uncommon vehemence against the defections of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and he thus gave great offence to the members of the synod of Ulster .^o The Rev. Eobert Higinbotham, one of the ministers of Coleraine, who has been previously mentioned in this history, in connection with the subscription controversy, was a person of rather irri- table temperament, and though pretty far advanced in life, he could not brook what he regarded as the insults of this Scottish probationer. As he was now moderator of the Greneral Synod, he perhaps considered that he was therefore under special obli- gations to defend its reputation ; and, in an evil hour, he invited Mr, Swanston to meet him face to face, that they might debate the claims of their respective churches. Mr. Swanston was not the man to decline such an invitation ; and, on a platform erected in the open air, and surrounded by a prodigious congregation, the parties proceeded with the discussion. No record has been preserved of that day's ai'gument ; and as the tongue is, in a cer- tain sense, invincible, it commonly happens in such cases that both sides claim the victory ; but tradition reports that the acute 50 King of Dromore calls him "Mr. Swanston, that noted dcfamcr." ( " View of Seceders," p. 9. ) He was ordained minister of the seceding con- gregation of Kinross, in Scotland, in June 1748, and at a subsequent period was elected Professor of Divinity for the Burgher Synod. A.D. 1747. CHURCH IN IRELAND. ^X>7 Scot more than once sadly distressed tlie minister of Coleraine with the horns of a dilemma. It is said that Mr. Higinbotham him- self was not disposed to boast of his success in this controversy."^ During the year 1747, the secession cause made considerable progress in Ulster. The labours of Mr. Swanston and others laid the foundations of the seceding congregations of Ballyrashane and Roseyards. The people of Killenney, or Boardmills, a district between Belfast and Saintfield, were at an inconvenient distance from any place of Presbyterian worship, and influenced partly by a desire to obtain a pastor for themselves, and partly by dissatis- faction with the services upon which they were attending, they applied for preaching to the Associate Synod. In the spring of 1747, the numbers attached to their society wex*e so great, that they considered themselves able to support a minister. In another part of the county of Down, the Seceders, about this time, ob- tained possession of a house of worship. The Eev. Thomas Creighton, the minister of Moira, died in the end of the year 1741, and the congregation, which was poor, and oppressed with debt, had meanwhile remained without the services of a stated pastor. This state of things produced discontent, and the as- sociate missionaries, who were invited to visit the place during the vacancy, preached with such acceptance, that a large portion of the people resolved to join their communion. So early as April 1747, the Seceders of Moira presented to the Associate Synod a petition, in which they proposed to give a call to a miuister.'^2 j^ fg^y months afterwards, a vote of the synod of *' The challenge, on this occasion, was conveyed in " A Letter from tlie Rev. Mr. Robert Higinbotham of Coleraine to his Friend, relating to the principles and conduct of one Mr. Swanton, an itinerant preacher from the Seceding brethren in Scotland, now in the -North of Ireland." This document is dated, " Coleraine, April 3, 1747." After stating thirteen ob- jections to the proceedings of Mr. Swanston, Mr. Higinbotham adds (page 7), " I challenge Mr. Swanton [Swanston was his proper name], and all las ad- mirers, to put me on the proof of any of the above particulars, and tliat this may bo known, I beg that you will make this letter as public as you can." Similardiscussions were hold at Aghadoey, Clontibret, and clsowiicre. Clark's " New Light set in a Clear Light,'" p. 64. •" Secession Records. VOL. III. X 308 ISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. Ulster provoked the majority of one of its most flourishing con- gregations to go over to the secession. The Rev. Cliarles Mas- terton of Belfast had become infirm, and the congregation in- vited the Rev. William Laird, minister of Ray, in the county of Donegal, to assist him in the pastoral charge. Mr. Laird, who was greatly beloved by the people of Ray, and connected by birth, as well as by family ties, with the district in which he mi- nistered,^^ was himself averse to the change ; and when the call was submitted to his j^resbytery, it was decided that he should re- main in his present congregation. The commissioners from Bel- fast^'' now appealed to the sub-synod of Derry, but that court unanimously reaffirmed the finding of the presbytery. The commissioners again appealed to the approaching meeting of the General Synod, where, after much discussion, it was carried, by a majority of votes, that Mr. Laird should be removed to Belfast. He was greatly embarrassed by this decision ; but as he was un- willing to resist the authority of the supreme court of the Church, he reluctantly resigned the charge of the Ray congregation. The loss of a minister so popular created much dissatisfaction among the Presbyterians of the district ; and he had scarcely been in- stalled in Rosemary Street, when the greater part of his former flock renounced the jurisdiction of the synod of Ulster. At the meeting of the presbytery of Letterkenny, on the 21st of October 1747, the members appointed to supply the vacancy reported, *' The Rev. Wm. Laird was the son of tlie Rev. Francis Laird, ordained minister of Donoughmore, near Raphoe, in 1709. Mr. LairJ was a popu- lar preacher, and, shortly after his settlement at Ray, received a call from the congregation of Plunket Street, Dublin, which he was permitted to decline. He married the daughter of the Rev. David Fairly, minister of Convoy. The Rev. William M'Clure, minister of the 1st Presbyterian congregation of Lon- donderry, is the great-grandson of this couple. Mr. Laii'd died in Decem- ber 1791. I am indebted to his grandson, Charles Thomson, Esq., one of the honoured founders of the Fisherwick Place Presbyterian Church, Bel- fast, for the use of several scarce pamphlets which throw considerable light upon the history of this period. ** On tliis occasion, no less than four members of the congregation of Rosemary Street appeared as commissioners before the presbytery of Letter- kenny, met at Ballindreat. MS. Minutes of the Presbytery of Letterkenny. A.D. 1747. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 309 " that the people of Ray refused them the benefit of the meeting- liouse or yard," and that " one JNIr. Smyton, and one Miller, vSe- ceders, preached there. "^"^ The Seceders soon afterwards asserted their exclusive right to the possession of the meeting-house, and occupied it for several years,'''' whilst the remnant of the congre- gation adhering to the General Synod were, meanwhile, obliged to struggle with many difficulties. Those who originally joined the Seceders were, generally speak- ing, persons in very humble life, and, as might have been expected from the temptations to which they were peculiarly exposed, they were often charged with censoriousness and indiscretion ; yet even those who blamed them as implicated in schismatical proceedings, were disposed to give them credit for zeal and piety. The early associate missionaries must unquestionably have been " in labours more abundant ;" for, notwithstanding the paucity of their num- bers, they established and supplied preaching stations in almost every quarter of the province of Ulster. "S^lierever the General Synod had an evangelical and active representative they found few adherents ; but where the people were far from a place of worship, or distracted by disputes relative to the election of a minister, or under the superintendence of an inefficient or a New- Light pastor, they almost uniformly met with encouragement. It is so happened that at this time the number of vacant charges was considerable, and some of them had been long unsettled. The Rev. Robert Thompson, the minister of Ballyroney, had died in September 1743, and no successor had yet been chosen. The ** MS. Minutes of the Presbytery of Lotterkcnny. Mr. Smyton was a member of the Antiburgher Presbytery of Glasgow, and Mr. Miller a proba- tioner. At the same meeting of presbytery, it is reported tliat the people of Urncy arc "in a shattered way through Seceders and other division." The congregation of Urney was then vacant. •''" At its annual meeting in Juno 1752, the congregations of Moira and Kay complained to the General Synod of the heavy expenses they liad incurred, and were still likely to incur, in lawsuits ' ' for the recovery of their meeting-houses that some time .ago had been violently seized and detained from tiicm by the Sece- ders." (MS. Minutes of Synod fur 1753.) The congregation of H.ay, after the removal of Mr. Laird, remained about seven years vacant ; at length, in 1764, the Rev. .James Turretinc was removed from Tobermore to this charge. 310 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. people at length became disheartened, and testified their dis- pleasure against their clerical overseers, by presenting a memorial to the General Synod, at its annual meeting in ] 747, complain- ing that their interests had been neglected by the presbytery of Dromore.^''^ The Seceders had already been preaching in the place, and they soon succeeded in organising a congregation. Circumstances of a different character led to the apjiearance of the associate ministers at Newtownlimavady. Though, as the reader may recollect, two members of the General Synod were now settled in that place, the services of neither were acceptable to many of the Presbyterians of the district. Mr. Osborne be- longed to the moderate party in the Church, and his ministra- tions were disrelished ; Mr. Erskine was a more popular preacher, but he had made himself offensive by his indiscretion, selfishness, and ill temper.^s The Seceders appear to have commenced to preach at Newtownlimavady in 1747, and a deputation of Anti- burghers, appointed to visit Ireland, reported to the Scottish synod, in August 1748, that they had been joined by 105 mem- bers and four elders at Drumachose.^^ Some time before, the associate missionaries had been invited to preach in another part of the province. The Kev. Alexander Wadsworth, who had been appointed to the charge of the congregation of Ballibay in January 1744, died prematurely in March 1747. The vacancy which now followed was almost as long as his entire pastorate, for nearly three years passed away before a successor was ordained. In the " MS. Minutes of Synod of Ulster for 1747. The people of Ballyroney, as has been already stated, presented to the same meeting of synod another memorial, or "supplication," on another subject. *3 In 1716, Mr. Erskine received a call from the united congregation of Tullylish and Donacloncy. He was apparently anxious for the removal, and stated, when the matter came before the sub-synod of Derry, that the people of Newtownlimavady, "by their conduct, seemed, in some measure, to disre- gard him." (MS. Minutes of the Sub-Synod of Derry.) His removal did not take place. In 1750, he was publicly rebuked by the sub-synod, and "suspended for one Lord's-day from preaching." (Ibid.) He was eventually obliged, by the Church courts, to demit the charge of his congregation. See note 49 of this chapter. ^^ Secession Records. A.D. 1748. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 311 interval, the people became divided ; an application for preaching was forwarded to the Burgher presbytery of Glasgow, and the Seceders eventually established in this neighbourhood one of their largest and most flourishing congregations. At the same time, in addition to the places already mentioned, societies, connected with the Antiburgher synod, were formed at Bangor, Armagh, Aghadoey, Ballykelly, Balteagh, Dunboe, Kilraughts, Ballymouey, and Derrykeichan."" Whilst the associate ministers were thus busily employed in laying the foundations of their Church throughout Ulster, the influence of the moderate party in the General Synod was apparently declining. At its annual meeting in 1747, as has already been related, a proposition, intended to prepare the way for the re-establishment of communion with the non-sub- scribers, was brought under discussion, and it was then car- ried, that its consideration should be deferred for another year ; but, in the interim, the Seceders had so effectually sounded the alarm of heresy, and the public mind bad become so much excited, that when the question was again submitted in 1748, it was decided, by a large majority, that it could not be entertained.''^ At its next annual meeting in 1749, the synod exhibited a determination to insist on an adlierence to its eccle- siastical standards. In the month of August 1748, the Rev. William Fleming, when required to sign the Confession of Faith, pi'ior to his appointment to the pastoral charge of the congrega- tion of Kingscoux't, had been permitted, by the presbytery of Monaghan, to subscribe according to an unauthorised formula. Several members of the court, who had not reached the place of meeting when the transaction occurred, afterwards discovered its irregularity, and protested, under the circumstances, against proceeding with the ordination.''^ Mr. Fleming Avas ordained in the face of this protest ; but when the matter was brought under the notice of the synod, ho was required to sign the confession '" Secession Records. «' MS. Minutes of the S.vnod of Ulster. " Cliirk's "New Light," .tc, p. 47. 312 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvii. ill the regular form, on pain of deposition.'''' The presbytery of Monaghan appear to have pleaded, in extenuation of their conduct, that they had no copy of the declaration which candidates for ordi- nation were expected to subscribe ; and, to set aside such an apology, as well as to secure the observance of the law of the Church, " it was ordered that, for the future, one formula, namely, that of the General Synod, shall be used in all the presbyteries," to be sub- scribed by all parties about to be licensed, ordained, or installed ; that " a copy of said formula shall be transmitted by the clerk to each presbytery along with the minutes ;" and that " the jires- byteries give, yearly, an account of their care and diligence in this matter to the synod.""^* The decision in another case, which seems to have engaged a large share of the attention of the synod of 1749, contrasts rather strangely with this proceeding. An individual, named Daniel Graley, had complained to the presbytery of Strabane that one of their licentiates, Mr. Thomas Thompson, in a discourse delivered from the pulpit, had pronounced morality to be the foundation of religion. The licentiate had denied the charge, and Galey, hav- ing failed to produce the necessary proof, had been censured by the presbytery. It apjieared, when the matter came by appeal be- fore the synod, that the accuser had some grounds for his complaint, as Mr, Thompson confessed, " that in an inference of a sermon he had asserted, that if we could imitate God only in his moral per- fections, his holiness, goodness, justice, and truth, and if by imitating him in these things we obtained a communion and fel- lowship with him, and procured his love and approbation, then it followed that morality is the chief end and design of religion."^^ This scholastic jargon, which is but too fair a specimen of much of the preaching of the period, betrays a melancholy ignorance of the true way of a sinner's salvation. Some of the members of the synod immediately objected to the language which the licen- "^ " Semple's Survey Impartially ExamineJ," p. 45. It is right to add, that the ministers who thus ii'regularly ordained Mr. Fleming escaped with- out rebuke. Clark's "New Light," p. 48. «' MS. Minutes of Synod. ^•■' Ibid. A.D. 1749. CHURCH IN IRELAND. ^13 tiate had employed, but his friends contrived to relieve him out of the difficulty. At their suggestion, he came forward and stated, that in the passage of his sermon which had given offence, lie did not mean "to exclude the mediation of Jesus Christ ;" and he afterwards presented a paper to the court, in which he declared, that " the way of salvation revealed in the Gospel is only by the merits and satisfaction of our Redeemer." This very awkward explanation, or rather retractation, satisfied the synod, and poor Galey was rebuked by the moderator " for his rashness in reproaching Mr. Thompson, and cautioned against the like conduct for the future." The anomalous condition of the General Synod at the ]>eriod before us is strikingly illustrated by this transaction. Though professing an evangelical creed, its support of evangelical prin- ciples was very feeble and equivocal. Here it threw its shield over a licentiate who had shown that he was "ignorant of God's righteousness," and who had been preaching " another Gospel," Avhilst it censured the man who, at its own bar, had clearly convicted the fidse teacher. Had the doctrines of the con- fession been upheld in the synod by able and energetic advo- cates, the Church would have pursued a course more consis- tent and more dignified ; but the tried champions of orthodoxy were now rapidly passing off the stage, and their places were too frequently supplied by ministers of a different spirit and of diffe- rent sentiments. The greater number of those who now took a prominxnit part in the management of ecclesiastical aflairs were persons of suspected principles, whose talents for public business gave them an influence in the synod to which they were not otherwise entitled. In particular cases, especially when the test- ing question of subscription Avas concerned, they deemed it expe- dient to give way to popular feeling ; but in matters of less gene- ral interest, such as that in which this licentiate was involved, they contrived to bewilder and baffle the friends of orthodoxy. When the General Synod was sitting at Maghcrafelt, discussing the appeal of Daniel Galey, a deputation from the Burgher Pres- bytery of Glasgow was employed, in another part of Ulster, in tlio installation of a seceding ministei*. On the 22d of June 314 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chaf. xxvii. 1749, the Eev. Andrew Black was invested with the pastoral charge of the congregation of Boardmills. Mr. Black had been previously minister of Cumbernauld, in Scotland. In the same month, the Rev. Thomas Mayn was ordained to the charge of the seceding congregation of Ballyroney. Both these ministers were connected with the Burgher Sjaiod ; but, on the same day on which Mr. Mayn was set apart to the pastoral office at Bally- roney, a deputation from the Antiburgher Presbytery of Glas- gow ordained the Rev. David Arrott^^ to the charge of the con- gregation of Markethill. Mr. Patton had hitherto been the only member of the Associate Presbytery resident in Ireland, and now, nearly three years after his ordination at Lylehill, three additional ministers were settled in the course of a single month. About this time, several attacks were made on the Seceders through the medium of the press. The Rev. Alexander Colville, M.D., of Dromore, denounced their tenets as " persecuting, dis- loyal, and absurd," in a letter addressed " To the people under the care of the presbytery of Antrim." The Rev. Samuel Delap of Letterkenny published " Remarks on some Articles of the Seceders' new Covenant," in which he displays a considerable amount of ability and learning.'^'' Shortly afterwards, another pamphlet appeared from the pen of the Rev. Charles Lynd,''^ one of the ministers of Coleraine, entitled, " A Short and Plain Vindication of Several Scriptural Principles." This writer endeavours to convict the associate ministers of antinomianism. s*' Mr. Anott died in 1807, .it the advanced age of eighty-three. His call to Mai-kethill was drawn up on the 9th of November 1748, and had annexed to it one hundred signatures. (Secession Records.) The Rev. Thomas Mayn was minister of Ballyroney for fifty-seven years. He occupied the chair when the first meeting of the Irish Burgher Synod was constituted at Monaghan in 1779. The Rev. Thomas Mayn Reid, senior clerk of the Irish General Assembly, is his grandson. ^' Mr. Delap was ordained to the pastoral charge of the congregation of Letterkenny in August 1707. He was one of the leaders of the orthodox party in the synod. He was probably led to publish this pamphlet by the pro- ceedings of the Seceders at Ray, in his own neighbourhood. 58 For an account of this minister, see chap- xxiv., note 29. A.D. 1749. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 'Ho Appended to his pamphlet is " An address to those persons who admire and follow the Seceders." In the rise of the secession, the spiritual eye cannot fail to re- cognise the hand of an overruling and gracious Providence. Sectarianism is in itself an evil, and the associate ministers were not always guided by the wisdom from above ; but the with- drawal of such men as the Erskines and Fisher from her judica- tories, was at once a terrible rebuke to the Church of Scotland, and an emphatic testimony in behalf of the rights of Christ's people. The Burghers and Antiburghers were instrumental in extending the blessings of a pure Gospel to many districts of North Britain which would otherwise have remained under the blighting influence of moderatism. The seceding missionaries appeared in Ireland at a time when the ministry was rapidly de- generating, and when many, by a deceptive subscriptio'n to an orthodox creed, were gaining access to Presbyterian pulpits, and deluding Presbyterian congregations. Few of the wealthier classes joined them, but the common people heard them gladly. TheNpommended themselves, by manifestation of " the truth," to me hearts and consciences of the multitude. It often hap- pened that those who took an active part in establishing seceding congregations left the communion of the synod of Ulster with a heavy heart, for it was endeared to them by hallowed recollec- tions ; but its fold had been entered by false caretakers, and many could no longer find in it the green pastures and the quiet waters to which faithful shepherds had once guided them. 316 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. CHAPTER XXVIII. A.D. 1750-1770. Acts of ludeinniiij passed— Increase in the number of congregations— Ef- forts for an augmentation of the Royal Bounty— Establishment of the Widoivs' Fund— The Antrim Presbijtery invited to join in the scheme- Progress of Neiu-Light doctrines— Promoted by Scottish Professors — Account of Dr. Eutcheson and Dr. Leechman— State of the Established Church of Ireland— Bishop Clayton an Arian—The Law of Subscription neglected— Settlement of Seceding ministers, and erection of Seceding congregations— Account of the Rev. Thomas Clark of Ballibay—His con- troversial publications, his ministerial usefulness, and his imprisonment Failure of a proposal to have the Synod constituted of Delegates from the several Presbyteries — Overture for Renewal of Intercourse luith the Non- Subscribers — Accotmt of Dr. Lei and— Representatives from the Antrim Presbytery appear in the General Synod— Address to King Georqe III.— Slow Progress of the Secession — Applications to the Synod from North America — Sermon preached before the Synod by the Rev. Gilbert Kennedy — Case of the Rev. John Nelson and the congregation of Ballykelly — Correspondence with the Non- Subscribers — Covenanting Ministers appear in Ulster — The Rev. John Cameron joins the Synod of Ulster, and embraces various errors— Declining state of religion. The failure of their efforts in 1733 for the repeal of the Test Act greatly dispirited the Irish Presbyterians, and many years passed away before they again made any vigorous exertions for the removal of their political grievances. Meanwhile successive administrations contrived, by the introduction of bills of indem- nity, to palliate the evils of unwise legislation. The Irish par- liament then met biennially, and every session an act was passed to relieve Protestant dissenters who held commissions in the militia, and other departments of the public service, from the penalties attached to their nonconformity.^ These acts were the ' These .icts of indemnity may be traced, in the " Statutes of Ireland," tliroughout the whole of the reign of George II., and the early part of that of George III. A.u. 1740-50. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 317 dictates of political necessity. The wars of Great Britain with foreign powers imperilled the safety of this country, and its peace had been recently threatened by the appearance of the Pretender in Scotland. Little reliance could be placed on the loyalty of the Romish population ; and government, in the hour of difficulty, would have been deprived of the right arm of its strength, had it been unable to avail itself of the services of the Ulster Presby- terians. Of late, vai-ious causes had contributed to check the growth of the population of the Nortli of Ireland. The winter intervening between the autumn of 1739 and the spring of 1740, better known as the period of " the black frost," is still remembered in the traditions of the country for its luiparalleled severity. Se- veral unproductive harvests followed, and Ulster partially expe- rienced the miseries of famine.^ Tlie spirit of emigration, which had been so extensively diffused throughout the northern pro- vince, was still unabated, and considerable numbers of the most enterjirising and industrious inhabitants had removed to the American colonies. But though many circimistances had con- spired to retard the social advancement of the country, the popu- lation, under the care of the General Synod, had been steadily increasing, and, within the last thirty years, about thirty new con- gregations had been organised,^ As, except in a few special cases, the Royal Bounty was distributed equally among the minis- ters, the individual shares had thus been gradually diminishing, so that, notwithstanding the additional grant of George I., - In 1745, the Synod of Ulster appointed a fast, to bo observed tliroughout all the congregations of the Church, assigning, as the primary reason, " the awful tokens of the Divine displeasure against this part of the world, disco- vered in the unnatural seasons, threatening a scarcity of bread." (MS. Mi- nutes of Synod.) In 1740, there was " such a scarcity of provisions, that the mortality, caused by scanty and improper food, very sensibly thinned the population." Gordon's "Ireland," vol. ii.p.218. See also Burdy's "Life of Skelton," p. 75. 3 At a conference between the synod of Ulster and commissioners from the presbytery of Antrim, held in 1751, it appeared that there were then 157 congregations belonging to the synod, and thirteen to the presbytery of Antrim. Minutes of Intcrloquiuir tor 1751. 318 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvni. it now yielded little more to each recipient than it had done prior to its augmentation.^ This constant decrease of the annual dividend might, in more prosperous times, have been a theme for gratulation, as it was created by the enlai'gement of the Church, but, in the present position of the province, it only added to the discouragements of the pastoral office. Whilst it had become more expensive to support a family, in consequence of the rise in the price of food, and other necessaries, the congregational stipend had been rapidly declining ; for the great mass of the Ulster Presbyterians lived by pasturage or agriculture, and they had suffered so severely by unpropitious seasons, that many of them could afford to give but little towards the maintenance of their ministers. At several meetings of synod, between the years 17445 and 1750, the propriety of applying for an addition to the * Tlie sum now received by each minister fimounted to little more than £9 annually. A double portion was Toluntarily given to a few of the brethren who laboured in weak frontier congregations. Another ai'rangement of this period, of a benevolent character, is also worthy of record. Each of the larger and wealthier congregations contributed annually a fixed sum towards the support of some minister whose flock could afford him but little stipend. A weak congregation was thus sustained by a number of others in better cir- cumstances, and its pastor reckoned upon receiving from them a definite amount every year. The synod reserved to itself the arrangement of details. ^ In the Minutes of the Intel-loquitur of synod for 1744, the following entry appears: — " This interlcquitur considered whether this would be a proper time for making application to court for the removing of some of our grievances, and an augmentation of Regium Donum. Ordered that Messrs. James White [mi- nister of Broughshane] and Menogh [minister of Lurgan] prepare a draught of a letter to this purpose, to be transmitted to INIr. Stewart of Ballylane [Ballylawn] now in London, and another to Mr. Gibson there, that they may be considered in next interlcquitur." The following is the minute of the next interloquitur. — "Messrs. White and Menogh did not write the letters as appointed in the former interloquitur. It is now agreed that Mr. James White, in conjunction with Mr. Drennan in Belfast, write to the above-named gentlemen, that they use their interest at court for us. And if these brethren I'eceive a favourable answer, then the synod's fixed committee is to be called by the modcratoi". " Mr. Gibson, mentioned in the preceding minute, was pro- bably connected by family ties with the Irish Presbyterian Church. He had already rendered good services to the synod, as, in the minutes of 1741, there is a resolution to the cft'ect, that "a quantity of Irish table-linen, to the value A. D. 1744-50. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 311) Royal Bounty had been the subject of serious deliberation. About this time circumstances occurred which induced the mi- nisters to hope for an augmentation. Wlien the Pretender raised his standard in Xorth Britain, government became alarmed for the security of Ireland, as it was believed that tlie Bomanists of the country were not indisposed to join in the rebellion. The zeal and intrepidity with whicli the Ulster Presbyterians now evinced their attachment to the house of Hanover tended greatly of £20, be given to the lady of Mr. Gibson, in London, for his having served us generously and faithfully in soliciting and transmitting the additional R. D. these several years past." (Sec note 33, chap, xxiv., and note 25, chap, xxvi., and the text.) The history of the other gentleman mentioned in the minute, Mr. Stewart of Ballylawn, deserves particular notice. He was born about the year 1G99, and was the younger son of Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, pro- prietor of the estate of Ballylawn, on the borders of Lough Swilly, in the county of Donegal. His elder brother, Captain Thomas Stewart, who was married to the sister of Judge Ward, succeeded to the Ballylawn property, and his sis- ter, Martha, married John Kennedy, Esq. , of Cultra, near Holywood, in the county of Down. Mr. Alexander Stewart was educated in Derry, where, as a boarder, he attended the diocesan school, then taught by Mr. Blackball. He was trained to business in the ofiSce of Mr. Isaac Macartney, a highly respec- table Presbyterian merchant of Belfast (see chap, xxiii., note 29), and was for some time engaged, on his own account, in mercantile pursuits. During his residence in Belfast, he appears to have attached himself to the party of the non-subscribers ; and the reason why Mr. Drennan, then minister of the 1st congregation of Belfast, in connection with the presbytery of Antrim, was one of the parties selected to conduct the correspondence relative to an in- crease of Regium Donum, probably was, because he was personally acquainted with Mr. .Stewart. On the demise of his brother. Captain Thomas Stewart, who died without issue, about the year 1731, Mr. Alexander Stewart suc- ceeded to the Ballylawn estate, then worth about £100 per annum, and re- tired from business. In June 1737, he married his cousin, Miss Mary Cowan, with whom he obtained a fortune of about £100,000. He purchased, in 1743, the estate of Comber, in county Down ; and, in the following year, the estate of Newtownards, from Robert Colville, Esq. He subsequently pur- chased several other estates in Down and Derry. Mr. Stewart possessed a vigorous intellect ; and, as he was zealously attached to the Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder, he soon acquired great influence through- out Ulster. His private character was most exemplary, and he was eminently entitled to the praise of " Honour and Honesty," the motto of the banner under which, in times of political excitement, the adherents of his family were subsequently ranged. By his marriage with Miss Cowan, he had eight 320 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. to reassure the aduiinistration. Within a week after the Mar- quis of Tulhbarcline had appeared in arms for the Pretender in Scotland, the Protestants of Down and Antrim were actively engaged in maldng arrangements to resist the enemy, should he venture to land upon their shores. In a " Declaration," dated the 24th of August 1745, they published their determina- tion, " at the hazard of their lives and fortunes, to oppose all attempts against his majesty's person and government."'^ At the children, three of whom died in infancy. A.s his sons grew up, he gave them a very liberal education ; but instead of permitting them to attend Trinity CoUego, Dublin, or Oxford, or Cambridge, where they would have been under Episcopalian influence, he exhibited his high-principled consistency by sending them to Presbyterian colleges. His eldest son, Robert, was educated at Geneva, and his sons, John and Alexander, at the University of Glasgow. John, a youth of great promise, was drowned, when bathing in the Clyde, during his attendance at college. In the year 1760, Mr. Stewart sat, for a short time, in the Irish parliament, as one of the representatives of the city of Derry. His son Robert i-eprcsented the county of Down in two successive parliaments, and was afterwards created Marquis of Londonderry. His son Alexander purchased an extensive property at Ards, in the county of Donegal, and settled there. Mr. Stewart died at Newtownards, on the 22d of April 1781. He has been described by a Presbyterian minister, who was well ac- quainted with him, as "a man of polite and pleasing manners, a clear and comprehensive understanding, and principles truly liberal both in politics and religion." (Dickson's Narrative, pp. 6, 7.) It is rather singular that the com- mission, relative to the increase of the Regium Donura, as described in the minute quoted at the commencement of this note, was successfully executed, nearly sixty years afterwards, by Mr. Stewart's grandson, the great Lord Castlereagh. I am indebted for much of the information furnished in the preceding note to a valuable MS. in the possession of Guy Stone, Esq., J. P., Barnhill, Comber, which I have been kindly permitted to examine. Mr. Stone is him- self lineally descended from Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart of Ballylawn, and Mr. Alexander Stewart was married to Miss Cowan, in the house of his great- grandfather. Major Stone of Dublin. The MS. to which I refer was written in 1788, by Mr. Stone's grand-uncle, the Rev. Samuel Stone, rector of Cul- daff, in the county of Donegal. As many readers will, doubtless, feel inte- rested in the subject, I have noted in the appendix a number of curious facts relative to the history of the Cowans and Stewarts, which I have gleaned from this authentic family record. Its author died in spring 1798, aged seventy-six years. ^ " Historical Collections relative to the town of Belfast," p. 89. A.D. 1745-50. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 321 same time, they proceeded to provide tliemselves with arms, to form \olunteer associations, and to take other stejjs to support the eause of the reigning sovereign. The Earl of Chesterfield, then loi'd-lieutenant, did not fail to appreciate these seasonable demonstrations of loyalty ; and it would appear that, on the ex- tinction of the insurrection, the synod had been encouraged to expect some token of royal favour. At the meeting of 17-I-0, a memorial to government was accordingly prepared, in which, after setting forth their " present distressing cu'cumstances, occa- sioned by the poverty of the country,"'^ the petitioners urged their claim for an increase of the grant. The Rev. James White of Broughshane,*' and the Rev. John Maxwell of Armagh,^ Avere commissioned to repair to London with this memorial, and to endeavour to avaU themselves of whatever influence the friends of the Church possessed at court to secure the concurrence of his majesty's government. A committee of synod was appointed to meet in the commencement of the month of August to decide upon the most suitable time for making this application ; but the ' MS. Minutes of Intcrloquitur of Synod of 1746. 8 Mr. White, who was the son and immediate successor of the Rev. Fuik White, minister of Brouglishane, was ordained in 1716, and died in 1761. He was of robust make, and of dignified appearance. Ho was a man of talent, and as ho took a prominent part in the business of the Church, he had much influence in the synod. John White, Esq., of Whitehall, near Broughshane, late high-sherifl'of the county of Antrim, is his great-grandson. During Mr. White's ministry, a great ferment was created in Broughshane and the neigh- bourhood, by a dispute relative to the meeting-house green. The landlord, Mr. O'Neill, was, it appears, dissatisfied that it should be converted into a bury- ground, and threatened to plough it up, and thus to re-enter on the possession. Mr. White is said on this occasion to have applied to government, and, by means of some influence brought to bear upon the lord of the soil, to have in- duced him to withdraw his threats. Tradition states, that the first corpse interred in the ccmetei'y was that of a Dutch soldier belonging to tho army of King William III. * Mr. Maxwell was a man of fine taste, and of considerable talent. lie was, perhaps, the most influential of the New-Light party in the synod. In 1753, he was chosen moderator, and at the opening of the next annual meeting, ]ireached a sermon from Col. iii. 14, 15, which gave great offence to the more zealous Calvinists. For farther notices of this minister, see Stuart's " Armagh," pp. 490-93. 322 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. Earl of Chesterfield had resigned the viceroyalty in the spring ; discouraging letters appear to have been meanwhile received from influential parties acquainted with the disposition of the ministry ; and as, in the minutes for the succeeding year, there is no reference whatever to the proceedings of the delegates, it is somewhat doubtful whether they ever executed their commission. In 1749, the synod again resolved to make an effort for an aug- mentation of the bounty, but it was soon discovered that the ministry were not yet prepared to look with favour on the appli- cation, and the attempt was consequently abandoned-^" At this time the income of many of the members of the General Synod scarcely enabled them to lay up any provision for their families, and on the death of a minister, his widow was not un- frequently reduced to a state of destitution. At almost every annual meeting of the supreme court of the Church, cases of dis- tress, urgently claiming their sympathy and aid, were reported to the brethren. But though the attention of the synod had been frequently directed to the condition of the widows and orphans of deceased members, and though several expedients had been devised for their assistance, all the arrangements hitherto adojited aftbrded only a temporary and unsatisfactory relief.^i In 1750, 1" The Rev. Francis Iredell of Dublin, who had been agent for the Regium Donum, died in the beginning of the year 1739. At the following meeting of synod, Mr. James Lang, a lay member of the Presbyterian Church, resi- dent in Dublin, was chosen "to manage both receiving and distributing" the money. Mr. Lang was agent for nearly half a century. He died towards the end of the year 1 788. The Rev. Robert Black of Derry was then elected agent. 11 In 1C97, it was ageeed that two quarterly payments of the Royal Bounty should be made to the widow and family of a minister after his decease. In 1717, the synod resolved to pay to them, " during the vacancy of the congre- gation," the proportion of the grant which the minister had previously en- joyed. In the same year, every minister engaged to pay "yearly five thir^ teens at least" (5s. 5d.) towards the support of a widow's fund. These contribu- tions do not appear to have been regularly transmitted to the treasurer, and the complaints of widows were soon as distressing as before. When the sub- ject was brought under the notice of the synod in 1745, each minister pro- mised to subscribe something " for the support of widows who are very poor, and proper objects of charity." On the strength of the fund thus raised, the synod declared, in 1748, that widows were "entitled to £4 per annum during A.D. 1750. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 323 the synod established a fund, on a more permanent and exten- sive basis, for the benefit of the widows and families of its minis- ters. The originator of this institution was Mr. William Bruce, an elder of Wood Street congregation, Dublin. ^^ ]\];i._ Bruce was possessed of a benevolent, as well as of a highly cultivated mind, and as he was allied by birth to several of the Presbyterian ministers of Ulster, he was thus, doubtless, led to suggest the scheme with which his memory is now so honourably associated. Though he was connected with the non-subscribers, and though there had been little intercourse between that party and the synod of Ulster for nearly a quarter of a century, his character was so well known, and so highly apjireciated, that when he ap- peared in Dungannon, at the annual meeting of 1 7oO, to ex- their widowhood, provided the presbytery where they reside recommend them ." MS. Minutes of Synod. '^ This gentleman has been already noticed in chap, xxvi., note 36. Shortly after his death, his friend, Mr. Gabriel Cornwall, published anonymously, "An Essay on the Character of the late Mr. William Bruce." It appears from tliis paper, and another tract by Dr. Hiiicks, that, after having com- pleted his collegiate education, he engaged in business. He subsequently be- came tutor to the son of Mr, Henry, a Dublin banker, and, in company with this young gentleman, is said' to have visited Cambridge, Oxford, and Glas- gow, in pursuit of intellectualimprovoment. Nine or ten years before his death, he settled permanently in Dublin, and distinguished himself as a most useful and public spirited citizen. At a critical period, he is said to have con- tributed essentially to the prosperity of the linen manufacture. Mr. Corn- wall states, that " the distinguished for abilities, power, fortune, and high rank, courted his friendship, nor could the shades of a private station prevent his virtues, unaided by wealth, or power, or place, from rising into very pub- lic observation." Alexander Stewart, Esq. (see note 5 of this chapter), was his intimate friend, and acted as his executor. Mr. Bruce, who was never mar- ried, died of fever in 1Y55, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and was buried in the same tomb with his cousin, Francis Hutcheson, the well-known Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. One of his brothers, the Rev. Michael Bruce of Holywood, who has been repeatedly mentioned in this history, was the great-grandfather of tlie Kev. Wm. Bruce of Belfast, late Pro- fessor of Greek in the Royal Academical Institution. Another of his brothers was the Rev. Patrick Bruce, minister, first of Drumbo, and then of Killi- leagh, grandfather of Sir H. H. A. Bruce of Downhill, near Coleraine, created a baronet of the United Kingdom in 1801. VOL. III. Y 324 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. pound liis views upon this subject, he readily obtained a respect- ful and patient hearing. The synod at once acceded to the plan "which he proposed, and trustees were appointed to take charge of the funds to be collected. ^^ At the next annual meeting of synod he received " the thanks of the house for his care and zeal in projecting and carrying on the scheme." It is not here necessary to enter into a detailed account of the institution now popularly known as " The Widows' Fund," but the outlines of the original plan may be briefly described. Every minister was required to contribute two pounds annually, that liis widow, at his decease, might be entitled to an endowment of twelve pounds a year. Should he leave children and no widow, or should the widow die soon after himself, the family were to enjoy the endowment, either for the entire term of eight years, reckoned from his decease, or for the residue of that term which remained after the death of the widow. The annuity was to be raised as soon as the state of the fund would permit. Many of the laity of the Presbyterian Church warmly approved of this scheme, and the contributions of the ministers were soon largely supplemented by bequests, subscriptions, and congregational col- lections.^^ All these helps were absolutely necessary to place '3 The first trustees were Alexander Stewart, Esq., an elder of Wood Street congregation ; William Lennox, Esq., also an elder of Wood Street congre- gation ; Alderman James Dunn, an elder of Cook Street congregation ; Doc- tor George Martin, an elder of Capel Street congregation ; Doctor George Machonchy, and the Rev. Robert M'Master, one of the ministers of Usher's Quay congregation, all of the city of Dublin. Mr. Stewart, about this time, removed to Newtownards. See note 5 of this chapter. " Mr. M'Kedy of Ballymena bequeathed the first legacy paid into the fund. It amounted to £50, and was paid in 1753. In the following years the following additional legacies were paid : — In 1754, from Mrs. Wilson Tully, county Longford, £66, 13s. 4d. ; in 1764, from Mr. Patrick Adair, London, £50 ; in 1768, from Mr. Edmonstone, Redhall, Broadisland, £100; in 1769, from Mrs. Empson, £200 ; in 1776, from Mr. Armstrong, Belfast, £500 ; in 1780, from Dr. Machonchy, one of the original trustees, £100 ; in 1785, a legacy, as it would appear, from a lady in Dublin, per Mr. Gabriel Cornwall, £200 ; in 1809, a legacy of one hundred guineas from Counsellor Andrew Caldwell of Dublin. In 1754, the congregational collections amounted, in all, to £888, 14s. l^d. For several years these collections were taken up A.D. 1760. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 325 the institution upon a satisfactory foundation ; and had it not been so generously supported, it would, to a considerable extent, have failed to I'ealise the advantages which its projector antici- pated. To many, " The Widows' Fund" holds out inducements such as no ordinary insurance company presents, for it admits individuals to its privileges irrespective of their age, or state of liealth, or constitutional tendencies ; but this peculiarity of its structure increases the difficulty of ap])lying to it any well-ascer- tained principles of reckoning ; and as the whole subject of life assurance was but imperfectly understood at the time of its establishment, it is not strange that some of the data on wliich Mr. Bruce based his calculations at length proved to be fallacious. It was discovered that the widows to be relieved greatly exceeded the supposed number,i^ and, in consequence, it was found neces- sary to reduce the annuities. This reduction was, however, only temporary ; the institution gradually gained strength, and at present it yields more than triple the endowment originally con- templated.i'' It has been stated, in the preceding chapter, that various mem- bers of the General Synod had recently manifested an anxiety to bring about a reconciliation with the presbytery of Antrim. Their eftbrts had hitherto proved abortive, but the establishment of this fund presented another and a very favourable opportunity for their renewal. Mr. Bruce had laid the members of synod annually. William Adair, Esq., son of the Rev. Patrick Adair, minister of Carrickfergus, paid for many years a subscription of £10 annually. The same gentleman, who died in 1782, bequeathed £2000 to the Adairs, the proprietors of the Ballymena estate, in trust for the benefit of the poor free- men of Carrickfergus. '5 In 1759, it w.as ascertained that the ministers' widows, then living, amounted to seventy-four. It would seem that they had been computed at scarcely half that number. i'' Each widow now receives yearly £34, present currency ; and when a minister dies, leaving a family and no widow, the children receive the annuity for ten years. In addition to an annual subscription of £2, tlio contributor now pays the whole of his Kcgium Donum for the first year. There is at present an accumulated capital of upwards of £50,000. In 1852, the so- ciety was incorporated by act of parliament, the 15th of Victoria, chap. 112. 326 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxviii. under weighty obligations by his generous labours in their ser- vice, and as his scheme was of a purely secular character, no plausible reason could be well given why his friends, the non- subscribers, should be excluded froin its benefits. On other grounds, their co-operation was obviously desirable, as some of their congregations were among the richest and most liberal in the country, and it was therefore to be expected that their con- tributions would materially aid in giving stability to the institu- tion. It was accordingly agreed that the presbytery of Antrim should be invited " to join in this scheme/'i'^ The non-subscri- bers were not backward to accede to this request ; and they did not confine their representatives to the consideration of the specific subject mentioned in the invitation, for, at the annual meeting of 1751, a commission was presented to the synod, empowering the Kev. Messrs. John Henderson, Alexander Colville, John Elder, Alexander Maclaine, Clotworthy Brown, John Beatty, John Marshal, and William Nevin,!^ to attend the synod, and " to confer about matters of public concern."!^ About this time the advocates of moderatism established their ascendency in the synod of Ulster. They had been long strug- gling against the votes of orthodox majorities, but agencies had meanwhile been silently in operation, which eventually secured for them a paramount influence. Of these, the most important was the collegiate education received by candidates for the mi- " MS. Minutes of Synod for 1750. 18 The Rev. John Henderson was minister of Dunean. He died in January 1753. The Rev. Alexander Colville of Dromore has been already noticed in this history (see chap, xxv., note 115, and the text), as has also the Rev. John Elder of Aghadoey. (See chap. xxv. and xxvi.) The Rev. Alexander Maclaine was minister of Antrim. He died in January 1759. He was the brother of the Rev. Thomas Maclaine of Monaghan, and the uncle of the translator of Mosheim's " Ecclesiastical History." The Rev. Clotworthy Brown was minister of Ballynure, and afterwards the colleague of Mr. Dren- nan, and one of the ministers of the 1st congregation, Belfast. The Rev. John Beatty was minister of Holy wood, where he died in 1794. The Rev. John Marshal was minister of Ballyclare, and the Rev. William Nevin of Downpatrick. '» MS. Minutes of Svnod for 1751 . A.D. 1750-51. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 327 nistry. Professor Simpson of Glasgow had inoculated his stu- dents with those principles which led to the seimration of the presbytery of Antrim ; and so remiss were the judicatories of the Church of Scotland, that even after the mischievous character of his teaching had been fully demonstrated, he was permitted, year after year, to continue his theological prelections. When set aside in 1729, others, holduig sentiments scarcely less danger- ous, still occupied chairs of divinity in the Scottish colleges. Dr. William Hamilton, Professor of Theology in Edinburgh, was a zealous moderate, who contrived to train up a race of heterodox ministers, by maintaining an ominous silence in reference to va- rious doctrines of the Gospel.^o Dr. John Goudy, who suc- ceeded him in 1733, was a man of kindred spirit, though of in- ferior ability. But of all those who filled chairs in the Scottish universities during the fii'st half of the eighteenth century, no one was more influential in moulding the minds of young men prepiu'ing for the sacred oflice than Dr. Francis Hutcheson, Pro- fessor of Moral Philosophy in Glasgow. This gentleman, who, as already stated,-^ was the son of the minister of Armagh, had, at an early period of life, relinquished the principles of his ami- able and excellent father. Though possessed of great natural eloquence, he was not generally acceptable as a preacher in the North of Ireland, for he proclaimed " another Gospel," which the pious Presbyterians of Ulster utterly tlisowned.-^ When he had 20 See " Life of Dr. Leechman," prefixed to his " Sermons," vol. i. p. 4 ; also Wodrow's "Analecta," vol. iv. pp. 139, 140. -• See chap, xxv., note 5. -- His license as a prohationer is reported in the MS. Minutes of the Synod for 1719. When he preached on one occasion in his father's pulpit, his doctrine was so much disliked, that the whole congregation, with the exception of the precentor and two other persons, abruptly left the meeting-house. The story is thus related by the historian of the priinatial city : — " At Armagh, his father, who laboured under a sliglit rheumatic affection, deputed him to preach in his place ou a cold and rainy Sunday. About two hours after Francis had left Ballyrea (his father's residence), the rain abated — the sun shone forth — the day became serene and warm — and Mr. Hutcheson, who found his spirits ex- hilarated by the change, felt anxious to collect the opinions of his congrega- tion on tlie Mierits of his favourite son, and proceeded dircctlv to the city. 328 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxvm. travelled about for some time as a licentiate, he was invited to become the pastor of a small congregation ; but some of his friends in Dublin, who were acquainted with his talents and at- tainments, and who were unwilling that he should settle down in a sphere so unpromising and uncongenial, encouraged him to open an academy in the Irish metrojjolis.^^ This semmary, in which several of the higher branches of education were taught, soon acquired considerable celebrity; and as the fascinating manners of its president, as well as his most remarkable powers of conversation, rendered him peculiarly attractive, his society was cultivated by persons of rank and refinement. Some time after his settlement in Dublin, he became intimately acquainted with Lord Molesworth ; and his " Enquiry into the Ideas of Beauty and Virtue," recommended him to the notice of Arch- bishop King, Primate Boulter, and Lord Grranville, the lord-lieu- tenant. His residence in the Irish capital does not appear to have increased his attachment either to evangelical truth or to Presbyterian discipline ; for when a report reached his father that he had adopted strange sentiments, and that he was about to conform to the Episcopal Establishment, and when the good old minister wrote him a letter of remonstrance, he replied very coolly, that " to have singular opinions on some points is either innocent in many cases or a pardonable weakness," and that " separation from the Church" seemed to him " only a point of prudence." " I would not," he added, " blame any man of my own principles How was he astonished and chagrined when he met almost the whole of his flock coming from the meeting-house, with strong marks of disappointment and disgust visible in their countenances. One of the elders, a native of Scot- land, addressed the surprised and deeply mortified father thus — ' We a' feel muckle wae for your mishap, reverend sir; but it cannot be concealed. Your silly son, Frank, has fashed a' the congregation wi' his idle cackle ; for he has been babbling this oor aboot a gude and benevolent God, and that the souls of the heathens themsels will gang to heeven, if they follow the licht o' their ain consciences. Not a word does the daft boy ken, speer, nor say aboot the gude, auld, comfortable doctrines of election, reprobation, original sin, and faith. Hoot, man, awa' wi' sic a fellow.'" Stuart's "Armagh," pp. 488, 489. '' " Life," by Lccchman, prefixed to his " Moral Philosophy," vol. i. p. 6- A.D. 1750-51. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 329 who, for very important purposes, did conform."-* The reasons which he assigns for this strange conclusion are exceedingly frivo- lous, and the whole answer is written in a strain which indicates how far his mind was now perverted by the speculations of a false philosophy. Mr. Hutcheson speedily acquired such celebrity, that, towards the end of the year 1729, he was invited to become Professor of Moral Philoso])hy at Glasgow. Though the works which he had already published entitled him to take a high place among ele- gant and accomplished writers, they contained several very ques- tionable sentiments ; and as, in his new office, he was to enter into discussions of a theological character, his appointment gave some uneasiness to the friends of orthodoxy.-^ But Mr. Hutche- son was a man of consummate prudence and address ; and whilst his grave and conciliatory deportment secured for him the respect and esteem of all sections of the Church, his fame as a professor greatly increased the attendance at the university. He was the first who introduced the custom of lecturing in English into that ancient seat of learning •,'^^ and no deubt his use of the verna- cular tongue contributed much to the popularity of his philo- sophical dissertations. His reputation stood higher than that of any other professor of mental philosophy in the British Isles, and 2* The letter may be found at length ii> tho " Christian Moderator, "vol. ii. pp. 350-53. -' Family connections had some influence in this appointment- Wodrow states, that " the Laird of Dimlop," the Lord- Rector of the university, had recently " married his (Mr. Ilutcheson's) aunt's daughter. " ("Analecta," vol. iv. p. 99) When Dr. Calaniy, the English nonconformist, heard of his election, ho said, ' ' that he vras not for Scotland, as he thought from his book ; that he would be reckoned thereat unorthodox as Mr. Simjyson" (the Arian professor.) "Analecta," vol. iv., p. 227. ''The book" to which Calamy here refers was, no doubt, his " Essay on the Nature and Conduct of the Passions," shortly before published. 2" " Life of Leeclnnan," prefixed to his "Sermons," vol. i. p. 28. The lec- tures had before been delivered in Latin. A pamphlet which he wrote a few years after his election, in favour of the abolition of patronage, ])robably con- tributed to maintain a good understanding between the professor and the evangelical party in the Church of Scotland. 330 HISTORY OF TUE PllESBYTElilAN cuai-. xxvm. students flocked to liis class, not only from all parts of Scotland, but also from England and from Ireland. Whilst Dr. Hutcheson's audiences in the University of Glas- gow were dazzled and delighted with his eloquent prelections, they Avere at the same time taught an ethical system which by no means harmonised with the peculiar doctrines of revelation. Though the professor was a man of taste and genius, and though he deserves credit for checking that tendency to open licentious- ness which characterised the philosophy of his age, his own spirit was decidedly anti-evangelical. By rejjresenting virtue as con- sisting in benevolence, he at once subverted the claims of acts of hiuuility and justice, and exalted mere emotions into a position of undue importance. It would follow from his theory that those who are distinguished by the warmth of their affections, or by their natu- ral amiability of disposition, are alone " the excellent of the earth." A man sins, according to Dr. Hutcheson, simply when he fails to main- tain aright the balance of his affections ; and their proper adjust- ment, in the opinion of this writer, is an affair of Uttle difficulty. His scheme throughout is so complimentary to human nature, as almost to supersede the necessity of an atonement and a Saviour ; and though its author professed his regard for revelation, it is clear that he must have formed a very low idea of the blessings of the Gospel ; as, when jiointing out what he considers the true method of obtaining peace of conscience, he exj^resses himself in the style of a stoical philosojjher. " We can," says he, " give secure tranquillity to our souls by an entire confidence in the perfections of God, and resignation to Ins providence."^'^ Dr. Hutcheson's exaggerated estimate of natural conscience is another great defect in his philosophical system. When he de- scribes, as a " part of our nature," what he calls " a moral sense," which " immediately ajjproves all moral excellence and deter- mines the soul to the love of it,"-^ he gives quite too favourable an account of the condition of our fallen humanity ; for, as a 2' "Moral Philosophy," vol. i. p. 213. 2^ Ibid, vol. i. pp. 209, 210. His fiieiid and biographer, Leeclitnan, who seems to have adopted Iiis views, thus describes his theoiy — "The moral sense is alti:ays so far true to its offiuo, that it never fails to give A.D. 17'>0-51. CHURCH IN IRELAND, 331 weak eye may l^c blinded by the purest light, so " natural con- seience" may fail to recognise the highest manifestations of moral excellence. "NVlien He who was " altogether lovely" ap- peared on earth, this moral sense could discern in him ** no form nor comeliness." There were, indeed, occasions on which the consciences of men were constrained to render reluctant homage to the surpassing excellence of " the Holy One of God ;" but still the great fact cannot bje disputed, that " the world knew him not," and that they only Avho were " born from above" could discern " his glory — the glory as of the only begotten of the Father." Conscience is, indeed, a noble remnant of the wreck of our moral nature ; but as the statements of Dr. Hutcheson indicate that its sensibility and strength have not been in any Avay affected by the fall, they are contradicted by experience. Whilst the ethical system taught in Glasgow served to flatter the pride of human nature, it was also calculated to deceive men as to their state in the sight of God. But Dr. Hutcheson was honoured as the master-spirit of the university ; and the lectures of a professor so gifted, and so enthusiastically devoted to his theory, must have made a deep impression upon the susceptible minds of youthful candidates for the ministry. It Avas not merely, however, in his capacity as professor of moral philosophy that Dr. Hutcheson attempted to bias the judgments of his students. He contrived to interfere still more tlireetly Avith the formation of their theological sentiments. " He gave," says his biographer, "a weekly lecture on the Sunday evening on the truth and excellency of Chris- tianity. . . He was especially solicitous to be serviceable to the students of divinity, endeaAOuring, among other important in- structions, to give them just notions of the main design of preach- ing."29 The candidates for the ministerial oflfice could scarcely have been exposed to the influence of a more insinuatmg, and, at the same time, a more dangerous teacher. He condemned doc- trinal preaching, encouraged his pupils to prophesy " smooth the highest and luarmest ajyprohation to every instance of truly disinterested virtue." "Lifo," p. 18. Compare this with 1 Cor. ii. 14. M " Life," by Lcechmaii, prefixed to his " System of Moral I'liilosophy," pp. oC and 38. 332 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvih. tilings," and, by many cautious hints, signified his disapproval of the Westminstei" formularies,^*' Dr. Witherspoon, who was one of the most sagacious of his contemporaries, has not hesitated to represent Dr. Hutcheson as the great promoter of that formal and heartless religion which prevailed so extensively in Scotland about the middle of the last century. In his " Ecclesiastical Characteristics," he describes his doctrine, " that virtue is founded upon- instinct and affection," as " the scheme of philosophy upon Avhich" his " generation" was " formed." In his own jocose style, Witherspoon ridicules the zeal of " every boy of sixteen in a certain university" in favour of " the moral sense ;" and in a catalogue of the books " which will make a truly learned moderate man," he takes care to enrol " all Mr. Hutcheson's pieces."^! In this satirical i^roduction he has 3C " High speculations on disj^utable points of theology, ho (Hutcheson) looked upon as altogether improper for the pulpit." ( " Life, " p. 38. ) In the langu.nge of Scottish moderatism, this statement implies that he did not wish his students in their sermons to treat of the Trinity, original sin, the sovereignty of grace, or justii5cation by faith alone. " The general plan of preaching which he re- commended was to this purpose : as mankind are weak, ignorant, guilty crea- tures [that is, not perfectly innocent], altogether insufficient for their own happiness, and every moment exposed to many unavoidable calamities, let them be called upon to reflect upon themselves as such, and let those doctrines of natural and revealed religion, which will impart consolation to them un- der these humbling views of themselves, be set before them in the strongest light." (" Life," p. 39. ) His biographer adds, that he took his views of doc- trines, " not from the party tenets or scholastic systems of modern ages." ("Life," p. 36.) Of course the Confession of Faith was treated with little ceremony. It has been already stated, that Dr. Hutcheson and his cousin, Mr. William Bruce, were buried in the same tomb, and Mr. Gabriel Cornwall, who was the friend of both, and who was doubtless well acquainted with their religious sentiments, wrote for them a common epitaph, which is still pre- served. In this memorial he represents them as "laying little stress on those statements of opinions (probably mesining articles of faith), than which there never was a greater ptest or one more injurious to p>iety." (" Notices of Wm. Bruce," by Dr. Ilincks, pp. 4, 5.) It is certain that Mr. William Bruce held very loose views on various religious subjects. Thus, he says, in one of his extant letters — " How men came so universally to annex the ideas of inspi- ration to all that is now contained in the Neiv Testament it is not easy to guess." " Notices,'' by Dr. Hincks, p. 19. ^' Shortly after his removal to Glasgow, he obtained a doctor's degree ; A.D. 1750-51. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 333 many other very marked allusions to the Professor of Moral Phi- losophy in the College of Glasgow. Had the colleagues of Dr. Hutcheson, who occupied the strictly theological chairs, been able and zealous advocates of evangelical truth, they might, to a considerable extent, have counteracted the influence of his philosophical prelections. But unhappily they were men of kindi-ed principles. Of the professors who suc- ceeded Mr. Simpson in the chau' of Systematic Divinity, some were quite inefficient, and others positively heterodox. Dr. William Leechman, who was appointed to the situation in 1743, was arraigned soon afterwards for heresy by the presbytery of Glasgow, and had not moderatism at the time been rampant in the Church, he would have found it diflicult to escape from the accusation.^^ There is strong reason to suspect that this professor was at heart a Unitarian, for the most heterodox of the English nonconformists, such as Dr. Lardner, Dr. Price, and Dr. Taylor of Norwich, were his favourite correspondents, and the men whom he most delighted to honour.^^ Though he filled the but even after his death he continued to be known as Mr. Hutchcson. (See his correspondence with Mr. Gilbert Burnet, published in Glasgow in 1772.) lie died about seven years before the publication of " Witherspoon's Characteristics." He is accordingly spoken of there as "the late immortal Mr. Ilutcheson. 3- This gentleman, some time before his election to the professorship, re- ceived a call from one of the non-subscribing congregations in Belfast. He was probably recommended by Dr. Hutcheson, who kept up a constant cor- respondence with his friends in Ulster. It is, at all events, certain that Dr. Ilutcheson advised him to accept the offer. (" Life of Leechman," prefixed to his ' ' Sermons, " p. 18. ) Dr. Hutchcson used all his influence to secure the elec- tion of Leechman as professor of divinity. He was chosen by the casting vote of the lord- rector. The Rev. John Maclaurin of Glasgow was the rival can- didate. 3' The manner in which his friend .and biographer, the Rev. Dr. James Wod- row, speaks of his intercourse with the author of the treatise on " Original Sin," is full of meaning. " He spent a Sunday at Warrington with the late Dr. Taylor, then at the head of that academy ; the first time, I imagine, those two kindred souls had the pleasure of meeting ; but they were no strangers to one another, as they corresponded by letters, and the University of Glasgoiv had sent the AVarrington professor his degree of Doctor in Divi- nity." " Life," pp. 71, 75. 334 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. office seventeen years, he deemed it pi-udent all that time to re- frain from any explanation of his own religious principles. " No decisive judgment, on any great controverted /point, was ever deli- vered," says his admiring biographer, " from that theological chair. After the point had undergone a full discussion, none of the students yet knew the particular opinion of this venerable professor."^* The theological training to which Irish students were subjected in the University of Glasgow accounts, to a great extent, for the steady progress and ultimate ascendency of New-Light principles in the synod of Ulster. The orthodox majority endeavoured to exclude error, by passing resolution after resolution enforcing subscription to the Westminster formulary ; but the moderate party did not deem it necessary to excite public alarm by oppos- ing these impotent arrangements, for they knew that the attend- ance of the candidates for the ministry on the lectures of the Scottish professors would silently accomplish a theological revo- lution. It was apparent to all that the number of evangelical preachers was annually declining, and many of the people passed over to the ranks of the secession because they were dissatisfied with what they called " the young fry" of the pastors of the Ge- neral Synod ; but, meanwliile, no attempt was made to purify the ministry by making provision for a more satisfactory system of theological education. It may be that the synod felt itself in- competent to grapple with the difficulties of so weighty an under- taking. Meanwhile the evU advanced apace, and in little more than a quarter of a century after the separation of the presbytery of Antrim, the New-Light party had a complete preponderance of influence and talent in the synod of Ulster. But whilst the moderatism of the Scottish colleges exercised a powerful influence upon Irish Presbyterianism, there were other causes which contributed to promote its deterioration. Among these, the wretched condition of the Episcopal Church cannot be passed over unnoticed. About the middle of the last centuiy, the English establishment presented a most melancholy spectacle 3i "Lifo," p. 3'i. A.D. 1750-51. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 335 to the eye of the spiritual observer. Her articles were openly assailed by those appointed to explain and recommend them, and many of her nominal adherents were sunk in infidelity. Some of the occupants of the Episcopal bench were " known to be no friends to the Athanasian doctrine,"^ and one of these right reverend dignitaries had openly declared that he was acquainted with no more proper book " than Taylor ' On Original Sin' to settle the prmciples of a young clergyman.''^^ The Established Church of Ireland was in no better condition. There was not one active minister in every county who preached evangelical doctrine,^'' and scarcely one bishop could be named Avho laboured to promote the spiritual interests of liis diocese.^s The primate, Dr. George Stone, a man of great talents and of unbounded ambi- tion, was completely immersed in politics ; and according to the testimony of a respectable historian, who was a minister of his owii communion, was so bent on the maintenance of liis party, 35 " Monthly Review" for 1755, vol. xii. p. 431. Bishop Iloadly, in his account of the "Life, Character, and Writings of Dr. Samuel Clark," the celebrated Arian, speaks of that divine as "a benefactor to the cause of reli- gion." Hare, bishop of Chichester, who died in 1740, was suspected of infi- delity. One of his works, "The Difficulties and Discouragements which at- tend the study of the Scriptures in the way of private judgment," sustains this suspicion. 3' " Wesley's Doctrine of Original Sin." Preface. 37 " Life and Times of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon," vol. ii. p. 148. 33 A distinguished minister of the Established Church, who lived at this period, has furnished the following account of an advice given by an Irish bishop, after dinner, on the day of an ordination, to those whom he had just admitted into the sacred office : — " You may think that good preaching will make you agreeable to your people, but here I must tell you, you are quite mistaken : it is not for this they'll like you ; but I'll teach you a method of gaining all their favours. Look out for some humorous jest-book, and pick out all the droll stories you meet with in it, and get them by heart. Then if you be able, make up some new ones of your own. Take care, also, to re- collect every witty thing you hear in company, and fix it in your memory. Thus equipped, you will be well qualified to do the duties of the parish. For when you go to christenings, marriages, or ivaixs, you may easily entertain every one present by your witty jokes and droll stories, so that your company will be sought for over the whole parish." IJurdy's "Life of Skelton," p. 31. 336 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. that he sacrificed religion and morality, in the most abominable manner, that he might gain and confirm adherents.^^ Several of the inferior clergy held Arian sentiments ; and at least one dignitary, who wore an Irish mitre for nearly thirty years, was an avoAved and zealous Unitarian. This distinguished Church- man, the Eight Eeverend Dr. Eobert Clayton, was successively bishop of Killala, of Cork and Eoss, and of Clogher. Through the influence of Caroline, the queen of George II., he was pro- moted to his first bishopric in January 1730 ; but he had pre- viously embraced the Arian hypothesis, and not long afterwards he took occasion pubhely to indicate his theological predilections. In a sermon preached before the lord-lieutenant, on the 30th of January 1732, he denounced the " Lambeth Articles," drawn up to check the progress of Arminianism, in the reign of Queen Eli- zabeth, by Archbishop Whitgift, and other eminent divines of the Church of England, as " the most absurd that ever were framed by rational creatures ."^^^ His patroness, Queen Caroline, was well known to entertain rather loose notions in regard to Chris- tianity ; but, in this same discourse, Bishop Clayton describes her as a princess " whose religion is founded upon reason, the only sure basis for reasonable creatures to proceed upon, and whose understanding is equally elevated with the station she possesses."*^ Though, however, he never seems to have concealed his views on the question of the Trinity, he did not formally attack the estab- lished creed through the medium of the press untUthe year 1751. 39 Gordon's "History of Ireland," vol. ii. p. 220. I think it unneces- sary to enter more minutely into the disgusting details mentioned by this writer. Another minister of the same Church confirms the statements of Gordon. See Burdy's " History of Ireland, " p. 390. *o This sermon, for which the author received the thanks of the lords spiri- tual and temporal, was published by the special command of his grace the Duke of Dorset, the lord-lieutenant of Ireland. The quotations given in the text are taken from pp. 12 and 18. " Lord Chesterfield, who was well acquainted with this princess, gives the followingaccount of her religion : — " After puzzling herself in all the whimsies and fantastical speculations of different sects, she fixed ultimately in Deism, believing in a future state." Chesterfield's " Miscellaneous Works," vol. i. p. 346. A.D. 1750-51. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 337 Tlie famous " Essay on Spirit"'*^ then made its appearance, and soon passed through two or three editions. It is said that this essay was written, not by Dr. Clayton liimself, but by one of the young ministers of his diocese who had imbibed his senti- ments. The bisliop, however, adopted the work, and furnished a dedication, addressed to the primate of all Ireland. Tliis " Essay on Spirit" was the most remarkable treatise in support of Arianisni i>ublished by any Irish Protestant minister since the time of the Reformation. As its reputed author was a prelate officially connected with the northern jirovince, it was perused with avidity by ministers of the synod of Ulster, and it unsettled the minds of some who had before been but superficially acquainted with the Trinitarian controversy.*^ Nor was this the only instance in which error crept in among the northern Pres- byterians through the medium of the Irish establishment. Seve- *■ The following is the full title : — "An Essay on Spirit, wherein the doc- trine of the Trinity is considered in the light of reason and nature, as well as in the light in which it was held by the ancient Hebrews, compared also with the doctrine of the Old and New Testament ; with an Enquiry into the Senti- ments of the primitive fathers of the Church, and the doctrine of the Trinity as maintained by the Egyptians, Pythagoreans, and Platonists, together with some remarks on the Athanasian and Nicene creeds." This publication gave rise to a lengthened controversy, in which M'Donnel, Jones (the author of the well-known work on the " Trinity,") and others took part. Bishop Clayton afterwards attacked the doctrine of the Trinity in other publications. On Febru- ary 2, 1756, he made a motion in the Irish House of Lords with a view to the exclusion of the Athanasian and Nicene creeds from the Book of Common Prayer. The motion was negatived, only four voting for it, and twenty-six against it. It was vehemently opposed by Stone, the primate. Even after this bold attack on the established formularies, no attempt was made to bring him under ecclesiastical censure ; but having again, in 1757, assailed the doc- trine of the supreme Deity of our Lord in another publication, the king was advised to order the lord-lieutenant of Ireland to institute legal proceedings. The notification of the contemplated process threw him into a nervous fever, of which he died on the 2Gth February 1758. "Mant," vol. ii. p. GI7- *' Semple of Anahilt, writing in 1754, speaks of the " Essay on Spirit" as u, " dangerous book." (The " Survey Impartially Examined, " p. 68. ) Dr. Kippis states, that " the ' Essay on Spirit,' and the tracts on the same side of tiie (jucstion, were the means of diffusing the Arian opinions." " Biog. Britan.," art. Clayton. 338 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. ral of the ministers of the synod of Ulster were now living on terms of agreeable intercourse with the Episcopal clergy, and the latter occasionally contrived, by means of this friendly correspondence, to disseminate their pernicious principles.** Though, at first sight, the establishment of the Widows' Fund may appear to have no connection with the advancement or de- cline of orthodoxy, it forms, in fact, an important era in the re- ligious history of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. From this date New-Light principles were disseminated in the synod of Ulster with greater zeal, and were avowed by its ministers with greater boldness. Their increased intercourse with the non-subscribers conti'ibuted to this result. The theology of all the ministers of the presbytery of Antrim was essentially anti- evangelical ; and as their common interest in the Widows' Fund led them henceforth to attend the annual meetings of the synod, then" very presence exercised a considerable influence ; for, when not permitted to deliberate and vote, they could secretly supply information and give counsel ; and no doubt, in cases of emer- gency, they often awakened the zeal and stimulated the courage of those members of the synod who cherished kindred sentiments. From the period before us, the growth of New-Light principles in the General Synod was extensive and rapid. Most of the ser- mons published by ministers of the body, for many years after this date, are evidently the productions of men who had very in- correct views of the way of salvation. The members of synod who henceforth took the most prominent part in the manage- ment of its affairs, including those commonly chosen to officiate as moderators, repudiated the Calvinistie theology. As error generally makes its advances by stealth, they seldom, in their public services, directly assailed doctrines which the people had been long accustomed to cherish and uphold ; but, though they had all signed the Westminster Confession, they were prepared ^* The Rev. John Cameron of Dunluce, one of the most zealous propagators of heterodoxy in the synod of Ulster during the latter half of the eighteenth century, was himself originally perverted by a neighbouring Episcopal clergy- man. See preface to his doctrine " Concerning the only true God," pp. 7, i?. London, 1828. A.D. 1750-51. CHUllCH IN IRELAND. 33{» to plead tliat they were not thus, for all time to come, bound to adhere to everything it contained. Tlie arrival of the Seceders had arrested the progress of moderatism ; and from their first aj)- pearance in the North of Ireland, the supremo court of the Pres- byterian Church in Ulster had, year after year, been passing re- solutions indicative of zeal for orthodoxy ; but the excitement created by these Scottish preachers was now beginning somewhat to subside, and it soon appeared that they had rather alarmed than improved the existing ministry. When it Avas discovered that they were joined chiefly by the poor, and that it was in vain to attempt to prevent their settlement in the country, the mem- bers of the synod affected to treat them with contempt, and re- solved to submit with as much equanimity as possible to the an- noyance of such uncomfortable fellow-labourers. The act of 1749, enjoining subscription to the Confession of Faith, seems to have exhausted their concern for the maintenance of pure doc- trine, as, for upwards of thirty years afterwards, the frequent eva- sion of the law was not even once made the subject of any reso- lution to be found in the records of their proceedings. ^yiiilst the synod of Ulster was thus rapidly conforming to the spirit and sentiments of a degenerate age, the Seceders were steadily going forward with the settlement of their newly-erected congregations. On the lith of April 1750, the Rev. Alexander Stewart was ordained, by the Antiburgher Presbytery of Glas- gow, to the pastoral charge of the congregation of Drumachose. Tliis minister entered upon his labours under very encouraging cii'cumstances, as his call was signed by no less than two hun- dred and forty-two persons. On the day following that of his ordination, the first Associate Presbytery established in Ireland, consisting of Messrs. Patton, Arrott, and Stewart,*^ was consti- tuted at Arkilly, near Newtownlimavady. Shortly afterwards, ]\Ir. John Temient, a probationer of the Antiburgher Presby- tery of Edinburgh, received a call from the Seceders of Bally- rashane, Derrykeichan, and Eoseyards, signed by two hundred *' Dr. M'Korrow has liore fallen into a slight mistake. He represents Mr. Tenncnt as a nicmbor of the prcsb.vtcr.v "at its formation," (p. 257 note), whereas that minister was not ordained for upwards of a year afterwards. VOL. III. " z 340 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. and twenty-one persons. The ordination of Mr. Tennent*'' took place on the IGth of May 1751. In the year succeeding, the presbytery gained two other accessions. In the spring of 1752, the Eev. James Hume was ordained minister of the seceding congregation of Moira and Lisburn, and about the same time the Eev. Robert Reid*'^ was invested witli the pastoral oversight of a numerous flock at Ray, in the county of Donegal. The next year added another member to what was now called " The Associate Presbytery of Ireland," as, in August 1753, the Rev. James Martin was ordained over a congregation collected in the neighbovu'hood of Bangor.^^ "\^1iilst the Antiburghers were thus extending their influence, the Burghers were not less zealous, energetic, and prosperous. The apathy of the synod of Ulster greatly promoted their suc- . cess. One of the most decided syrnptoms of the decline of reli- gion in that body appeared in its increasing reluctance to sanc- tion the erection of new congregations. In estimating the mo- tives which dictated this unwise and unaccommodating policy, we cannot altogether overlook the ignoble suggestions of self- interest. Whilst every new erection added to the shareholders of Royal Bounty and diminished the dividend of each recipient, it also subtracted families from various surrounding congrega- tions, and thus affected the stipends of a number of ministers. In better times, the members of the synod would have ignored such considerations ; and Avhen the Church was enlarged under the diligent preaching of the Word, a grateful people would have made up to a faithful minister any deficiency of income created *^ Mr. Tcnnent died iu 1808. During a, ministry of fifty-seven years, he was never prevented from preaching, by sickness or otherwise, for a single Sabbath. Robert James Tennent, Esq., late M.P. for Belfast, is his grand- son, and Sir James Emerson Tennent, late M.P. for Lisburn, and now one of the secretaries of the Board of Trade, is married to his grand-daughter. " The Rev. Dr. Rentoul, the present minister of 2d Ray, is the grandson of Mr. Reid. *s The original meeting-';ouse was at Conlig, but the situation was found to be inconvenient, and a place of worship was subsequently erected at New- townards for the accommodation of the congregation. At a subsequent period, the Covenanters occupied the Conlig mceting-huusc. It is now a ruin. A.D. 1 7.51-5.'). CHURCH IN IRELAND. .'Ul by tho witlulrawal of a portion of his ovorgrowii flock; but now tlic love of many had waxed cold, and tho spirit of parsimony was often most ingloriously exhibited by both ministers and con- gregations. The unwillingness of tho synod of Ulster to foster new erections introduced the secession into several districts. The people of Clcnnanees, a place nearly six miles from Augh- iiacloy, had long felt the inconvenience of their distance from a liouse of worship, and, with the concurrence of the presbytery of Monaghan, had erected, about the year 1744, a very humble mud building, where they were to meet every third Sabbath, and to be supplied with religious ordinances. This station was, how- ever, soon neglected, and, in consequence, commissioners were sent to the synod, at its annual meeting in 1748, to complain that, for several months before, no minister had preached to the congregation. This representation probably produced greater regularity, but on one occasion, some time afterwards, an indivi- dual, who was extremely unacceptable, was appointed to ofiieiate ; and his services gave so much offence, that the people were now prepared for breaking up their connection with the synod of Ulster. A Seceder from Ballibay happened to visit his relations at Clennanees when matters were in this critical position, and, at his suggestion, an associate minister was soon afterwards requested to preach in the neighbourhood. The sermon delivered in con- sequence of this invitation gave much satisfaction to the auditory, and led to the establishment of a Burgher congregation. The introduction of the Seccders to Newbliss originated in circum- stances of a somewhat different character. The presbytery of Monaghan had erected the people of the district into a separate worshipping society, but two of the neighbouring congregations strenuously objected to the appointment of a minister in that locality, and memorialed the annual meeting of synod in 1751, with a view to set aside the arrangement. Their opposition was successful, and the new congregation was dissolved. Tliis pro- ceeding was exceedingly discouraging to the Presbyterians of Newbliss ; but still unwilling to relinquish the prospect of having a minister of their own, they petitioned the next meeting of synod for a reversal of the decision. Even when this application 342 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. failed, they were not altogetlier disheartened, for their commis- sioners again appeared before the synod in 1753, and urged a review of the previous deliverance. Kobert Ker, Esq., a resident landed proprietor, now came forward as one of their representa- tives, and offered security for the payment of an annual stipend, then considered of competent amount.*^ Notwithstanding this proposal, the motion for the erection of the congregation was negatived by a large majority. The people now applied to the Seceders, and were immediately furnished with the required suj>ply of ordinances. About the same time, the Burghers erected two other congregations, one at Castleblayney,^" and another at Loughaghery.^^ The Seceders w^ere at first miable to meet all the applications made to them for preaching, but this difficulty was gradually re- moved, and their Irish congregations were, one after another, sup- plied Avith ministers. On the 23d of July 1751, Mr. Thomas Clark, a licentiate belonging to the Burgher Presbytery of Glasgow, was ordained to the pastoral charge of the congregation of Ballibay. *5 It appears from the MS. Minutes of Synod, that the people of Newbliss, who were anxious for the new erection, amounted to " about fifty families," and that Mr. Ker offered " sufficient security" for the payment of a stipend of £40 per annum. At this same meeting of synod in 1753, it was agreed that " no minister be fixed in any congregation" not p.iying an annual stipend of £40, and " that it be earnestly recommended to the several congregations now planted, which do not pay yearly that sum, that they pay it yearly in time to come." The reason assigned for this rule is, that it is now " n^ore difficult and expensive for the dissenting ministers to support themselves and families in a decent manner than it was some years ago, by reason of the dearth of provisions, servants, and lands." MS. Minutes of Synod. 5" In August 1751, the Rev. James Gordon, who had been minister of Castleblayney, was installed as minister of the newly-erected congregation of Raphoe. Before his removal from Castleblayney, a portion of his flock had become dissatisfied, and had memorialed the synod in 1750 for a supply of preaching. Their application was unsuccessful, but the party still remained discontented ; and, during the vacancy which soon followed, and which con- tinued for about five year.s, the Seceders gathered a congregation. '^ Loughaghery is about three miles from Hillsborough. The people joined the Seceders probably because, though f;ir from a place of worship, the synod of Ulster would not erect them into a congregation. A. p. 1751-55. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 343 A mecting-houso had been pre\'iously erected, but, on the occa- sion of the ordination, it was insufficient to accommodate the as- sembled multitude, and the solemnity took place in the open air, in presence of a " vast confluence" of spectators. On the follow- ing day, the first Burglier presbytery formed in Ireland, consist- ing of* Messrs. Black, jSIayn, and Clark, was constituted on the same spot,"- and designated the " Associate Presbytery of Down." The newly-erected judicatory had several vacancies under its care, and as it was without any licentiate of its own, it at first could scarcely overtake the demands upon its services. In May 1753, the synod at Glasgow sustained a call from Clennanees in favour of Mr. Hugh M'Gill ; and, accordingly, about the com- mencement of the following year, he was ordained as minister of that congregation. The people of Newbliss, who had lately withdrawn from the jurisdiction of the synod of Ulster, now in- vited Mr. John Thomson to become their pastor ; and, on the 24th of August 1754, he was set apart to the ministry among them, by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. In the July of the following year, the Rev. John M'Auley was invested with tlie pastoral care of the Seceders of Castleblayney and Derrynoose ; and, about a month afterwards, the Rev. William Knox was ordained as minister of the Burgher congregation of Loughaghery. Of all the seceding ministers originally settled in Ireland, none 62 «« William M'Kinley's field," where Mr. Clark was ordained, and where the presbytery of Down was constituted, has long been considered classic ground by Irish Seceders. The congregation, formerly called "the new erection" of Ballibay, is now known as the congregation of Cahans. Its pre- sent minister, the Rev. Matthew M'Auley, has kindly furnished me with the use of a very venerable record, from which I have gleaned some of the infor- mation here presented to the reader. The document to which I i-efer is a ses- sion book, which commences with the ministry of Mr. Clark, and a conside- rable part of which is in his own handwriting. This book contains a copy of the call presented to him, with the names of the subscribers, amounting to one hundred and ninety-nine. It appears from it that the ministers who offi- ciated at his ordination were the Rev. Messrs. David Telfar, John M'Ara, Andrew Black, and Thomas Mayn. The commissioners from the congre- gation, who presented the call to the synod at Stirling, were John Nesbittand Thomas Potts. 344 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvui. attracted so much ])ublic attention as the Rev. Thomas Clark of BaUibay. Mr. Clark was not particularly eloquent, and probably others of his brethren enjoyed greater popularity as preachers, but he Avas pre-eminently distinguished by his energy, his intre- pidity, and his sufferings. In 1745, he had been chaplain in the family of a gentleman resident in Galloway, and he had signalised his loyalty in that eventful year by taking arms against the Pre- tender.53 In June 1749, he was sent over to Ireland by the Burgher Presbytery of Glasgow to preach as a licentiate. He was most indefatigable in his labours ; and as, for two years before his settlement at Ballibay, he itinerated throughout Monaghan, Tyrone, Armagh, and Down, he was generally known as a zea- lous associate missionar3^ He had preaching stations to supply in different parts of Ulster, so that he was obliged to travel on horseback ; and if he could but hope to advance the great cause he had at heart, he was ready to proceed, on very short notice, to any distant town or county where he was invited to officiate. He rode along at a rather quick -puce, as if he felt that he was engaged on a high errand ; in almost every parish he had ac- quaintances, who furnished him from time to time Vt'ith informa- tion respecting the condition of the people ; and as he moved to and fro throughout the country, his appearance was sure to awaken suspicion and alarm in all who were either careless or New-Light ministers. He wore a Highland bonnet, and expressed himself in broad Scotch, and there was nothing, either in his dark visage or in his tall and gaunt figure, fitted to make any very favourable impression on a stranger ; but those who entered into conversation with him were soon made sensible that they Avere holding fellowship with a minister of Christ. Though he used very homely language in his sermons, it was abundantly clear that he had the keys of the kingdom of heaven, for he knew how to reach the sinner's conscience, and to open the Scriptures, '3 " Brief Survey," p. 53. He was commonly called Doctor Clark, for he had studied medicine as well as theology, and had obtained a diploma from "the faculty of physicians and surgeons in the University of Glasgovi'." (" New Light Set in a Clear Light," p. 59) He was sometimes taunted by his adversaries for receiving fees as a medical practitioner. A.D.17ol-55. CllUKCH IN IRELAND. 345 and to exhibit the glory of tlio ^Mediator, and to proclaim a free pardon and an everlasting salvation. A few months prior to his ordination at Ballibay, Mr. Clark first appeared before the public as a controversial writer. The attacks on the secession by Delap, Lynd, and others, had been industriously circulated, and another tract, of which Mr. Peebles, a licentiate of the presbyteiy of Tyrone, avowed himself the author,^* had just issued from the press. In reply to these produc- tions, Mr. Clark now published a pamphlet of upwards of one hun- dred closely printed duodecimo pages, entitled, " A Brief Survey of some Principles maintained by the General Synod of Ulster, and Practices carried on by several IMembers thereof." The language of this performance is often exceedingly uncouth, and it supplies abundant proof that its author was sadly deficient in literary polish ; and yet it demonstrates that ho possessed a respectable share of general information, and that 1m) was well acquainted with the subject which he had undertaken to expound. The writer is obviously tinctured with the prejudices of his party, and he consequently speaks of the synod of Ulster in terms of too sweeping condemnation ; but still his little work gives a better idea of the state of religion among Irish Presbyterians about the middle of the last century than any other contemporary publication. It must have been read with much avidity, as it would appear that its author obtained sale for an edition of no less than two thou- sand copies. In Hoi, the Rev. John Semple,^^ minister of Ana- ^ Mr. Clark asserts tint this ti-nct, in which he was personally assailed, was, in reality, the production of the Rev. James Orr, theminister of Lough- gall, and that the name of Mr. Peebles, an "ancient probationer," was ap- pended to it as a matter of convenience. Mr. Orr died in 1755, and, after a vacancy of about three years, Mr. Peebles was ordained as his successor. His pastorate was short, as he died in 1761. ** Mr. Seniple belonged to the Old-Light party in the synod, and was con- sidered one of its ablest champions. In 1730, he was ordained to the pastoral charge of the congregation of Ahoghill, where he remained until 1719, when he was removed to Anahilt. He died in 1758. It is probable that the pro- ceedings of the Sccedurs at Loughaghery, in his own ncighbourliooil, led him to write "The Survey Impartially Examined." This pamphlet supplies some valuable historical information- 346 HISTORY OF THE PUESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. hilt, published a rejoinder, entitled, " The Survey Impartially Examined by Sacred Scripture and Sound Eeason." This pam- phlet, which is quite as large as that which it professes to answer, enters with considerable minuteness into most of the points dis- cussed by Mr. Clark, and attempts a vindication of various synodical proceedings upon Avhich he had commented with much severity. But though, in point of style, Mr. Semple has greatly the advantage of his antagonist, he is by no means so candid a controversialist. In his anxiety to sustain the reputation of the synod of Ulster, he often resorts to the most transparent sophistry. In 1755, Mr. Clark replied with great effect to his performance, in another still larger pamphlet, entitled, " New Light set in a Clear Light."^^ This publication closed the controversy. There are extant several documents which illustrate the cha- racter of this devoted man, and these records attest with the ut- most clearness that the Spirit of God unequivocally acknowledged the ministry of the early Seceders. If the conversion of sinners by his preaching is the best possible evidence that a pastor has received his commission from heaven, then, beyond all question, Mr. Clark possessed such credentials. Not a few, who after- wards became eminent Christians, declared that they heard from his lips those appeals which awakened them to seriousness. Though destitute of the graces of oratory, he could rivet the attention of his congregation, and his preaching often produced a remarkable impression. "I chose," said one of his hearers on his death-bed, " to sit in a dark place of the meeting-house, that I might the better conceal the Lord's kindness to me, in hearing the Gospel there, for often it was so great that I could scarcely contain myself."'^'^ The benefits of his ministry Avere not eon- ^'i This publication has a second title-page, in which it is described as " A Reply to a late Pamphlet, entitled, ' The Survey Examined,' " &c. From this second title-page it also appears that it was printed in Dublin, in 1756. The " Brief Survey" was printed in Armagh, by William Dickie. '■' "Pastoral and Farewell Letter," pp. 25, 26. In May 1764, Mr. Clark, with about three hundred other Presbyterian emigrants, i-emoved to America, in a vessel which had been sent to Narrow-water, near Newry, for the pur- pose of their conveyance, lie died minister of a congregation at Long-Cano, Abbeville, South Carolina, toward the end of the year 1Y92. He expired A.D. 1751-55. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 347 fined to those who had invited him to settle at Ballibay, for seve- ral llomau Catholics of the neighbourhood, in a state of spiritual concern, applied to l\im for religious instruction, and became steady and exemplary Presbyterians. But whilst this good man was pursuing his career of useful- ness, there was a member of the synod of Ulster who basely be- came liis persecutor. The seceding erection was made up of the members of surrounding congregations, and this minister, an- noyed, as it would appear, partly by the diminution of his flock, and partly by the shining zeal and piety of his clerical neighbour, contrived a plot for his imprisonment. The Eev. James Jackson of Ballibay, a man of unscrupulous character, was the individual implicated in this nefarious transaction. No one at all acquainted with his history could doubt Mr. Clark's attachment to the house of Hanover, for he had hazarded his life in the service of his sovereign when the Pretender was in Scotland ; but it was known that, in common with the whole body of Seceders, he disapproved of the ordinary mode of swearing by kissing the Gospels, and that he objected to the phraseology of a part of the oath of abjuration. It was accordingly given out that he held treasonable principles, and, in the month of May 1752, he re- ceived a summons, on the Lord's-day, requiring him to appear before Alexander Montgomery and Eichard Graham, Esqrs., tAvo justices of the peace, and to purge himself of the charge of dis- loyalty. Mr. Clark seems to have previously obtained some intima- tion of this plot, for he was prepared to produce certificates from the magistrates of Glasgow, Lord Cathcart, and other persons of distinction, bearing the strongest testimony in his favour as a peaceable and faithful subject. All these documents were disre- garded, and he Avas peremptorily required to take the oath of abjuration in the customary form. He at once professed his readiness to attest his loyalty by swearing with uplifted hand, sitting on his chair, and tlio " Pastoral Letter" to his former congregation at Uallibay was found lying on the table before him. This letter, which was subsequently published, contains much interesting information, and is a pre- cious memorial, as well of the deep piety as of the ministerial faithfulness of the author. One of his sons attained the dignity of an American juiige. 34:8 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxvm. but because he refused to kiss the book, and to adopt all the words of the prescribed formula, he was mulcted in the penalty of forty shillings. His enemies were not, however, to be satisfied with so slight an infliction. In the autumn of the same year, a second summons was issued ; and, as he was apprehensive that a second refusal to take the oath would be attended with much more serious consequences, he deemed it prudent to retire to Scotland, and to remain there for some months. When he re- turned, he was permitted for a time to remain unmolested, but on Wednesday, the 23d January 1754, he was arrested in the castle of Newbliss, as he had just preached to the newly-erected congregation of that district, and as he was about to draw up a call to Mr. Thomson, the future minister.^^ jj^ was then re- moved to a tavern in Eockcorry, where he was detained all night under a guard, and on the following day he was conveyed to the jail of Monaghan, accompanied by a strong escort of horse and foot. He remained in prison till the month of April,^^ when, on application to the judges of assize, it was discovered that there was an informality in the proceedings connected with his committal, and the sheriff was ordered to set him at liberty. Had Mr. Clark now commenced a suit for false imprisonment, he might have punished the magistrates who had displayed such suspicious anxiety for the honour of the oath of abjuration, but as they were hence- forth content to take his loyalty for granted, he did not care to appear vindictive, or involve himself in the turmoil of litigation.^"^ 58 As the synod of Ulster had in vain attempted to prevent the erection of the congregation of Newbliss, it is not improbable that his attendance there on this occasion added to the irritation of his enemies. Two of the elders and other members of the congregation of Mr. Jackson of Ballibay were con- cerned in his arrest. " New Light set in a Clear Light," p. 78. 59 " The first week in prison," says Mr. Clark, in his letter to his congre- gation, " they absolutely refused bail ; but on my brother-in-law giving a penal bond for £4000, they allowed me to walk the street within the corporation. Many of you then met every week for social prayer, to solicit the Lord for my liberty. One young couple of your number came and got their marriage solenmised in prison. You had also thirteen children baptised in prison. Two of these children had eight infants baptised by me in this country" [America.] "Pastoral Letter," pp. 20, 21. *" Some time afterwards, a most insidious attempt was made to injure the A.D. 1751-55. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 349 Mr. Clark was the only associate luinister sottlod in Ireland who was thrown into confinement in consequence of his scruples relative to the oath of abjuration. The treatment he experienced eventually reflected disgrace on those from whom it emanated ; and even the most malignant enemies of the Seceders at length became ashamed of the business of persecution. The religious aspect of the synod of Ulster was now very difterent from that which it presented at the commencement of this century ; but though its leading members rejected many of the doctrines main- tained by JNIr. Clark, they w^ould doubtless have acknowledged that he was fined and incarcerated in direct violation of the rights of conscience. It still contained ministers to whose character he was himself prepared to bear the most honourable testimony ; for he declares, in one of his controversial publications, that there were " some old reverend gentlemen, members of the General Synod, with whom he had the happiness to be a little acquainted, and whom, for their personal piety, he was bound to esteem and love."«> At this time the annual meetings of the General Synod pre- sented, in the decreasing attendance, a melancholy indication of growing indifference. Seldom more than the one-half, and sometimes scarcely the one-third, of the ministers appeared on these occasions. Of those present at the commencement of the business many dej^arted before its close, so that matters of gene- ral importance were often left to be determined by a very small number of individuals. To secure a better representation, and to induce more distant members to attend, the committee of over- tures, at the annual meeting of 1752, proposed that " the synod should, for the future, be comj^osed of delegates from the respec- tive presbyteries," that " theii- charges in attending should be de- Seceders by the appointment of \Villi;ini Craig, one of Mr. Clark's elders, as liigh-constable. The situation was lucrative, and it was perhaps expected that he would abjure his principles, and take the oath of office, in the usual form, by kissing the book. When ho declined to do so, he was thrown into prison, and kept in confinement for several months. With much difficulty his liberation was at length ctFected. " Pastoral Letter," p. 26. "' " Brief Survey, " preface, p. ii. 350 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. frayed" by their constituents, and that the number of delegates in each case should be regulated by the extent of the presby- tery. Ui^wards of forty years before, a similar proposal had been successfully resisted,*'^ but it was now introduced under more favourable auspices, as it was recommended by a committee of the supreme judicatory. Though the synod, in this instance, agreed to refer it to the consideration of the several presbyteries, the decision was postponed from year to year, and at length, without any discussion, the project was relinquished. An abor- tive attempt, made in 1757, to constrain the ministers and elders to attend with greater regularity, was the only result of its agi- tation. Ever since the separation of the presbytery of Antrim, there had been a party in the synod of Ulster who sympathised with the non-subscribers, and who were anxious for the renewal of ecclesiastical intercourse. The establishment of the Widows' Fund prepared the way for an accommodation, and soon after- wards some decided steps were taken to eftect its accomplish- ment. At the annual meeting of synod in 1758, the following motion was unanimously adopted : — " As it would tend much to the credit and advantage of dissenters in general that their dif- ferent associations should correspond with and mutually assist each other in their consultations for supporting their general in- terest, and that they should appear in the eye of the world as one body, and engaged in one common cause ; some members be appointed to write to the presbytery of Antrim and to Doctor Duchal [one of the non-subscribing ministers of Dublin] desiring that correspondents from them and from the brethren in the South may be appointed to meet the next General Synod, and that correspondents from the synod be appointed to attend any of their meetings when the brethren shall think it necessary and desire it."''^ ^' Seethe first paragraph of chap, xxiii. 85 MS. Minutes of Synod for 1758. Doctor Duchal, mentioned in this minute, was originally pastor of a dissenting congregation at Cambridge, in England. He subsequently removed, first to Antrim, and then to Wood Street, Dublin, in both of which places lie was successor to Abernethy. AD. 1758. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 351 This resolution illustrates the extent of the change which must have taken place since 172G in the sentiments of the synod of Ulster. The non-subscribers still adhered as pertinaciously as ever to all their original principles, and it was well miderstood that they were receding farther and farther from the doctrines of the Westminster formularies ; but, instead of bearing testimony against their growing defections, or exhibiting any anxiety to maintain its own character as an evangelical Church, the synod voluntarily invites them to enter into a friendly corresj^ondence, that both parties may " appear, in the eye of the world, cis one body, and engaged in one common cause." It is to be observed that this resolution passed in interloquitur, or at a private meet- ing of the court, attended almost exclusively by ministers, and held towards the close of the proceedings ; for had it been brought forward at an earlier period in open session, and before any considerable body of the elders, it would not probably have been adopted without opposition. It is not strange that it met with the ready acquiescence of the ministers who happened to be present, as they were now so generally infected Anth doctrinal errors. The personal respectability of some of the non-subscri- bers, as well as the high social position of some of the laity ad- hering to them,*'* suggested to the members of the synod that they would add to their own influence and credit by a renewal of ecclesiastical intercourse. There was at this time a minister, holding non-subscribing principles, whose intellectual and literary eminence shed a lustre on the cause of Irish nonconformity. The Eev. Dr. John Leland has long been known to all British theologians as one of our best writers on the deistical contro\'ersy. This learned and amiable man, who, for nearly half a century, Avas one of the ministers of Eustace Street congregation, Dublin, acquired great distinction by his numerous and valuable publications. Entering the field "* Mr. Danici- of Shroneliill, Tipperary, possessed a large property there, which descended to his nephew and heir. Lord Milton. Mr. Bagwell liad a fine estate at Cloiimel. Mr. Hare, the father of Lord Listowel, was also a man of large fortune. Mr. .Stewart of Ncwtownards has been already men- tioned. .See note 5 of this chapter. 352 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxvin. of discussion against the most acute and accomplished infidels of the age, he nobly vindicated the authority of revealed religion. Dr, Leland was of a very different spirit from others with whom he was associated, and his works testify that he held and appre- ciated doctrines!^^ which they either totally rejected or coldly "^ Dr. Leland had not a firm grasp of the doctrine of justification by faith .ilono, and hence a tone of legality pervades his sermons, but on other points he speaks with sufficient perspicuity. In a letter, dated December 12, 1720, and published in the " Monthly Repository," vol. xxi. p. 722, he thus expresses himself on the question of special grace — " I think it is very clear from the sacred writings that there is such a thing as special distinguishing grace given to some of the fallen human race above others in time, and that this Jloius from special love, and that this love was from everlasting." His sermons bear equally decisive testimony to his views on the subject of the atonement. TIjus, he says — "It was agreed, in the councils of the Divine wisdom and grace, that upon his (the Son's) performing the work assigned him, i.e., upon his taking upon him our nature, and in that nature yielding a, perfect and spotless obedience and righteousness — an obedience whereby the Divine law should be highly honoured, and displayed in all the majesty of its authority, and all the beauty and excellency of its precepts ; and upon his also submitting, for us men and for our salvation, to the deepest humiliations and the most bitter sufferings, and even to a cruel and ignominious death, that he might make atonement for our sins ; the merit of this his obedience and sufferings should be applied to all those that should return to God through him." ("Sermons," vol. iv. pp. 380, 381. London, 17C9. See also vol. i. pp. 250 and 219, 220, and 214; vol. iii. p. 96.) In the same sermons, his views of the Sonship and Deity of Christ are stated with equal perspicuity. Thus, he gives it as his opinion, that Christ is called "the Son of God," ^'io signify the ineffable and most intimate union and conjunction between the Father and him ; that he is the p>artaker of the same Divine nature, the same glorious perfections with the eternal leather, and is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person." (" Sermons," vol. iv. pp. 89, 90.) " The infinite dignity" of Christ is a phrase which he frequently employs, and indicates a topic upon which he evidently delighted to expatiate. He describes our Lord as " in the form of God," (vol. iv. p. 288,) as " God manifest in the fl.esh," (vol. iv. p. 285,) and as the '^eternal Son," (vol. i. p. 99, vol. iii. p. 112,) "in whom dwellethall the fulness of the God- head bodily," (vol. iii. p. 112.) Speaking of the things revealed in Scripture, he mentions "the doctrines relating to the wonderful methods of our re- demption and salvation through Jesus Christ, the doctrine of the holy and ever blessed Trinity, the incarnation of the Son of God, the satisfaction he hath offered for the si^is of the ivorld, the new covenant founded in his blood, his perpetual intercession for us in heaven, and the imiversal dominion he is A.D. 17-.9. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 353 entertained ; but his name was a tower of strength to his bre- thren, and led not a few to think more favourably of his views on the subject of ecclesiastical polity. His celebrity probably induced some members of the General Synod to give up their opposition to the project for a renewal of the correspondence with the non-subscribers. At the very opening of the annual meeting of 1759, and even before a new modei'ator was chosen, the Rev. Alexander Col- ville, the Rev. James Mackay,'''' and the Rev. William Nevin, presented themselves to the court, and handed in a commission, signed by the moderator and clerk of the presbyteiy of Antrim, appointing them to attend the synod, and " to join in consulta- tion" with it in all matters " of general concern to the Protes- tant dissenting interest."^'' This proceeding seems to have taken some of the ministers and elders by surprise, as they did not probably consider that the resolution of the interloquitar of the previous synod invited the non-subscrihers to jiarticipate so for- mally in their ecclesiastical deliberations ; but, at this stage of tlie business, the matter was permitted to pass, and the commis- sion was sustained. Next morning,^^ however, some members invested witli as Mediator," (vol. i. p. 314.) Dr. Leiand lias been often most absurdly claimed as a Unitarian, but these testimonies, and many others which might be easily adduced, abundantly prove that lie has thus been sadly mis- represented. Among the subscribers to the four-volume edition of his ser- mons, are the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of Armagh, and no less than fourteen bishops of the Established Church of Ireland. He died in January 170G, in the seventy-fifth year of his ago. He published "The Di- vine Authority of the Old and New Testament asserted," in 2 vols. 8vo, " A View of the Deistical Writers, " in 2 vols. Svo, "The Advantage and Necessity of the Christian Revelation shown from the state of religion in the ancient heathen world," in 2 vols. Ito, and several other works. His Ser- mons were published after his death. "" The Rev. James Mackay was one of the ministers of the 1st congrega- tion, Belfast. He died in 17S1. <" MS. Minutes of Synod. At the same time letters were read "signify- ing the hearty inclination and readiness" of the southern presbyteries to cor- respond with the synod, and apologising for the absence of representatives. They promised to send some of their members to subsequent meetings, "if tliat should be judged necessary." MS. Minutes. *5 At this time tlic synod always met at five o'clock on Tuesday evening, 354 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. called the attention of the synod to the suhject, and entered into a distinct statement of their own views as to the character of the correspondence. They observed, that by " the general interest" of dissenters, mentioned in the minute of 1758, they understood simply whatever pertained to their common secular concerns, and, after some discussion, the synod agreed to adopt the expla- nation. The more zealous friends of the non- subscribers, among whom Mr. Cherry of Clare was still conspicuous, were so much dissatisfied with this decision, that they insisted upon recording their dissent, declaring that the non-subscribing commissioners " should be consulted in aU matters of importance." The de])U- ties themselves were somewhat annoyed by this occurrence, and it tended rather to abate the cordiality of the correspondence, as, for several years afterwards, the representatives of the Antrim presbytery seldom conferred with the synod, except when con- vened for the transaction of private business. George II. died in October 1760,^3 and the synod, at its meet- ing in the following June, resolved to present an addi'ess of con- gratulation to the new sovereign. The presbytery of Antrim joined in this expression of loyalty ; and that they might " appear in the eye of the world as one body," the parties agreed on this occasion to describe themselves as " The Presbyterian Ministers of the Northern Association in Ireland." When congratulating George III., two years afterwards, on the birth of the Prince of Wales, they employed the same designation."^" ■when the moderator preached- Next morning, two hours (from eight to ten o'clock) were spent in devotional exercises. Public business commenced at ten o'clock. "9 In the month of February of this year, three French frigates, under the command of the celebrated Thurot, appeared in Belfast Lough. Carrick- fergus was taken, and the Rev. David Fullarton, the Presbyterian minister of the place, was sent to Belfast with a flag of truce, and a letter to the sovereign, in which the French commodore threatened, that if not imme- diately furnished with a large supply of provisions, he would burn the town. In a few days, however, preparations were made to attack him, and mean- while he found it expedient to re-embai k his troops and withdraw. His squa- dron was attacked and captured by three British frigates immediately after- wards. He was killed in the action. '" Two ministers, who cannot be passed over unnoticed, died in the inter- A.D. 17C0-G3. CHURCH IN IRELAND. H55 For many years past, the caiulitlates for the pastoral office be- longing to the General Synod and to the presbytery of Antrim had been trained under the same theological professors, so that it is easy to understand why the two parties were now so much in- clined to fraternise. The ministers not only preached occa- sionally in each other's pulpits, but passed without hesitation from the one body into the other ; and the dread of alienating the orthodox laity was, doubtless, the gi'eat reason Avhy the majority of the members of the synod did not seek to consummate a coa- lition. A species of preaching which did not distinctly exhibit any of the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel, and which was fitted neither to awaken the careless nor to comfort the penitent, at this time too generally prevailed. Under these circumstances, it may appear singular that the Seceders were not more success- ful in planting congregations. From 1755 to 1763, there were only two additions made to the number of the associate ministers in Ireland.'^' The poverty of the country partially accounts for v.il between the presentation of these two addresses. In 17G2, the congrega- tion of Corboy, county Longford, became vacant by the death of the Rev. James Bond. Mr. Bond was ordained in Corboy in 1723, and in 1731 re- ceived a call to Armagh, to succeed Mr. Ilutcheson, but the synod would not consent to his removal. Willoughby Bond of Farra, Esq., late high-sheriff of the county of Longford, and one of the most respectable members of the Presliyterian Churcli in Ireland, is his grandson. In May 1763, the Uev. Victor Ferguson of Strabane died. Mr. Ferguson was minister of Strabano upwards of forty-six years, lie belonged to tlie New-Light party in the synod. He bequeathed a house and farm to his successors, and the minister of 1st Strabane still enjoys this inheritance. Another minister connected with the synod of LTlster, the Rev. Hugh Gaston of Bally willan, published, in 1763, a work which has been greatly valued by the religious public, and which has been frequently reprinted. It is entitled, " A Scripture Account of the Faith and Practice of Christians, consisting of large and numerous collections of Pertinent Texts of Scripture upon the sundry Articles of Revealed Re- ligion." This work is favourably noticed by Ilorne, in his "Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures." Mr. Gaston was ordained at Ballywillan in 1748, and died in 1766. '1 In 1757, the Rev. Robert Law was settled at Carnonc, near Raphoc, and, in 1759, the Rev. AVilliam Ronaldson was ordained at Scarv.agh, near Loughbrickland. The Antiburgher presbytery of Ireland was divided, in April 1761, into the two presbyteries of Newtownlimavady, and of Moira VOL IIL 2 A 356 HISTORY OP THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviir. this slow progress. The mass of the people had before been in very indigent circumstances, and a famine which afflicted Ulster in 1757 almost completely exhausted their resources.'^^ ^g i\^q adherents of the secession were generally poor, this calamity pressed upon them with peculiar severity. Licentiates were un- willing to undertake the charge of vacant congregations which could hold out to them no fair prospect of a maintenance, and some of the ministers already settled in the country were so in- differently supported, that they were beginning to think of emi- grating to America.'^^ The circumstances of ministers in Ulster must have been ex- ceedingly uncomfortable, if they could have fairly calculated upon bettering their temporal condition by crossing the Atlantic, for at this very period the most discouraging intelligence was transmitted from the colonies. At its annual meeting in 1760, the Rev. Charles Beatty, a member of the presbytery of Philadelphia, pre- sented to the General Synod an address from the corporation of Philadelphia and New York, setting forth the distressed condi- tion of Presbyterian ministers and their families in the New World, and earnestly applying for assistance. The colonists, no doubt, considered that they had a claim upon the Irish Presbyte- rian Church, inasmuch as their country was so largely occupied by emigrants from Ulster.''* Mr. Beatty met with a most cor- and Lisburn. The presbytery of Newtownlimnvady consisted of four mi- nisters, Messrs. Stewart, Tennent, Reid, and Law, and had under its care the vacant congregations of Aghadoey, Ramelton, Ahoghill, Claghmore, and Garva. The presbytery of Moira and Lisburn consisted also of four ministers, Messrs. Patton, Arrott, Humo, and Martin, and had under its care the va- cant congregations of Ballyeaston, Larne, Belfast, Drumbanagher, and Sheep- bridge. Mr. Ronaldson of Scarvagh was connected with the Burgher pres- bytery of Down. W On the 2d of September 1756, a remarkably high wind greatly damaged the ripened grain, and caused a dearth the year following. M'Skimin's " Carrickfergus, " p. 8L '3 Clark, who soon afterwards emigrated, says, archly, that about this period "some appeared, in practice, to adopt the Quaker's opinion, that very little or no salary should be paid to ministers." " Pastoral Letter," p. 27. '* It is said that, from 1729 to about the middle of the last century, 12,000 A.P. 1704. CHURCH IN IRELAND. '3;>7 dial reception from the synod, and liis description of the wretched condition of liis brethren in America awakened deep and general sympathy. It appeared that the hardships of poverty had been ag- gravated by the miseries of a war with the Indians, during which these savage foes had carried many into captivity. Though the synod was embarrassed by the impoverished condition of a large portion of the people under its care, it could not i-esistthis touching appeal, and, ■with the utmost unanimity, it agreed to appoint a day for taldng up a collection in all its congregations in aid of the American sufferers. On this occasion the Irish Presbyterians, " out of their deep poverty," contributed upwards of £400.'^^ This seasonable assistance was acknowledged in a letter ad- dressed to the synod, dated February 12, 1763. At the general meeting in the following June, the Rev. Grilbert Kennedy was chosen moderator. In 1744, when the second congregation of Belfast became vacant by the death of the Rev. James Kirkpat- rick, one of the original non-subscribers, this gentleman accepted an invitation to become his successor ; but, on his removal from Killileagh, where he had previously been settled, Mr. Kennedy emigrants arrived annually from the North of Ireland. Baird's " Religion in the United States," p. 150. " In the MS. Minutes of the Synod for 1763, there is an address from ' ' the corporation in the city of Philadelphia, for the relief of poor and dis- tressed Presbyterian ministers and their widows and children," in which it is stated that, by Colonel Dunne of Dublin, they had received remittances to the amount of £il2, 3s. 1 Id., "the greater part of which was paid in the name of the General Synod." The remainder was probably contributed by the non-subscribing Presbyterians of Dublin. A few years before this, or in 1754, a petition was presented to the synod by the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, a native of Ulster, in the name of the synod of New York, and the trustees of the infant college of New Jersey, requesting "one Sabbath-day's collection in the several congregations," to assist in the establishment of the new semi- nary. The .synod agreed to grant the prayer of the memorial, but a very in- considerable sum appears to have been actually raised. It is wortiiy of no- tice, that the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finlay, president of the college of Princeton, New Jersey, from 1701 to 17G6, was an emigrant from the province of Ulster, and a native of Armagh. His immediate successor was the cele- brated Dr. Witherspoon. Hodge's " Constitutional History of the Presby- terian Church in the United States of America, " vol. ii. p 363. 3o8 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. did not relinquisli his conuection with the synod of Ulster J'^ After preaching, as moderator of the preceding year, at the open- ing of the annual meeting of 1764, he received the tmanimous thanks " of the house for his very acceptable sermon," and was " requested to print it for public edification."'''^ The discourse was accordingly committed to the press, and, in a merely literary point of view, it is by no means discreditable to the author ; but, as a specimen of the species of theology which the synod was now disposed to patronise, it proves to what extent the largest section of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland had departed from its original principles. The allusions of the preacher to the great doctrines of the Gospel are most unsatisfactory and vague, and, throughout the whole sermon, Mr. Kennedy apparently labours to fortify the minds of the assembled ministers against the fear of offending their orthodox congregations ; but, in doing so, he handles the Word of God deceitfully, for, strangely misrepresent- ing the inspired testimony, he tells them how the Apostle Paul " commended himself to the consciences of such as were well dis- posed mid xinprejudiced," by preaching " a doctrine which Avas very unpopular."''^ In the sceptical spirit of all abettors of the New-Light divinity, he speaks as if what the New Testament calls " the full assurance of understanding," as to Christian doc- trine, were utterly unattamable. " The impartial inquirer," says he, "having carefully considered every side of a question, be- comes the more convinced hoio unbecoming it is to he dogmatical in disputable matters." Of all the existing ecclesiastical grie- vances, he obviously considers subscription to the Confession of Faith as the most intolerable. Hence he complains that " all whose candid inquiries may lead them to differ from the popular authorised opinions, must either be silent, or stand exposed to '" Mr. Kennedy was originally ordained in Lisburn. (See chap, xxvii.) On his removal to Belfast he still remained a member of the presbytery of Killileagh. " MS. Minutes of Synod for 1764. "* His text is Gal. i. 10. " Oi- do I seek to please men ? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." The quotations from the sermon given in the text may be found at pp. 12, 10, 40, 41. A.D. 1704. CHURCH IN UlELAND. 3,39 public odium. It were," he adds, " mucli lor the honour of Christianity, and the interest of truth, if every discouragement to rational and free inquiry loere removed out of the Churches." Had not the mass of the Presbyterian laity of Ulster been zealously attached to the Westminster formularies, an attempt Avould, perhaps, ere this have been made to set aside, or at least modify, the standing order relative to subscription. But instead of proposing an innovation which would certainly have encoun- tered an immense amount of opposition, the New-Light ministers, wherever their influence preponderated, deemed it expedient to pursue the less constitutional course of conniving at the evasion of the law, in the hope that it would thus gradually sink into desuetude. Some of the aged members of the synod complained of this irregularity, but their remonstrances were disregarded. '^'^ A case which Avas submitted to the consideration of the supreme judicatory of the Church in 1764, shows at once the gross dis- honesty of some of the subscribers, and the extreme difficulty of con\dcting any man of heresy before the existing ecclesiastical tribunals. The Rev. John Stirling, who had been minister of Ballykelly for upwards of half a century, died in 1752, and Avas succeeded in the pastoral charge by the Rev. John Haslett. In 1757, Mr. Haslett removed to Bandon, and, after a vacancy of about five years' duration, the Rev. John Nelson Avas settled in the congregation in October 1702. The doctrine preached by Mr. Nelson, when on trials, had been such as his parishioners coiUd relish ; but ho had not been long ordained until they per- ceived a wonderful change in the tone of his ministrations. His ■" III 1704, tho Uev. John Holmes, minister of the 2d congregation of Glon- dermot, publislied a sermon, which he intended as a testimony against pro- vailing errors. His text is Rom. v. 7, and from this passage he takes occa- sion to point out the distinction between "agood moralist and a godly man." In the preface, he complains that "many legal preachers have subscribed [tlic confession], and have given ground to suspect that they have done so in a very disimjcnuous manner." Mr. Holmes was originally minister of Done- gal, where he was ordained in 1715, so that ho had been a member of tho synod during the period of the subscription controversy. He removed to (jlendcrmot in 1711. Ho seems to have been a man of zeal and piety, lh<>u;^h .■somewhat eccentric. He died in 1770. 360 HISTORY OF THE PliESBYTERIAN chap, xxvin, private conversation was as unsatisfactory as his public services, for he spoke of the Confession of Faith, and of its tenets, in a style which awakened the indignation of a people who had been well instructed in the faith by the pious and orthodox Mr. Stir- ling. They at length became so much dissatisfied, that they de- termined to seek redress ; and they accordingly tabled a complaint against their new pastor before the presbytery of Derry. Instead of taking up the charges, or examining the proffered evidence, the presbytery, in the first instance, " enjoined" Mr. Nelson " to use his best endeavours to remove every suspicion" of his sound- ness in the faith, and then agreed to refer the whole case to the decision of the General Synod. Of the heterodoxy of the ac- cused minister there can be no doubt, as he himself, some time afterwards, published " A Letter to the Protestant Dissenters in the Parish of BallykeUy," in which he denounces creeds as " en- gines of discord," describes Adam, when in paradise, as "a mere simpleton, an abject slave to his appetites, an easy dupe to im- portunity," and asserts that " the bulk of the Christian world, for thirteen hundred years past, have not worshipped the true God, but one of their own invention. "^'^ When the complaint came before the General Synod in Lurgan, the Rev. Andrew Ferguson of Burt^i stated the course pursued by the presbytery of Derry, and the charges were afterwards investigated in de- tail. From a court, whose leading members did not differ greatly in sentiment from the accused, an impartial award was not to be expected. Though Mr. Nelson himself partially ad- mitted the truth of some of the counts in his indictment, and *" This pamphlet, whicli was printed at Belfast in 1766, contains 150 duo- decimo pages. The quotations given in the text are taken from pp. 10, 14, 23, and 29. Tlie last quotation is perhaps the first approach to an avowal of Unitarianism ever made by a minister who had been a member of the Gene- ral Synod. ^' This minister was the son of the Rev. Andrew Ferguson, who was or- dained in Burt in 1690. The father and son had the charge of the congre- gation of Burt for nearly a century. The minister mentioned in the text was ordained in 1725, and died in 1787. Sir Robert A. Ferguson, Bart., M.P. for the city of Londonderry, is his great-grandson. His grandson, the first Sir Robert, was created a baronet of the United Kingdom in 1801. A.D. 17G5-67. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 3G1 thougli his entire defence was suspicious and equivocal, the synod ahnost unanimously agreed to a verdict of " not proved." But tlie people of Ballykelly were not to be baffled by this unrigh- teous deliverance. Notwithstanding the decision of the synod in his favour, they still persisted in their opposition to a minister who had attempted so impudently to delude them, and ]\Ir. Nelson soon found his situation so uncomfortable, that he deemed it pru- dent, in a few months, to resign the charge of the congregation. Mr, Nelson had, it appears, prior to his ordination, annexed his signature to the Confession of Faith, but he insinuates in his pamphlet that he subscribed only in a certain " sense," and with certain " limitations." Though the conduct of this minister was exceedingly uncandid, he Avas probably blamed by some of his brethren for the freedom with which he occasionally expressed himself to the people of Ballykelly ; as one of the favourite maxims of a portion of the New-Light party in the synod was, that they should " think with the wise and speak with the vul- gar."*- Their actions were often more significant than their words, and their anxiety to eftect a reunion with the presbytery of Antrim betokened how much they were galled by the fetters of subscription. About this time they advanced another step towards the accomplishment of their favourite project. At the annual meeting of 1767, a resolution was unanimously adopted, to the eflect that the non-subscribing presbytery should be " in- vited to correspond with the synod." It was thus proposed, that the two bodies should approximate still more closely than they had ever yet done since their separation, as, in the ecclesiastical language of the period, the correspondence contemplated implied that the non-subscribers should send to the General Synod re- presentatives who should be fully entitled to take part in all its deliberations. There was a pretty full attendance of the mem- bers of the presbytery of Antrim at the synodical meeting which passed this resolution, and they were doubtless highly gratified by an overture involving a A'irtual abandoiunent of the grounds on which the synod had formerly voted for their exclusion ; but >■' Nelson's Letter, p. 143. 362 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviii. whilst they cordially accepted of the invitation, they, at the same time, modestly stated, that they did not intend to avail themselves of all the privileges which the parent Church now desired to confer. " They returned their thanks for the compliment offered them, and expressed their readiness to give their opinions when asked, with freedom and candour [to the synod], but begged to be excused from giving their votes in anything that implied juris- diction."^^ Other proceedmgs of this date betray a disposition, on the part of the Greneral Synod, to encourage the advocates of heterodoxy. About the middle of this century, two missionaries of the Re- formed Presbyterian Church, or, as they were then commonly designated, two mountain ministers, the Rev. John Cameron and the Rev. Thomas Cuthbertson, preached in various parts of the North of Ireland, and attracted considerable audiences. In 1752, Mr, Cuthbertson emigrated to America, under the direction of the Reformed Presbytery in Scotland ; and Mr. Cameron, hav- ing renounced the peculiar principles of the Covenanting Church, and joined the communion of the synod of Ulster, was settled, in 1755, as the minister of Dunluce.**^ Mr. Cameron was a man of genius, but his imagination was more vigorous than his judgment, and as he Avas never thoroughly established in the Calvinistic theology, his principles were easily undermined. He had not 83 MS. Minutes of Synod for 1767. 84 See note 44 of this chapter. The first presbytery of the Reformed Pres- byterian Church was constituted at Braehead, in the parish of Carnwath, in Scotland, in August 1743, and consisted originally of two ministers, the Re- verend Messrs. M'Millan and Nairne, and some ruling elders. ("Hist. Part of the Testimony of the Ref Pres. Ch. in Scotland," p. 203.) About the year 1761, the first Irish Covenanting minister, the Rev. Matthew Lynd, a, native of Larne, was ordained at Vow, near Rasharkin. Mr. I-ynd re- sided in Newtownlimavady, and extended his labours through the county of Derry, and parts of the counties of Antrim and Donegal. The Rev. William Martin, the first minister of Kellswater, settled in this country about the same time. In 1765, the Rev. William James was ordained at Bready, near Derry, and, shortly afterwards, the Rev. Daniel M'Clelland was set apart to the pastoral office at Laymore, near Ballymena. Each of these ministers had originally the charge of several small societies, scattered over an extensive district. A.D. 17C7-G9. CHURCH IN IKK LAND. 3G^ beeu many years appointed to the pastoral charge of Duuluco when he became infected with the New-Light divinity; and after wandering for some time from error to error, he at length settled down in Unitarianism. In 17G7, he published a pamphlet, en- titled, " The Policy of Satan to destroy the Christian lleligion," in which he endeavours to prove that " the several systems of luiman articles established in the lleformed Churches have a direct tendency to root out all appearance of conscience and honesty from among men/'^^ Though this little work was an anonymous performance, its author soon became known ; but, instead of being branded with any mark of ecclesiastical censure, Mr. Cameron was, in the following year, chosen moderator of the General Synod. Some time after the establishment of the Widows' Fund, the synod had solicited a correspondence with the southern associa- tion. The application was favourably received, but no deputy had hitherto appeared in the supreme court of the Church in Ulster. In 1769, the Eev. James Rodgers, the minister of ITethard, was present at the annual meeting, and though it would seem that he did not bear any commission from the body with which he was connected, he was requested " to sit and vote as a member of the synod." With this invitation Mr. Rodgers complied.^^ For twenty years past, the synod of Ulster had been gradually degenerating, and the date at which this chapter closes marks a dreary period in the liistory of the Presbyterian Chiu-ch in Ire- land. Of late, the Seceders had made very little progress, and w " Policy of Satan," p. 63. Mr. Cameron puts this sentiment into tlic mouth of Satan when plotting against the Church, but he obviously approves of the wisdom of the arch-deceiver. It is probable that the publication of this pamphlet was suggested by the appearance, in 17CG, of the celebrated vrork against subscription, entitled, "The Confessional," by Archdeacon Blackburne. 8" At this meeting the Monaghan presbytery reported to tho synod that "Mr. Plunket was removed from Enniskillen to Strand Street, Dublin, in January 1769." Mr. Plunket had, for twenty years, been minister of Ennis- killen. He survived his removal to Dublin little more than nine years, as he died in IY78. He was tho father of tlie late lord-chancellor of Ireland, and the grandfather of the present Bishop of Tiiam. 364 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviir. some of the ministers, by conduct unbecoming their profession, had greatly damaged the reputation of the associate body. The Covenanters, or Reformed Presbyterians, had organised a few small congregations, but their influence was scarcely felt, for though they had now three or four ministers who faithfully proclaimed the way of salvation, their refusal to recognise the civil govern- ment of the country, and other peculiarities, formed insufferable obstacles in the way of their prosperity. Few of the Seceding or Covenanting preachers were possessed of superior talent, and most of them were very imperfectly educated, so that they failed to secure the attention and respect of the more influential classes of the community. In the larger section of the Irish Presbyte- rian Church there were some ministers of highly cultivated minds, but, even in point of literaiy attainments, the General Synod was rapidly declining. It now exhil)ited but few signs of spiritual life, and the records of the proceedings of its annual meetings are a humiliating memorial of the lukewarmness and secularity by which it was pervaded.^''' It had still some mem- bers who defended, as well as adorned, " the doctrine which is according to godliness ;" but the majority of its ministers re- jected the Scriptural articles of that confession which they had solemnly subscribed, so that the message to the angel of the Church of Sardis might have been most appropriately addressed to it — " I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." 8' From 1756 to 1769, only two congregations, Buckna and Armoy, were added to the synod of Ulster. Both these erections met with much oppo- sition; Buckna was ei-ected in 1756, and Armoy in 1769. A.D. 1770. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 300 CHAPTER XXIX. A.D. 1770-1793. Discouragimj situation of the Church, and symptoms of its decline — Sub- scription to the Confession of Faith attacked by Cameron, and defended by M'Doxvel — Case of Mr. Stephenson, a licentiate, and erection of the presbytery of Belfast — Agrarian disturbances, and death of Mr. Morell — Emigration to America— Political changes — Rise of the Volunteers — Alarm of Government — Repeal of the Test Act— Increasing injtuence of \y the Volunteers — The Marriage Act, and the Act for the Relief of Sece- ders — Proposed increase of the Royal Bounty— General electioti of I'ISS, and Dtingannon meeting of Volunteers — Dr. Camjjbell api^oinled to ap- ply for an augmentation of the Royal Bounty— Ilis partial success — En- dowment of Seceders — Burghers and Antiburghers endeavour to effect a union, but their attempts unsuccessful — Controversy between the Bishop of Cloyne and Dr. Campbell — Discussion between Messrs. Rogers and M'Garragh — Mr. Black apipointcd agent for the Synod of Ulster- Another augmentation of Royal Bounty — Prevalence of anti-evanqelical doctrine — Resolutions respecting subscription to the Confession of Faith Low state of ministerial education — Attempts to establish collegiate semi- naries—Slow progress of Church extension — Prevalence of a secular spirit— Cases of Sabbath desecration — Seceding communions — State of the Episcopal Church. The prospects of Irish Presbyterianism were never more discou- raging than about the date at which this chapter coinnienees. The good name of a religious community depends much upon tlie character of its teachers ; but tliough the synod of Ulster still contained a considerable number of members wlioso deport- ment was most exemplary, the conduct of others tended greatly to damage its rej)utation. Some had lately acted so improperly, that it had been found necessary to inflict upon them the penal- ties of ecclesiastical discipline ; and the presbytery of Dul)lin had been recently engaged in a very i)ainful investigation, which had issued in the suspension of one of the ministers of the 366 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. Irish metropolis.^ Emigration was continually weakening the strength of the Presbytei'ian population, and as the royal grant aftbrded a very small dividend to each recipient, comparatively few of the members of the General Synod enjoyed anything like a comfortable maintenance. Parents were unwilling to encou- rage their children to devote themselves to the pastoral office, as it presented the prospect of a life of perpetual poverty ; and thoughtful men, who were concerned for the support of the cause of nonconformity, could not look forward to the future without the most gloomy anticipations.- The difficulty of procuring a supply of preachers for the pulpits of vacant congregations had led to a relaxation of the rules relative to the course of prepara- tory study ; and as individuals very indifferently qualified, in point of literary attainments, had thus obtained license and ordi- nation, the synod, at its annual meeting in 1770, passed a series of resolutions, with a view to elevate the standard of professional education. But when the arrangements now proposed are con- trasted with those adopted forty years before, they aftbrd melan- choly evidence of the declension of the Church. In 1730, every candidate, after having obtained the degree of master of arts, was required to devote at least four years to the study of theo- logy, and it was expected that he would, meanwhile, spend two seasons at some Divinity Hall either of the Dutch or Scottish colleges ; but now no academic diploma was deemed necessary, and an attendance at the university for four sessions of five months each was considered a sufficient amount of ministerial training. The enemies of the Westminster Confession had been long 1 In 1769, the Rev. John Baird, pastor of Capel Street congregation, was suspended from the exercise of his ministry, first by the presbytery of Dub- lin, and afterwards by the synod of Ulster. In 1*777, he was again suspended by a committee of synod specially appointed to investigate certain charges preferred against him. Mr. Baird now renounced the jurisdiction of the synod, and conformed to the Established Church, in which he obtained the small benefice of Cloughran, near Dublin. ^ It appears from tiie Minutes of the Synod of Ulster for 1770, that whilst seven ministers had been ordained during the preceding year, only /our can- didates had been licensed to preach, and but two were oti trials for license. A. n. 1770-74. CHURCH IN IRELAND. .%7 consolidating tlioir influence, and they were never perhaps, nu- merically, much more powerful than about this period. The stu- dents educated under Hutcheson and Leechman could not be expected to look with any favour upon the Calvinistic theology ; and as some of them Avere now among the leaders of the synod, nothing but the well known attachment of the people to their ecclesiastical formularies prevented a vigorous and united eflibrt for setting aside the law of subscrij^tion. About this time, a motion for its abolition was actually discussed in the committee of overtures at a meeting of the General Synod, and the proposal was favourably entertained ;3 but the danger of the attempt soon became apparent, and, on reconsideration, its abettors deemed it prudent, for the present, to relinquish their design. A member of the synod of Ulster, who continued for upwards of half a century to adorn the ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, now began to attract some notice. Soon after ISIr. Nelson had resigned the charge of Ballykelly, Mr. Benjamin M'Dowel * was appointed his successor, and the young pastor in a short time nobly justified the choice of an ancient and respectable congregation. Mr. M'Dowel was a sound divine, a graceful and dignified speaker, a man of singular piety, and a most acceptable preacher. In 1769, the Rev. John Cameron, already known as a popular writer,"' published a pamphlet, en- 3 King's " Vindication of the Presbytery of Belfast against IVIr. Stephen- son'.s Review," pp. 9, 10. * This excellent minister was born in Elizabothtown, Now Jersey, in the United States of America, on the 23th of December 1739. His parents were natives of Connor, in the county of Antrim. After having studied for some time at the college of Princeton, he was removed to the University of Glas- gow. It so happened that Dr. Leechman had before this resigned the chair of divinity, so that the young student was not much exposed to the influence of so dangerous a theological teaciier. He was licensed to preach by the presbytery of Glasgow in 17C5, and afterwards, when in Ireland on a visit to his relations, he received a call from the people of Ballykelly, and was or- dained in 17GG. He died in 1824. Funeral sermon by Dr. Horner. * The year preceding, Mr. Cameron published his " Messiah," a work of imagination of the epic character, in n duodecimo of 35C pages. It was re- publislicd in 1811. 368 HISTORY OF TFIE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxix. titled " The Catholic Christian," in which he endeavoured to demonstrate the folly of requiring subscription to creeds or con- fessions. Though this little work was anonymous, its author was immediately recognised, and, as its style was attractive, it produced a considerable impression. In the following year, Mr. M'Dowel published a reply, distinguished by that candour, mo- desty, and good sense, which he uniformly exhibited. The minister of Dunluce again appeared upon the theological arena, and the controversy was kept up for several years f but, through- out the whole discussion, Mr. M'Dowel conducted the argument with an ability and learning alike creditable to himself and ser- viceable to the cause which he advocated. Had it not been for his seasonable vindication of the Westminster standards, the New-Light party would perhaps have soon ventured to demand openly from the synod the formal repeal of the law of subscrip- tion. As matters stood, the supporters of the confession were now but a minority in the supreme court of the Presbyterian Church in Ulster. There were presbyteries where this formulary was never mentioned in cases of license and ordination, and where not one of the members approved of its theological principles.'' The orthodox ministers, aware of their numerical inferiority, were deterred from making any strenuous effort to enforce the « In 1771, Mr. Cameron published "The Catholic Christian Defended, in a Letter to the Rev. Benj. M'Dowel, by Philalethes." In the same year, Mr. M 'Dowel's "Second Letter to the Rev. J n C n" made its appear- ance. In 1773, Mr. Cameron published " Theophilus and Philander, a Dialogue, containing remarks on the Rev. B. M'Dowel's second letter." To this Mr. M'Dowel replied, in " Observations on Theophilus and Philander, addressed to the public." Some time afterwards, two other pamphlets issued from the press — the one anonymous, and entitled, " The First Article of the Westminster Confession examined and found not agreeable, but contrary to the Holy Scriptures" — the other, " Some Important Queries, addressed to the Protestant Dissenters in the North of Ireland. By the Rev. Alexander Col- ville, M.D." In 1774, Mr. M'Dowel replied to both these productions, in a large pamphlet, entitled, " A Vindication of the Westminster Confession of Faith." ' These facts are expressly stated in " Letters of Importance," by Pisto- philos Philecclesia (supposed to be Mr. M'Dowel), published before the an- nual meeting of the synod of Ulster in 1775. See the "Letters," pp. 23 and 26. A.D. 1772-74. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 369 observance of the synod's law ; and the heterodox majority, re- strained from urging its abrogation by the dread of kindling the torch of ecclesiastical discord in their own congregations, were content that it sliould continue a dead letter. A transac- tion which, at this period, created no small degree of excitement in a certain district of the county of Down, illustrates the proce- dure of the respective j^arties. Mr. Samuel Martin Stephenson, a licentiate of the presbytery of Templepatrick, had received a call from the people of Greyabbey, but some of the members of the presbytery of Bangor, with which the congregation was con- nected, entertained doubts as to his soundness in the faith, and their suspicions were aggravated by liis positive refusal to sub- scribe the Westminster Confession.^ Several ministers, there- fore, scrupled to concur in his appointment, and his settlement was, in consequence, delayed ; but, in the meantime, the people became impatient, and threatened to join either the southern association or the presbytery of Antrim. The presbytery now determined to go on with his ordination, and, notwithstanding the dissent cf six of their number'' regularly entered on the mi- nutes, Mr. Stephenson was invested with the pastoral charge of the congregation on the 20th June 1774.^" When the synod met, ^ Mr. Stephenson's license is reported to the synod in 1768. (MS. Minutes.) He himself states, that he did not subscribe the confession on that occasion. ("Review," p. 6.) It would seem that, prior to the time of his ordination, the synod's formula had, by some management, been set aside in the presbytery of Bangor, and another of an equivocal character substituted. The formula presented to Mr. Stephenson was the following : — " I believe that all the im- portant doctrines of the Christian religion are contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith." A Jew or Unitarian might have subscribed this decla- ration ; but Mr. Stephenson, knowing that, if he annexed his signature, ho would be represented as a Calvinist, declined to aflSx his name even to this ambiguous statement. " Review," p. 9. ' The six dissentients were Messrs. Cunningham of Comber, Alexander of Castlereagl), Hucy of Newtownards, Laird of Belfast, Kinkead of Killinchy, and King of Holywood. Mr. Stephenson publishod several pamphlets in his own vindication, which were answered, on the part of the presbytery of Belfast, by Mr. King, assisted by Mr. Huey. '" Having subsequently spent two sessions at Glasgow, and obtained tho degree of M. U., Mr. Stephenson resigned tho charge of the Greyabbey con- .'^70 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxviir. a few days afterwards, at Antrim, the ordination was sustained, and it was arranged that the dissentient members should be erected into a new judicatory, under the designation of the pres- bytery of Belfast. For more than fifty years afterwards, the presbytery of Bangor continued to license and ordain without any reference to the confession, whilst the presbytery of Belfast insisted strictly upon subscription. The agrarian disturbances which now frequently troubled various districts of the North of Ireland, and in which not a few of the peasantry under the care of the synod of Ulster were im- plicated, supplied humiliating evidence that religion was losing its hold upon the minds and hearts of the population. Armed bands of misguided individuals, calling themselves Hearts of Oak and Hearts of Steel, traversed the country, administered unlaw- ful oaths, dictated terms as to rents and tithes to the proprietors, and perpetrated many other acts of insubordination and outrage. The members of the General Synod zealously endeavoured to reduce the lawless multitude to obedience ; ministers delivered exhortations from the pulpits, and presbyteries published ad- dresses in the newspapers, but years passed away before the evil was eradicated. On the 6th of March 1772, the Kev. Samuel Morell, the Presbyterian minister of TuUylish, fell a vic- tim to the violence of the Hearts of Oak. The house of Sir Eichard Johnston of Gilford, a landed proprietor residing in his neighbourhood, was attacked, and Mr. Morell hastened to the spot, that he might assist in its defence, if he failed, by the weight of his personal and official influence, to arrest the fury of the assailants ; but, as he stood exposed before a window, he received a gun-shot wound which proved fatal. ^^ gregation in 1*785, and settled in Belfast as a medical practitioner. The pre- sent eminent Belfost physician of the same name is the son of this gentleman. 11 Mr. Morell was shot ahout four o'clock in the afternoon, in the twenty- eighth year of his age. In the Presbyterian church of Tullylish, an inscrip- tion, on a handsome tablet, describes the circumstances of his death. Tlie concluding words are — " His particular friend, Sir Richard Johnston, Ba- ronet, who loved him living and regrets him dead, hath caused this monu- mriit to be erected to his memory." Mr. Morell was the grand-uncle of the AD. 1772-74. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 371 It cannot be said that all these riotous proceedings were un- provoked. Poverty pressed heavily upon tlie lower class of farmers, and many of them were goaded almost to desperation by the hardships of unequal laws, or by the inconsiderate and op- pressive arrangements of their landlords. The supremacy of legal authority was speedily asserted, but as many of tlie grievances of wliich the peasantry complained remained without redress, they continued to murmur and to meditate sedition. Thousands of them sought a home on the other side of the Atlantic,^- and a few years afterwards appeared in arms against the mother country as assertors of the independence of the American republic. Not a few of the Presbyterian ministers of the northern pro- vince had now to struggle against the discouragements of a slen- der and decreasing maintenance. Some of the members of the synod of Ulster resigned their pastoral charges, and joined the stream of emigration to America. Several of the ministers of the secession felt themselves shut wp to the same alternative. In an apphcation, made in May 1774, to the higher judicatory in Scotland, the two Irish Antiburgher presbyteries speak of "the necessitous and distressful circumstances of several of their brethren through want of a due subsistence from their congrega- tions," and ask a discretionary power " to grant jjermission to their members to go to America." The synod, unwilling, per- haps, to facilitate the withdrawal of ministers from their present spheres of usefulness, declined to accede to the request of the petitioners. 13 Rev. J. H. Morell of Ballib.iy, and of tho Rov. Charles L. Morell of Dun- ganiion. 12 It was computed that, in 1773 and the five preceding years, the North of Ireland, by emigration to the American settlements, was "drained of one- fourth of its trading cash, and of the like proportion of the manufacturing people." (" Historical Collections relative to the Town of Belfast," p. 114.) "Most of the early successes in America were immediately owing," says Plowden, " to the vigorous exertions and prowess of the Irish emigrants, chiefly from tho North, wlio bore arms in that cause." " Historical Review," vol. i. p. 458. " "Secession Records." In 1773, Mr. Martin of Bangor (or Newtown- ards) removed to America. VOL. III. 2 B 373 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. Whilst Irish Presbyterians, as well pastors as people, were in these depressed circumstances, the course of events was, notwith- standing, gradually increasing their social importance. Prior to 1768, the lord-lieutenant generally visited Ireland only when parliament was sitting, or but once every two years ; and, dur- ing his absence, the government was entrusted to lords-justices, among whom the Primate of Armagh, or the Archbishoji of Dub- lin, was usually enrolled. The Presbyterians could expect little favour in high places so long as one of their rulers was the leader of a rival sect, who believed that almost the very exist- once of his Church depended upon the preservation of its poli- tical ascendency. When Lord Townshend was made chief gover- nor, a new system was introduced. Three or four of the great landed proprietors had hitherto been able to exert such an amount of parliamentary influence, that, by a coalition of interests, they could oblige the existing ministry virtually to submit to their dictation ; but the new governor was instructed to live constantly in Ireland, that, by a judicious distribution of court favours, he might augment the direct authority of the crown, and break the power of a formidable aristocracy. By this arrangement the Presbyterians were relieved from the humiliating necessity of approaching their civil rulers through the intervention of a func- tionary of another Church, and were brought into immediate communication Avith a resident nobleman who was comparatively free from ecclesiastical prejudices. The Octennial Act, which was added to the statute-book during the first year of the admi- nistration of Lord Townshend, increased, at the same time, their l^olitical consideration. The death of the reigning sovereign had of late been the only circumstance which led necessarily to the dissolution of the Irish parliament, and as a seat in the House of Commons might thus continue as long as the natural life of the member, the will of the people was often very little regarded by their representatives. But this act, by limiting the duration of parliaments to eight years, induced a greater respect for public opinion ; and as Presbyterians formed an overwhelming majority of the Ulster freeholders, the importance of attending to their wishes was not overlooked by those who were desirous of repre- A.D. 1775-T3. CHURCH IN IUF:LAND. 373 senting northern constituencies. '^ Their enrohnent, as volun- teers, soon after the general election of 1776, was, however, the grand secret of their political influence. When England was contending with the American colonies, so many troops were sent abroad, that the North of Ireland was left almost destitute of military protection ; and when France declared on the side of the revolted provinces, her ships of war appeared in the British seas, and threatened a descent upon the coasts of Ulster. The people were, in consequence, obliged to take measures for their own defence. The northern Protestants ^^ formed themselves into companies, elected their own officers, provided themselves with military accoutrements, and accustomed themselves to mar- tial exercises. The volunteer companies soon combined, ap- peared together in thousands at reviews, and exhibited the im- posing spectacle of a great and well-equipped army. At their meetings they discussed the politics of the day, passed patriotic resolutions, agreed upon petitions to the legislature urging the adoption of their sentiments, and signified their determination to exert their united energies for the redress of the wrongs of their country. The existence of an extensive military organisation, " James Wilson, Esq., in his address to the freeholders of the county of Antrim, prior to the general election of 1776, made the following most ex- traordinary proposal : — "As soon as I shall know of an intention to enact any new law, or repeal or amend an old one, I shall, without loss of time, give public notice thereof to my constituents, by an advertisement in the Belfast Ncws-Lettcr. Then let the ministers, or any other persons in the se- veral Protestant congregations in the county, on the Sunday following, in- form the congregations, by advertisement or otherwise, of the design of the legislature, and desire a meeting of the freeholders, on the first convenient day, to give their opinion of the intended measure, which, when transmitted to me by post, shall regulate my parliamentary conduct." In these palmy days of New-Light ascendency, the doctrine of Sabbath observance was but little regarded. By throwing himself almost entirely upon Presbyterian sup- port, Mr. Wilson, though a gentleman of but small property, carried his elec- tion in opposition to the combined efforts of the most influential of the old aristocracy. He was the son of Hill Wilson, Esq., mayor of Carrickfcrgus in 1758. '* When the volunteer companies were first formed in Ulster, Roman Ca- tholics were not permitted to join their ranks. 374 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. over which the state has no control, is a political anomaly, which, under ordinary circumstances, no prudent government should tolerate ; and though the Irish executive at first patronised this movement, the appearance which it speedily assumed began to awaken much anxiety. But the volunteers were everywhere applauded as the guardians of Ireland, and, in its present critical condition, the administration did not deem it expedient to take any step calculated to repress the popular enthusiasm. The vo- lunteers maintained their existence about fifteen years,^^ and as, in the North, the greater number of both officers and men were Presbyterians,^'' the claims of the Church with which they were connected obtained, during this interval, special attention from the legislature. In June 1778, or about three months after the first appear- ance of the volunteers, a vigorous attempt was made in the Irish House of Commons to remove a grievance of which the Presby- terians had long complained. There were then very few regular troops in the country, and government began to fear, that as the people were extremely discontented, they might be seduced, by the example of the American colonies, to throw off their allegi- ance. It was accordingly considered prudent to make an effort for the conciliation of the Roman Catholics, who formed the bulk of the population ; and, with this view, a bill was brought into the Irish parliament to relieve them of some of their disabilities. The provision relative to the Sacramental Test formed part of a statute for the discouragement of Popery,!^ and it was now very reasonably proposed that a clause for its rejDcal should be inserted in the contemplated enactment. On the motion of Sir Edward Kew- 15 In March 1778, the first volunteer company originated at Belfast. In March 1793, the volunteers ceased to parade, or any longer to appear in military array. ' ' Historical Collections i-elative to the Town of Belfast," pp. 138 and 418. •^ Many Presbyterians had now acquired wealth in Ulster by means of the linen trade, and the northern volunteers frequently elected these opulent members of their own Church as their ofl5cers, in pi'eference to the Episcopal gentry. 's See chap, xxii., note 27, and the text. A.D. 1778-80. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 375 enliam, M.P. for the county of Dublin, supported by many of the representatives of Presbyterian constituencies, such a clause was accordingly appended ; but on the return of the bill from Eng- land, where it had been sent that it might obtain the sanction of the privy-council, it was found that the addition had been obli- terated. AVhen this announcement was made to the Irish legis- lature, several meml)ers commented most indignantly on the erasure ; and the eloquent Grattan publicly charged the sup- porters of the government with having insincerely consented to the introduction of the clause, merely that the bill might, in the first instance, pass the more easily through the lower house of parliament. " When it came back," said he, " the bait was taken off, and the naked hook discovered." The bill, as returned from England, obtained, with considerable difficulty,!^ the consent of the commons, and, almost immediately afterwards, the Irish parliament was prorogued. This was the last great eftbrt of intolerance for the mainte- nance of an unrighteous law. In the course of the debate, prior to the final reading of the Roman Catholic Eelief Bill, some of its most influential advocates pledged themselves to support a separate measure for the repeal of the Test Act. It was urged, as an argument against the concession, that the English noncon- formists would forthwith claim a similar indulgence ; and, in other times, this consideration would, doubtless, have induced British statesmen to continue to tamper with the feelings of Irish Presbyterians ; but the perilous condition of the country soon convinced them of the inexpediency of a system of procrastina- tion. During the long recess of parliament, from August 1778 to October 1779, the volunteers rapidly increased, and Avlien it "> The motion for passing it, as it was returned from England, was carried by 129 against 91. On this occasion, Mr. Wilson, one of the members for Antrim, ISIr. Robert Stewart, one of tlio members for Down, Sir Richard Johnston, and others, animadverted keenly upon the omission of the disputed clause. A list of the division may be found in the Belfast News-Letter of August 14, 17Y8. Mr. Grattan, in his letter to Mr. Fox, dated Dublin, April 18, 1782, speaks of the omission as "an alteration to vex the Presby- terians made by the bis/top^." " Life of Grattan," by his son, vol. ii. p. 245. 376 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. reassembled, they amounted to 42,000 men.^'' Discontent had become, meanwhile, more intense, as the trade of the country had been neai'ly ruined by the war with America ; and the people began to make political demands, in a tone which inspired the government with the most serious apprehensions. Policy sug-. gested the propriety of attending to the claims of the most powerful class of Irish Protestants. On the 12th of October 1779, the very first day of the next session of parliament. Sir Edward Newenham moved for leave to bring in a bill for the relief of the dissenters. The measure, when submitted to the commons, obtained their unanimous approval ; and to do it greater honour, the bill was carried up to the castle by the speaker, in company with the house, for presentation to the lord-lieutenant. The delay which now followed created no little uneasiness. Other bills, which had obtained the sanction of the commons at a later period, had, meanwhile, been returned from England ; but, on the 24th of December, government acknowledged, in answer to a question by a northern member, that this bill had not yet been forwarded to London. At length, on the 11th of March 1780, it was announced that it had been returned unal- tered, and, as soon afterwards as the forms of parliament wovUd conveniently admit, it passed into a law.^^ Government, how- ever, received little credit for a measure which had been so long denied, and which was now so ungraciously conceded ; and the Presbyterians felt that they were indebted for this piece of tardy justice, not so much to the enlightened wisdom of fraternal rulers, as to the brilliant array of their own armed advocates.^^ The strength of the volunteers continued steadily to increase, and, on the 15th of February 1782, a meeting of the association, more influential than any that had hitherto been held, assembled at Dungannon.23 The representatives of one hundred and forty- 2" Plowden's "Historical Review," vol. i. p. 492. 21 In the Irish Statute-Book, it is the 19th and 20th of George III., chap. vi. -^ It is rather remarkable that the repeal of the Test Act is not even nacn- tioned in any minute of the synod of Ulster drawn up about this period. -"' This was the place where the synod of Ulster then most frequently as- A.D. 1782. CHUUCH IN IRELAND. 377 three corps appeared in military dress at the coaventiuii, and passed resohitions indicative of their determination to maintain the principles of constitutional freedom. On that memorable day, the Presbyterians of the North-^ boldly asserted the inde- pendence of the Irish legislature, and proclaimed their joy at tlie relaxation of the penal laws affecting their Roman Catholic fol- low-subjects. This demonstration added immensely to the public excitement. The Dungannon resolutions were at once adopted with enthusiasm by the volunteers all over the country ; and, as government still refused to yield to the popular demands, Ireland seemed to be fast approaching the crisis of a terrible convulsion. There were now only 5000 regular troops in the kingdom, whilst the volunteers, who amounted to nearly 100,000 men, well armed and disciplined, were united and exasperated.-^ Mr. Grattan, the leader of the popular party in the House of Commons, had gi\en notice that he would bring forward a motion relative to the rights of the nation on the IGth of April, and had suc- ceeded in carrying a resolution requiring the speaker to summon all the members to attend on the occasion. A great meeting of the volunteers of the province of Leinster was to take place in Dublin on the following day, to deliberate on " the claims of the country." The Irish parliament, which had long boon little better than a court for the registration of the wishes of a narrow- minded aristocracy,-*^ quailed before the threatened danger, and the lord-lieutenant, in despair, sent in his resignation to the British minister. Before the bearer of this communication from the representa- sorablcil. During the eighteenth ccnturj-, it met twonty-fivcs times at Dun- gannon, twenty-four times at Lurgan, twenty-three at Antrim, fourteen at Belfast, five at Magiierafclt, five at Dcrry, two at Ballymena, ami two at Armagh. On this occasion, tlic volunteers met in the parish church. -* In the Belfast Neivs-Letter of the 22d of February 1782, it is stated, that the Dungannon meeting was " composed almost entirely of disscntci-s." '* "Life of Grattan," by his son, vol. ii. p. 226. ^" Of 300 members composing the House of Commons, only 72 were i-o ■ turned by the free election of the people. Fifty-three peers nominated 12i members, and influenced tho choice of ten ; and fifty-two commoners nomi- nated ninety-one, and influenced the choice of tlirce. 378 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. tive of majesty in Ireland reached his destination, Lord North had ceased to be the premier of England. An administration, headed by the Marquis of Rockingham, was now formed, and the Duke of Portland was appointed to the Irish viceroyalty. Though the new government was favourable to the extension of popular liberty, it at first hesitated to accede to the demands of the vo- lunteers. But the case admitted of no compromise. In a letter, dated Dublin Castle, April 28, 1782, the Irish chief governor says plainly to the English secretary of state, " If you delay or refuse to be liberal, government cannot exist here in its present form ; and the sooner you recal your lord-lieutenant, and re- nounce all claim to this country, the better."^'^ In this emer- gency the English government prudently resolved to yield. The , parliament of Ireland was relieved from the odious supervision of the English iirivy-councU, the legislative independence of the j country was acknowledged, and various other measures, calculated i to appease the public discontent, were legally confirmed. i Amongst the acts now passed, one which originated with ■ Colonel James Stewart, M.P. for the county of Tyrone, deserves particular notice. This act declares the validity of all marriages celebrated among Protestant dissenters by ministers of their own denomination. Some of the hardships expeiienced by Irish Presbyterians, in consequence of the unsettled state of the law, have already been described ;28 but though the necessity for legislation could not be denied, the High Church party struggled to the last against the proposed enactment. On the 3d of May l'i'82, when the Mari'iage Bill was read a second time in the Irish House of Lords, it met with the most resolute opposition. When a motion for its immediate committal was carried, by a majority of thirty-five to twenty-three, a specious but sophistical protest, signed by three archbishops, ten bishoj^s, and nine tem- poral peers, was entered on the journals.^s 2' This letter, from the Duke of Portland to iMr. Fox, may be found at length in " Grattan's Life," by his son, vol. ii. pp. 272-75. 28 Chap. xxi. and chap, xxii., note 2, and the text. 2!" This protest may be found in iVIant's "History of the Church of Ire- land," vol. ii. pp. 675-78. The act is the 21st and 22d of George III., A. I.. 1782. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 379 The Seceders Imd long complained of the annoyances to which they were exposed on account of their refusal to conform to the common mode of swearing by kissing the Gospels. Several at- tempts to obtain a legislative remedy had proved unsuccessful ; but a bill, brought into the House of Commons by the Eight Honourable John O'Neill and the Honourable Isaac Corry dur- ing this session of parliament, jiassed without much difficulty. The relief afforded by this measure was, however, only partial. The act states, that "from and after the 1st day of August 1782, every Seceder shall, instead of the usual form, be permitted to take oath by holding up the right hand, as the sign of an oath, and by repeating the words, ' I do solemnly and sincerely swear before Almighty God ;' " but it provides that " no Seceder shall be qualified or admitted to give evidence in any criminal causes, or serve on any juries, or bear any place, office, or employment of trust under the ci'own.'''^ The vigour with which government supported the Marriage Bill, in opposition to the strenuous resistance of the established hierarchy, as well as its prompt approval of the measure for the relief of the Seceders, contributed mucli to the popularity of the administration of the Duke of Portland ; but the new lord-lieu- tenant had been only a few weeks in this country when he was convinced of the propriety of taldng some further and more de- cisive steps to conciliate the Irish Presbyterians. They consti- tuted a very large section of the Protestant population ; ^i they cliap. XXV. "When tho bill was under the consideration of the House of Lorv s, the Irish lord-chancellor declared, that marriages celebrated by Presbyterian ministers were already valid in point of law. The act merely put their validity beyond doubt. By an act of the United Parliament, passed in 1844, tho 7th and 8th of Victoria, chap. 81, an Irish Presbyterian minister may now cele- brate any marriage between a Presbyterian and a member of the Established Church, or of any other denomination. 30 In tho Irish Statute-Book this act is the 21st and 22d of George III., chap. Ivii. In 1838, James Gibson, Esq., then M.P. for Belfast, rendered an important service, as well to the Irish Presbyterian Church as to the com- munity at large, by obtaining an act legalising any oath taken, either in civil or criminal cases, according to tho form which the person swearing conscien- tiously approves. The act is the 1st and 2d of Victoria, chap. cv. " In a debate in the British House of Peers, on the 11th of May 177$), tho .iISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. generally noted for their intelligence, and some of them .i-e rich and influential ; they were the very soul of the volun- teers, and their ministers were the most effective speakers when the armed patriots assembled for deliberation. Though they had approved themselves the best friends of the house of Hano- ver, they had reason to complain that they had never received the encouragement to which they were entitled ; for whilst the High Church party, who would have connived at the exclusion of the reigning family from the throne, had been fostered with especial care, they had often been studiously neglected. At the great Dungannon meeting, they had evinced a disposition to in- sist upon the emancipation of their Roman Catholic countrymen ; and if these two sections of the Irish people united their strengtli, it was plain that, in the existing state of the kingdom, their com- bined power would be irresistible. The Duke of Portland ac- cordingly determined to cultivate a good understanding with the Presbyterians, and to treat them with generosity and confidence. The condition of their ministers suggested one mode in which he might readily carry out his policy. They were generally in straitened circumstances, and though, as their numbers increased, the share of Pioyal Bounty enjoyed by each had been continually diminishing, yet, since the commencement of the reign of George I., they had not received any addition to their endow- ment. The lord-lieutenant therefore resolved to propose its augmentation. Several members of parliament, in the confidence of the ministry, entered warmly into the views of the chief go- vernor, and it was considered that a vote of the Irish House of Commons would be the best and most popular method of intro- ducing the arrangement. In a letter of the 25th of June 1782, Marquis of Rockingham stated tliat "the people of Ireland, by the most ac- curate computation, amounted to 2,300,000 souls, whereof 500,000 were be- lieved to be Protestants, in the proportion of 300,000 Dissenters to 200,000 of the Established Church." (Plowden's " Historical Review," vol. i., ap- pendix, p. 315. In 1787, Woodward, bishop of Cloyne, asserts that the members of the Established Church were somewhat more numerous than the Presbyterians. His words are — "In Ireland, the Protestants are not one-fourth of the people ; the members of the Establishment little more than one-eightli.'" "Present State of the Church of Ireland," sixth edition, p. 73. A.I). 1782. CHUllCH IN IRELAND. 381 addressed to the moderator of the synod of Ulster, Mr. James Lang, their agent, states that " Mr. Charles King (M.P. for the borough of Swords), in conjunction with other gentlemen, who, he hopes, will give them their assistance, means to try whether an address of the house to his majesty may not be procured for an addition to the present Koyal Bounty ."^^ Tlie death of tlie Marquis of Rockingham, on the 1st of July 1782, led almost immediately to the dissolution of the ministiy, so that the intentions of the Duke of Portland, relative to the Regium Donum, were not carried into execution. The Irish parliament was prorogued soon after the demise of the late pre- mier, and, in the following summer, the whole country was throAni into a state of extreme excitement by a general election. On this occasion the volunteers turned the scale in several of the northern constituencies. Two candidates, supported by what was called the independent interest, were returned for the county of Antrim ; and the Earl of Hertford, one of its great landed proprietors, was still farther mortified by the signal defeat of both his nominees for the borough of Lisburn — a place in which it was supposed that his interest was impregnable.^s The county of Down was the scene of a violent and protracted struggle. Lord Kilwarlin, son of the Earl of Hillsborough, was put forward by his father and the old aristocracy; the Honourable Edward Ward of Castle- ward, and Mr. Robert Stewart of Newtownards, were the popular candidates. Mr. Stewart was himself an extensive proprietor, and, as he was a steady member of the Presbyterian Church, he calculated on the suftrages of the Presbyterian freeholders ; so that, though he was by no means a favourite with most of the great families of the county, he conceived that he might safely bid tlcfiance to their united opposition. But the event demon- strated that he had overrated his influence. Whilst he declined 32 MS. Minutes of Synod for 17S2. " At tlio general election of 1783, the Honourable Hercules Rowley and tlic Right Honourable John O'Neill were returned for the county of .\ntrim ; and, after a short contest, Captain AVilliam Todd Jones and Colonel Sharman, father of William Sharman Crawford, Esq., late M.P. for Rochdale, were elected for tlic borough of Lisburn. 382 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. to solicit the support of the Earl of Hillsborough, he refused to form a junction with Mr. Ward; and thus, whilst he was unsupported by the most powerful nobleman connected with the county, he disobliged some of the friends of the " independent interest." At the commencement of the struggle, the freeholders of one or two of the largest Presbyterian congregations in Down declared on the side of Lord Kilwarlin, The SecederS;, who had now a con- siderable interest in this part of Ulster, looked with little favour on a candidate who was connected with the presbytery of An- trim, and who was understood to be an abettor of the New-Light theology. The Earl of Hillsborough had shielded them when brought into difficulties in regard to the oath of abjuration, and several of their leading ministers now testified their gratitude by voting with the party of their protector. Many of the members of the synod of Ulster exerted themselves to the uttermost in be- half of Mr. Stewart, but his own manner, which was ratlier cold and distant, did not add to the number of his friends ; and, after a contest of twenty-three days' continuance, he was ousted from the representation.^"' The general election was not quite over when a second great meeting of the volunteers assembled at Dungannon, on the 8th of September 1783. The delegates of two hundred and seventy- two companies appeared, and Colonel James Stewart of Killy- moon presided over the deliberations. The business, which only occupied a single day, was transacted in the Presbyterian meet- '* At the close of the poll, the numbers wore — For Lord Kilwarlin, 2831, for Mr. Ward, 2071, for Mr. Stewart, 1957. Mr. Stewart had represented the county in the two preceding parliaments. In 1789, he was elevated to the peerage, and died Marquis of Londonderry in 1821. Until his death he continued a member of the congregation of Newtownards, in connection with the pi'esbytery of Antrim. His defeat at the great election of 1783 was at- tributed at the time to High Church influence. The Belfast Ncws-Letter of September 9, 1783, ascribes it tO "his being one of the stubborn sect of dis- senters." The clergy of the Established Church, almost without exception, vcited against him. Towards the close of the contest, when liOrd Kilwarlin's scat was secure, the adherents of the Hillsborough family gave their second votes to Mr. Ward, who was less obnoxious to the old aristocracy of the county than Mr. Stewart, and thus defeated the Presbyterian candidate. A.i>. 1783. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 383 ing-house. The representatives deputed to attend included se- veral individuals of distinction, and, among the rest, the Right Reverend the Earl of Bristol, lord-bishop of Derry,^^ and fifteen members of the new House of Commons. Having achieved the legislative independence of Ireland, the volunteers now demanded 3* This prolate, who was translated from Cloyne in 17G8, and who occupied the see of Derry about tliirty-five years, was one of the most eccentric charac- ters of his age. Tiiough ho could " drink a bottle of Madeira with his din- ner, and swear like a gentleman," (Mrs. Carter's "Letters," vol. ii. p. 52), he had the address to impose on the venerable John Wesley, who describes him as "exemplary in all parts of public worship, and plenteous in good works." ("Journal, " 1775, June 6) He subscribed, with equal prompti- tude and generosity, to the erection of Episcopal churches, Presbyterian meeting-houses, and Romish chapels. At one period he seems to have been nearly as great a favourite with the Presbyterian ministers as he was with the founder of Methodism, and they proposed to appoint him one of the trustees of their Widows' Fund. Bishop Mant ( " History of the Church of Ireland," vol. ii. pp. 092, 093) quotes an absurd address presented to him by the pres- bytery of Derry, and not very unjustly describes its "composition" as "be- low criticism ;" but the perspicacious prelate might have seen that it has been additionally disfigured by the accidental omission of one or two important words, and it unfortunately Iiappens that the very sentence in which the right reverend historian condemns it, is itself one of the most awkward pieces of "composition" in the English language. The Earl of Bristol spent most of his time in Italy, so that, for a considerable period, his real character was not generally known in this country. About the end of the year 1783, his conduct was so seditious, that the Irish government seriously contemplated his arrest. "That he was not recalled by authority to residence in his dio- cese, may perhaps," says Bishop Mant (vol. ii. p. 695), " excite some astonish- ment. There is, however, reason to think that his ecclesiastical superiors, aware as they were of the extravagance of his mind and conduct, and of the difficulty of laying him under any effectual restvaint, judr/cd his absence from Ireland less mischievous than his presence." He spent most of the latter years of his life at Naples, where he was for some time in imprisonment. The author of the " Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon" remarks, that "his con- nection with the profligate Lady Hamilton, and his lordship's letter to her, published in her 'Memoir.s,' merit the severest reprehension." (Vol. ii. p. 195. "His irregularities were so strange," says Lord Cloncurry, "as to render any story that might bo told about him credible, and, of course, to cause the invention of many, that, in reference to any other person, would bo incredible. . . . The bishop was taken suddenly ill on a journey from .\lbano to Rome, and died in the outhouse of a cottage, to which he was car- 384 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. parliamentary reform. To secure the accomplishment of their object, they appointed a national convention to meet in Dublin in November ; and having chosen five deputies from each county of Ulster to represent them in the proposed assembly, they in- vited the other three provinces to send forward delegates. Their call was obeyed, and, towards the end of the year 1783, Ireland Avitnessed the strange spectacle of a parliament and an armed convention sitting contemporaneously in the same metropolis. Such a state of things could not be long tolerated. The House of Commons resented the attempt to overbear it by intimidation, and, after remaining together for a few weeks, the convention, with the full concurrence of its president, the Earl of Charle- mont, quietly adopted a motion for an indefinite adjournment. Such was the state of public affairs when the Rev. Dr. Camp- bell of Armagh arrived in Dublin, to apply, on behalf of the synod of Ulster, for an augmentation of the Regium Donum. By some mistake the letter to the moderator of 1782, acquaint- ing him with the intention of Mr. Charles King to propose a vote in the House of Compions recommending the enlargement of the grant, did not reach its destination untU after the close of the annual meeting ; and when its contents became known, the change of ministry had completely unsettled all prcAdous ar- rangements.^G The synod of 1783 met on the eve of the general election. At such a juncture it was deemed inexpedient to ap- proach government, but the proposal of Mr. King was considered ; the modei'ator was instructed to write to that gentleman, thank- ried, in consequence of the unwillingness of the peasants to admit a heretic prelate to die under their roof. I took charge of the wreck of his property at Rome, and was enabled to save it for his heirs." "Personal Recollections," by Valentine, Lord Cloncurry, p. 191. s" Disappointed at not receiving some letters expected from Dublin, rela- tive to the Widows' Fund and other matters, the synod of 1782 appointed a committee to examine them, should they afterwards come to hand. The com- mittee state, when replying to Mr. I-ang, the agent, in reference to the pro- posal of Mr. King, that " the body knew nothing of that interesting business when they appointed us to examine their papers." It is obvious from these words that the suggestion regarding an increase of the bounty did not, on this occasion, originate with the synod. A.D. 17S3. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 385 ing liim for his friendly intentions ; and it was agreed that one of the brethren should enter into a correspondence, on the sub- ject of the contemplated grant, with the southern association. Shortly after the opening of parliament, the synod's fixed com- mittee met at Dungannon, and Dr. Campbell was then entrusted with his present commission. Acting in concert with Mr. Ben- jamin M'Dowel, now one of the ministers of Dublin,^'' and guided by the advice of Colonel Stewart ^^ of Killymoon, the steady friend of the northern Presbyterians, he obtained an au- dience of Lord Northington, the lord-lieutenant, and forwarded, through his Excellency, a memorial to tlie king, stating the claims of the ministers of the synod of Ulster. Dr. Campbell, who was a highly accomplished minister,-'^ and who Avas treated with great kindness by the chief governor, was soon convinced 3' Mr. M'Dowel was removed from Bally kelly to Mary's Abbey, Dublin, ill 1^78. He was succeeded in Ballykolly by the Rev. Robert Rentoul, author of " Tiio Modes of Presbyterian Church Worship vindicated, in a Let- ter to the Blacksmitli." ^ In his report to the annual meeting of synod at Magherafelt in 1YS4, Dr. Campbell also acknowledges the assistance he received from Lord Char- lemont, Lord Templeton, Mr. Grattan, Mr. George Ogle, Colonel Rowley, Colonel Dawson, .and Major SkeflSngton. MS. Minutes of Synod for 178i. *' This distinguished man, who was born in Newry, and a branch of one of its most respectable families, was liccn.sed to preach by the presbytery of Armagh in 1750. After completing his collegiate education at Glasgow, he accompanied the family of Mr. Bagwell of Clonmcl to France, where he spent seven years. He could speak the language of that country with so much fluency and correctness, that ho was mistaken for a native. On one occasion, in consequence of his refusal to kneel in the streets of Paris, when he met the host, borne in procession, he was thrown into prison ; and as he refused to plead, by way of apology, that he was ignorant of the nature of the ceremony, the English ambassador was obliged to interfere before the French authorities would consent to his liberation. In 1759, he became connected with the presbytery of Antrim, as minister of the congregation over which Abernethy and Duchal had previously presided ; but, on his removal from Antrim to Armagh, in 1704, he returned to the synod of Ulster. He was long one of its leading ministers. About the year 1784, he obtained the degree of D.D. from the University of Glasgow. He had a singularly tenacious memory, and possessed extensive and varied learning. In 1789, he removed to Clon- mcl, where ho died, Nov. 17, 180.3. See Stuart's " Armagh," pp. 493-98. 386 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. that his Excellency was well disposed to entertain the applica- tion ; but it appeared in a short time that there were other in- fluential parties who did not regard it with equal favour. Dur- ing the late general election, the members of the synod had grievously offended several of the nobility of Ulster, particularly the Earl of Hillsborough, who had recently held the high office of one of the principal secretaries of state for Great Britain. These courtiers strenuously resisted the proposed augmentation of Eegium Donum. Lord Northington sent for Dr. Campbell, and candidly mentioned the obstacles in the way of his success. He stated that, according to a report current at court, the North of Ireland was in " a disturbed state, and ready to break the peace of the kingdom," and that " very unfavourable representa- tions had been made of the ministers of the synod of Ulster." Dr. Campbell was permitted to enter fully into a vindication of the proceedings of his brethren, and refuted the charges pre- ferred against them so clearly, in the course of several interviews to which he was admitted, that the lord-lieutenant declared he was " fully satisfied" with his explanations. " The principles which you advocate," said his Excellency, " are the true old Whig principles I revere, and I wish you to support the charac- ter of your forefathers." In the end, the mission of Dr. Camp- bell was not altogether unsuccessful. After some delay, Lord Northington informed him that " the king's letter was come over, with a grant of one thousand pounds a year."^'' Though this was the largest augmentation of Royal Bounty that had ever yet been granted, the announcement of its amount created much disappointment. It had transpired that the Duke of Portland had recommended an increase of from £5000 to *" MS. Minutes of Synod for 178i. Dr. Campbell was detained upwards of three months in Dublin at this time. The king's letter is dated 7th January 1784, but some delay seems to have taken place before it reached the lord- lieutenant. The memorial to the king, which is dated 20th December 1783, states that the Regium Donum did not then produce nine pounds to each minister. In confirmation of the facts stated in the text, see also " Sub- stance of Two Speeches," by Dr. Black, p. 64, and Dickson's "Narrative," p. 291, note. A.D. 1734. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 387 £10,000 per annuni,*i and on the supposition that the applica- tion to the king did not meet with an absolute refusal, Dr. Camp- bell had all along been reckoning on such an addition. AVTien the intelligence communicated in the royal letter was conveyed to him, he candidly expressed his regret that the amount was so much below what he had anticipated, and the lord- lieutenant as candidly acknowledged that " a larger sum had been intended, but that it was opposed by men of poAver in this kingdom with whom the public business was transacted."*- Whilst these " men of power" were thus rather ungraciously interfering to cripple the I'esourees of the ministers of the synod of Ulster, they were not umnindful of another section of the Irish Presbyterian Church. The jealousy subsisting between the members of the General Synod and the associate body was not unknown to the Earl of HUlsborough ; neither was he forgetful of the services rendered by the Seceders of Down to his son. Lord KUwarlin, at the recent election. Aware that he could at once mortify his opponents and serve his friends by procuring a grant to the seceding ministers, he prevailed upon the king to confer on them a bounty of £500 per annum.'*^ Thus, within " Dr. Black states (" Substance of Two Speeches," «fec., p. 63), that tho sum proposed was £5000. Dr. Dickson asserts ("Narrative," p. 291, and " Retractations," p. 90), that it was £10,000. A letter, written apparently by a minister who had attended the synod at Magherafelt, and dated July 10, 1784, seems to support the assertion of Dr. Dickson. The writer says — • " Dr. Campbell declared that he would have rejected with contempt that paltry sum of £1000 that was granted, only he was informed by his best friends that the king had, in the most gracious manner, given all that was demanded, [and] that he would have given ten times the sum if the enemies on this side the water would have suffered it to be asked." The letter, from which these words are taken, is published in the Belfast Mercury of July 23, 1784. This newspaper was established in the month of August 1783, but was soon discontinued. *"■ MS. Minutes of Synod for 1784. It is said that Lord Hillsborough at this time was able to influence from twelve to fourteen votes in the Irish House of Commons. The members subject to his dictation were known as "the Hillsborough club." ♦' Dr. Dickson's "Narrative," p. 291. Tho secession ministers now amounted to about thirty-seven. The dividend of each was somewhat above VOL. III. 2 C 388 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. less than forty years after the ordination of its first minister, the Irish Secession Church was encouraged by princely patronage. As this grant was the common property of the associate mi- nisters, whether Burghers or Antiburghers, the two parties had occasion to meet together to make arrangements for its distribu- tion. They had evinced an anxiety, some time before, to re- move the barriers by which they had so long been separated, and their desire of union was mcreased when they assembled at once to congratulate each other on this token of regal fiivour, and to share its substantial benefits. They now agreed to hold confe- rences with a view to the adjustment of their differences, and they soon approximated so closely, that, at a particular meeting, all the elders, without exception, and all the ministers but one, were prepared to consent to certain terms of accommodation.** At this crisis the Scottish Antiburgher Synod interposed, and interdicted the agreement. The three Irish Burgher presbyte- ries had already been formed into a synod, which met, for the first time, at Monaghan, on the 20th October 1779.*^ This new judicatoiy was not subject to the Scottish court of the same name, but was recognised by it as possessed of co-ordinate au- thority, so that it could act independently in regard to the ques- tion of union. The two Irish Antiburgher presbyteries were £13. It would seem that a petition from the county of Down, in favour of parliamentary reform, which was pi'esented to the House of Commons about the commencement of the year 1784, was very offensive to Lord Hillsborough. About this time a number of the seceding ministers signed a counter-petition, and thus greatly recommended themselves to their patron. (Birch's "Ad- dress to the Seceding or Associate Synod of Ireland," p. 29.) A copy of this counter-petition may be found in the Belfast News-Letter of the 24th of February T784, signed by Thomas Mayn, the seceding minister of Ballyroncy, and Samuel Edgar, the seceding minister of Loughaghery. ** " Speech of Professor Rogers," p. 6. *' In 1Y77, the third Irish Burgher Presbytery, that of Derry, was consti- tuted. It consisted, at its establishment, of four ministers, the Rev. Joseph Ker of Ballygonny, the Rev. James Harper of Knockloughran, the Rev. John Bridge of Clennanees, and the Rev. Thomas Dickson of Termoiit. When the Irish Burgher Synod was formed, it consisted of only twenty mi- nisters. Rogers' "Speech," p. 14. A.D. I73t-3i). CHUllCH I.\ IRELAND. 389 still constituent parts of the synod in Scotland, and, as it con- demned their proceedings, they were obliged to break up the negotiation. These two presbyteries having been, in the mean- time, divided into four, were soon afterwards formed into a synod, which met for the first time at Belfast, on the third Tuesday of August 1788.''<^ But the Irish Antiburgher Synod still acknowledged the supervision of the Scottish Antiburgher General Synod, and this circumstance long continued to prevent the consummation of the union. About this time, Dr. Woodward, bishop of Cloyne, published a pamphlet which excited uncommon attention, and which led to a keen and well-sustained controversy. As this production owed much of its interest to the time of its appearance, and as several ministers of the Presbyterian Church engaged in the discussion it provoked, it will be necessary to state the circumstances in which it originated. The clergy of the establishment had long been extremely in- efficient. Some of them were openly immoral ; many were non- resident ; with very few exceptions, their preaching was as con- temptible in point of matter as it was anti-evangelical in spirit ; and, of the able and accomplished men whom it undoubtedly possessed, some were devoted to secular studies, and others to the pursuits of fashionable society.*'^ By means of the labours of AVliitefield and his associates, a small number of eminently spiritual preachers had already been raised up within its pale ; *^ At the time of the formation of the Irish Antiburgher Synod, the four presbyteries were thus arranged — the presbytery of Belfast had the care of the congregations of Gilnaliirk, Lisbuin or liillhall, Newtownards, Bally- copeland, and Belfast ; the presbytery of Markcthill — Maikotliill, Tyrone's Ditches, Newry, and Moira ; the presbytery of Dorry — Ncwtownlimavady, Carnone, Aghadocy, and Derry ; and the presbytery of Tcniplepatriek and Ahogliill — Templepatrick (or Lylehill), Roscyards, Bullyeaston, and Larne and Islandmagee. *' "The criminal sloth of the clergy, and their great inattention to tho people, must astonish as well as shock every pious and candid mind ; and to seek a parallel in any other Church in Europe, of whatever name it may be, would bo a vain attempt." " Life and Times of Selina, Countess of Hunt- ingdon," vol. ii. p. 207- 390 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. but most of the bishops discouraged, and even persecuted, minis- ters of earnest piety and popular talents.*^ It Avas not strange that religion languished under the care of such guardians. The people ceased to respect either their persons or their ministra- tions, and sunk into a state of practical infidelity. In conse- quence of the mode in which tithes were then levied, they pressed with special severity upon the lower class of landholders ; and the feeling cherished towards those by whom they were received added to the unj^opularity of their exaction. As rents were high, and as the country was in a very impoverished condition, the farmers complained bitterly of their burdens, and they were soon furnished with an apology for repudiating, at least partially, the claims of the Episcopal clergy. At the recent election, the representation of the populous county of Cork had been vigorously contested, and the ministers of the establishment, almost to a man, had voted for the Tory candidates. The other party re- taliated, by encouraging the small farmers to enter into a syste- matic combination for reducing the ecclesiastical revenues.*^ Bands of peasantry, called Right jBo?/5, amounting to hundreds or to thousands, marched unarmed throughout the country, and, wherever they went, administered oaths, binding the people to pay tithes only according to a certain scale of their own appoint- ment. Tlie insurgents did not long content themselves with <3 When the Rev. Mr. Shirley, a most devoted and useful minister, offi- ciated in Dublin in 1780, he was attended by the Archbishop of Dublin, and the bishops of Limerick, Ossory, and- Derry, with a view, as was believed, "to conjure up some accusation against him, by which they might silence his preaching." ("Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon," vol. ii. p. 185.) By an illegal stretch of power, the Bishop of Down and Connor, in 1777, de- prived the Rev. Edward Smyth of Ballyculter of his cure. Mr. Smyth was then one of the very few exemplary ministers of the Established Church in tlfe North of Ireland ; but he had warned a noble lord, a member of his con- gregation, who was living in open adultery, of the guilt of approaching the Lord's table, and the bishop undertook the inglorious office of executioner of the vengeance of the titled delinquent. See " Account of the Trial of Ed- ward Smyth, late curate of Ballyculter, in the countv of Down." Dublin, 1777. " Butler's " Justification," pp. 19, 20. A.n. 178C. CHURCH IN lUELANI). 391 regulating the dues of the clergy. They soon proceeded to limit the amount of rent, to oppose the collection of hearth- money, to raise the price of labour, and to nail up the doors of churches. ^Matters were in this position towards the end of the year 178G, when the publication of a work by the Eight Reverend Dr. Woodward was advertised.^*' The anarchy prevailing in the South of Ireland had already awakened anxiety all over the country ; and as soon as it was known that the subject had been taken up by a bishop of undoubted ability who resided in the county which was the principal scene of the disturbances, his pam}>hlet commanded an almost unprecedented sale. In twelve days it had reached a fourth edition, and, in a few months, a ninth was required to satisfy the curiosity of the pub- lic. It is not extraordinary that it created a sensation, for it is obviously the production of an original thinker, and it was cer- tainly not intended to repress alarm. The new A.merican re- public now presented to the civilised world the exam^ile of a coun- try professing Christianity where there was no established Church, and the Bishop of Cloync seems to have been haunted by the apprehension that Ireland might take the hint, and dispense with the services of the Protestant hierarchy. He accordingly labours with the utmost ingenuity to prove that the preservation of the Church as by laAv established is essential to the safety of the civil constitution. " The business of this little tract is," says he, " to place the Church in a })oint of view merely political ; to prove to the gentlemen of landed property in this kingdom that it is so essentially incorpox'ated with the state, that the subversion of the one must necessarily overthrow the other ; and that the Church of Ireland is, at the present moment, in imminent danger of subversion."^! In the course of his argument, he makes some most damaging admissions as to the inefficiency of an institute ** It is entitled, "The Present State of tlie Church of Ireland : containing n description of its precarious situation, and tiic consequent danger to the public, llecomniended to the serious consideration of tlic friends of the Pro- testant interest." " I'agc C 'I'ho "Little 'I'racL" extends to 1 2 1 duodouinio p.igos. 392 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cnAp. xxix. which lie is so desirous to uphold. He acknowledges that it had " een maldng no inroads upon Po^iery, and that it possessed little influence even with its own adherents. " The lay Protestants in general do not," says he, " second their clergymen by their exertions ; and too many of the higher ranks discountenance all religion by entirely neglecting public worship."^^ At the same time, he makes a most imprudent attack, as well on the Presby- terians as the Romanists. " Of the three persuasions," says Dr. Woodward, "the members of the Established Church alone can be cordial friends to the entire constitution of this realm, with perfect consistency of principle. And without such con- sistency, no body of men, for we speak not of the particular cha- racters of individuals, can he entitled to national confidence. "^^ Had the bishop affirmed that Episcopalians alone could con- sistently approve of the Church as by law established, he would have only given expression to a truism, but when he thus appa- rently challenged the loyalty of all who did not belong to his communion, he provoked a host of assailants. One of the first writers who noticed his performance was no less distinguished a personage than Dr. James Butler,^"'^ Roman Catholic archbishop of Cashel. In a letter addressed to Lord Kenmare, a Roman Catholic nobleman who had taken an active part in the suppres- sion of the Right Boys, and dated December 27, 1786, the titular dignitary complained in strong terms of the injustice of Dr. Woodward's attack. Soon afterwards, in a publication, entitled, " A Justification of the Tenets of the Roman Catholic Religion," he entered at length upon a discussion of the charges which his Episcopal accuser had preferred. In this work Dr. Butler vindi- cates the fidelity of Papists in regard to oaths in the way usually adopted by Romish controversialists, and much of his reasoning will be far from satisfactory to the well-informed reader ; but lie occasionally directs his logic with great eftect against the weak points in the argument of the Protestant prelate, and sometimes «2 Pages 47, 48. •" Page 19. ** This ecclesiastic was the compiler of the small catechism still in use amonfi; Irish Romanists. A.D. 1787. CllUKCH IN IRELAND. 3CK3 turns the reasoning most adroitly against Dr. Woodward him- self.-' Other parties came forward to repeP'' or sustain''^ the charges of the right reverend author ; but by far the most formidable of his opponents was a member of the synod of Ulster, already men- tioned in these pages, the Rev. Dr. Campbell of Armagh. Early in 1787, this minister published " A Yiudication of the Prin- ciples and Character of the Presbyterians of Ireland, "^^ in which, by an appeal to history, he proved most triumphantly, that in- stead of being unworthy of national confidence, they had ever been the best friends of the British constitution ; whereas pre- lacy, which Dr. Woodward had represented as essential to the safety of the social fiibric, had more than once brought the state to the very verge of ruin. This work, as seasonable as it was effective, was noticed by the bishop in a subsequent edition of his pamphlet ; but the Rev. Dr. Joseph Stock, an ex-Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, and afterwards bishop successively of Ivillala and of Waterford, considered it necessary to review it in a separate publication.^^ " Dr. Campbell," says this writer, " is '* To prove the importance attached to the ecclesiastical constitution from time immemorial, the Bishop of Cloyne states, that the haron^ when laying the foundation of English lihcrty, provided for the Church in the very first article of Magna Charta. To this the titular archbishop naively replies, " That silioinish Church, acknowledging the supremacy of the Pope as much, at least, as it does now, should be so nearly connected with the general free- dom, was perhaps more than bis lordship intended to concede to me, when ho owned that her preservation was the first article in Magna Charta." " Jus- tification," pp. IG, 17. *" On the side of the Romanists, the celebrated Father O'Leary engaged in this controversy. On the side of the Presbyterians, the Rev. Samuel Bar- ber of Rathfriland published a spirited pamphlet. " The Rev. Dr. William Halts, Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, and afterwards so well known by his great work on chronology, replied to Dr. Butler and Mr. O'Leary. 5^ In a duodecimo pami)hlot of 7i pages, which passed through several editions in the course of a few months. .'" It is entitled, "A Reply to the Rev. Dr. Campbell's ' Vindication of the Principles and Character of the Presbyterians of Ireland.'" Dublin, 17t>7, pp. 132. One of the points incidentally noticed in this controversy is tho 394 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxh. an opponent that deserves to be treated with high respect. He possesses a clear and nervous style, an extensive acquaintance with history, shrewdness of argument, and a laudable zeal for the reputation of his party. His pamphlet commends itself also by a strain of moderation which, with a few exceptions, is sup- ported throughout the whole.""'^ The controversy now assumed the character of a war of ecclesiastical principles, and Dr. Stock, in his " Reply," endeavoured to fasten on the Presbyterians the imputation of intolerance. To these rejoinders Dr. Campbell published an elaborate answer,^i entitled, " An Examination of the Bishop of Cloyne's Defence." In this work he vindicates his Church against the charge of persecution, and fully maintains his reputation as an acute and erudite polemic. His " Examina- tion" was the last publication of importance connected with this long and able discussion. These literary efforts of the minister of Armagh rendered good service to the cause of Irish nonconformity, by supplying the read- ing public with important information relative to the history and polity of Presbyterians. But neither this writer, nor the Episco- pal divines with whom he was contending, appreciated those doctrines which constitute the peculiar glory of evangelical Pro- testantism. They all concurred in rejecting " the righteousness comparative numbers of the Episcopalians and Presbyterians of Ireland. Dr. Campbell contends that the Presbyterians are a large majority; Drs. Wood- ward and Stock maintain that the Episcopalians outnumber all sects of dis- senters united. See note 31 of this chapter. *" Pages 5, 6. Bishop Mant seems to have entirely misunderstood the real character of this controversy. Sir Richard Musgrave, the writer whose account of it he quotes, appears to Lave been no better informed. Seo Mant's " History," vol. ii. p. 715. ^1 This work, which extends to 216 duodecimo pages, was published in 1788. The full title is, "An Examination of the Bishop of Cloyne's De- fence of his Principles, with observations on some of his lordship's apologists, particularly the Rev. Dr. Stock ; containing an inquiry into the constitution and effects of our ecclesiastical establishment, and also an historical review of the political principles and conduct of Presbyterians and Episcopals in Great Britain and Ireland. With a Defence of the Church of Scotland from the charge of persecution brought by his Lordship's apologist. By William Campbell, D.D., minister of Armagh." AD. 17S8-89. CHURCH LN IRELAND. 395 which is of faith." Though appealing professedly to the sup- porters of what was called " the Protestant interest," Bishop Woodward, throughout the whole of his large pamphlet, stu- diously avoids a reference to any of the saving truths of the Gos- pel. Dr. Campbell speaks in terms of commendation of Dr. Priestly, the Socinian ;*'2 and the future Bishop of Killala and Waterford seems to have been entirely ignoi-ant of theological science.''^ Whilst the controversies created by the pamphlet of the Bishop of Cloyne occupied much public attention, two of the smaller sects in Ulster were deeply interested in a theological discussion of a different character. Though the Seceders admitted the con- tinued obligation of the national covenants, they felt themselves per- fectly at liberty to acknowledge the existing civil government ; but the Reformed Presbytery, which had recently been extending its influence in the northern province,*'^ refused to sanction the au- thority of any but a covenanting king.''^ This question had long "- " Examination of the Bishop of Cloyne's Defence of his Principles," p. 215. It is well known that Dr. Campbell was a Unitarian, but, like other members of the sj'nod of Ulster of kindred sentiment.*, he did not make any very open avowal of his creed. Though a vigorous writer, he was by no means a popular preacher. *'^ Wlicn Bishop of Killala, he wrote " A Narrative" of the occurrences in liis neighbourhood during the French invasion in the summer of 1798. In this exceedingly interesting historical sketch, he thus addresses the widow of a deceased clergyman: — " Thou hast it in thy power to earn a splendid re- compense hereafter by patience, by attention to thy fatherless ofispring." " Narrative," p. 102. "* In 1770, the Rev. Thomas Hamilton was ordained at Glendermot, near Derry, by the Reformed Presbytery, and, in 1772, the Rev. William Stavely was ordained at C'onlig, near Newtowuards. In 17S3, the Rev. James M 'Kinney was ordained at Dervock, and the Rev. Samuel Alexander at Bready. Mr. M 'Kinney afterwards emigrated to America, and greatly pro- moted the advancement of the Covenanting Church in that country. In 178S, tlie Rev. William Gibson was ordained at Kellswater, and the Rev. William (Jamblo at Ballyvey, county Donegal. *"* The following statements are an authorised exposition of the princi- ples of the Covenanting Church : — " Such as are in ecclesiastical fellowship with us, cannot, without a breach of their testimony, hold fellowship with tlio civil government, by composing a part of the Irgislaturo, or by taking those 396 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. afforded a fruitful topic for debate, and the aid of the press had been frequently employed in its illustration. But, about this time, the adherents of the two parties assembled in the vicmity ot Ballibay to hear a viva voce discussion of its merits. On the side of the associate body appeared the Rev. John Rogers,'^*' one of the most learned and respectable of the secession ministers ; the champion of the Reformed Presbytery was I>Ir. James M'Grar- ragh,'^'^ one of their licentiates. On a platform erected in the open air, not far from the present meeting-house of Cahans, and in the presence of an immense crowd of auditors, these two dispu- tants appeared to discuss this singular point of polemic divinity. oaths, for the maintenance and defence of the complex constitution, which ai-e required of members of parliament and others filling public offices both in Church and State. . . . Neither can they compose a part of the exe- cutive government by holding offices under the crown, civil or military. . Yet we do not feel debarred from doing what may be in our power, as private individuals, for strengthening those wholesome laws which are necessary for the security of life and property, or for promoting the administration of jus- tice, when permitted to do so without being identified with a corrupt constitu- tion." " Historical Part of the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland." Glasgow, 1839, p. 222. 'J*' Mr. Rogers, who was ordained on the 3d of June 1767, immediately succeeded Dr. Clark as minister of Ballibay, now Cahans. In 1781, he pub- lished " An Historical Dialogue," in whicli he discusses, in a very agreeable style, several theological subjects then much agitated, and among the rest the doctrine of the Reformed Presbytery regarding the civil magistrate. In 1782, ho attended the great volunteer meeting at Dungannon, and was one of the two delegates who dissented from the resolutions approving of the relaxa- tion of the penal laws aflVcting the Roman Catholics. A speech which he delivered at a meeting of synod in Cookstown, in 1S08, and which was sub- sequently published, supplies much interesting information relative to the Irish Secession Cliurch. He also published several sermons. In 1796, ho was appointed Professor of Divinity for the Irish Burgher Synod. He en- tered on his duties in the following year, and till his death, in August 1814, delivered lectures to the students of that body in the meeting-house of Cahans. His son, the venerable minister of Glascar, is now one of the patri- archs of the Irish General Assembly. ^' Mr. M'Garragh, who was ordained by the Reformed Presbytery at Bready, near Derry, in July 17S9, emigrated shortly afterwards to America, where he was suspended from the ministry "on account of irregular con- duct." " Sketches of Ecclesiastical History," Belfast, 1813, p. 116. A.D. 1789-90. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 397 Iiuinediatoly in front of Mr. Rogers stood a goodly pile of books, to which he occasionally appealed in confirmation of his state- ments ; but Mr. M'Garragh apparently scorned the aid of such auxiliaries, and exhibited no volume but one, which, however, ho displayed somewhat ostentatiously — an English Bible. The ad- vocate of the Reformed Presbytery was deficient neither in self- possession nor in volubility of speech ; and as the Seceders had recently accepted Regium Donum, he did not, of course, neglect a topic which afforded such scope for his powers of declamation ; but, as might have been anticipated, the discussion produced no practical result, as the two parties now adhered more firmly than ever to the principles which they had previously professed. The annual meeting of the synod of Ulster, which assembled at Lurgan'^^ in 1789, and of Avhich the Rev. Joseph Douglas''''' was chosen moderator, was more numerously attended'^'' than any that had been held since the period of the subscription con- troversy. Mr. James Lang, the synod's agent for the Regium Donum, had died the year preceding, and, at a special meeting convened shortly after his decease, the Rev. Robert Black, ''^ one "3 At tliis time the minister of Lurgan was the Rev. William Magoe. Ife was ordained there in 1780, and died in the charge in 1800. In the minutes of 1788, there is a resolution recommending that " the several volumes of the records of the General .Synod ... bo transmitted to the Rev. Mr. IMageo of Lurgan, who has engaged to take particuhir care of them." As the synod about this period met generally in Lurgan, the records were committed to the custody of iMr. Magee as a matter of convenience. The widow of this minister iri- lierited a large fortune from her two brothers, one of whom was a colonel in the Indian army, and at her death, in 1846, left above £60,000 in various legacies to the Irish Presbyterian Church. According to her will, the sum of £20,000 was to be devoted "to the building and endowment" of a Presby- terian college, and about £30,000 to the Foreign Mission of the Irish Gene- ral Assembly. '"' Mr. Douglas was ordained minister of C'lough, near Ballymena, in 1760. He was one of the officers of the volunteers, and seems to have valued him- self on his fine military appearance, as he frequently preached in his regimen- tals. His daughter Margaret was married to Richard Batcson, Esq., of Londonderry, and the present Sir Robert Bateson, Bart., of Castrusc, county of Donegal, is his grandson. Mr. Douglas died in 1805. "•^ There were present at this meeting 1 16 ministers and 37 eiders. "' Dr. Colvillo of Dromoro died in April 1777, and the congregation then re- 398 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. of the ministers of Londonderry, had been chosen to the vacant office ; but as objections had been made to the regularity of the proceeding, the election was now formally confirmed. Mr. Black, who was a man of superior talent, and who already occu- pied the position of a leader among the Presbyterian ministers of Ulster, had also recommended himself, as well by his good sense as his polished manners, to many persons of rank and influence. He was in various respects exceedingly well qualified for the situ- ation to which he was now chosen, and, on more than one occa- sion, he contributed greatly, by his ability and zeal, to promote the interests of the synod. Shortly after the general election of 1790, '^2 ii -yyas understood that several influential members of the Irish parliament were disposed to support a motion for an in- crease of the Royal Bounty, and as Mr. Black was soon apprised of their favourable inclinations, he did not fail to employ all the energy and address which he possessed in forwarding the design. The idea originated with the Earl of Charlemont, a nobleman who generally opposed the existing administration, but who throughout life maintained the character of a sincere and en- lightened patriot. Convinced that the services of Irish Pres- byterians to the state had never been properly acknowledged, and aware how the hopes of their ministers had been bUghted a few years before, he had ever since been looking for an oppor- turneJ to the synod of Ulster. Mr. Black was ordained to the pastoral charge, in June 1777, by the presbytery of Armagh. At the second great Dungan- non convention in 1783, he electrified the auditory by a speech of stirring eloquence, and immediately afterwards received a call from the congregation of Londonderry, where he was installed in January 17^4. 72 On this occasion, the contest for the representation of tlie county of Down was of almost unprecedented length. At the final close of the poll, on the sixty-ninth day, the members stood thus — Earl of Hillsborough, ,3529 Honourable Robert Stewart (afterwards the celebrated Lord Castlercagh, 3114 Honourable Edward Ward 2980 George Matthews, Esq., ....... 2219 'i'he contest cost Mr. Stewart's father, Lord Londonderry, £00,000 ! " Me- moirs and Coi'respondcnce of Lord Viscount Castlercagh," vol. i. p. 7. A L). 1790-92. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 399 tiinity when their case might be favourably considered. It oc- curred to him that their claims might now be urged with a prospect of success. Mr. Gi-attan''^ and others, connected with what was called the independent party in the Irish parliament, cordially entered into his views. At length, on the 11th of February 1792, Colonel Stewart of Killymoon moved in the House of Commons " that an humble address be presented to his majesty, beseeching him to take into his consideration the situa- tion of the Presbyterian ministers of the province of Ulster, and to make such farther provision for them as in his wisdom and bounty he shall think fit, and that this house shall make good the same."'^* This motion, for which the sanction of government had been previously obtained,"^ was seconded by the Eight Hon- ourable George Ponsonby, and, after a slight modification,'^^ passed unanimously. It subsequently appeared that the wishes of the commons had l^een anticipated ; for by a king's letter, dated January 21, 1792, an additional sum of " £5000 per an- num was granted, dui'ing pleasure, for the use of the Presbyte- rian ministers of Ireland.'"^'' From the mode in which this grant was distributed, it was evident that the Seceders were still much indebted to the services of the powerful friend by whom they had formerly been patro- nised, and who had lately been advanced to the dignity of Mar- quis of Downshire. The new bounty was divided among the parties interested, not according to the amount of the population connected with the respective denominations, but according to the number of the ministers. Thus the synod of Ulster obtained "3 Mr. Grattan more than onco expressed his admir.ition of the Presby- terian polity. In .T, speech in the Irish parliament, he declared that tho "Presbyterian religion is tlic father of tho free constitution of England." '* " Plowdcn," vol. ii. part 1. pp. 3G0, 301. " On this occasion the Marquis of Waterford rendered important service. The Earl of Westmoreland was now lord-lieutenant. '^ Mr. Charles O'Neill moved that the words " province of Ulster" be expunged, and the words " this kingdom" inserted, for the purpose of includ- ing the ministers of Dublin and the South. Mr. Bagwell seconded this amendment, which was unanimously adopted. '" " Substance of Two Speeches," by Dr. Black, p. 73. •iOO HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxix, a much smaller share than that to which it would have been otherwise entitled.''^ The history of the Irish Presbyterian Church, during the days of the volunteers, has now been bi'iefly related, and the reader may have observed how the political movements of the period contributed to its outward advancement. The aid furnished by the state towards the support of its ministers was, meanwhile, more than tripled, and the privileges of its menibers were secured and en-^ larged by various legal enactments. But its records for these fifteen years present few and very dubious indications of its in- ternal prosperity. It may, indeed, safely be asserted, that during the interval between 1778 and 1793, error was avowed by its advo- cates in Presbyterian Ulster with a degree of boldness which they had never hitherto ventured to assume. The greater number of the more prominent members of the G-eneral Synod did not conceal their aversion to evangelical principles. '^^ In 1782, the presbytery of Killileagh published a series of resolutions in the Belfast Neios- Letter, in which the doctrine of " imputed sin" is characterised as " blasphemous ;" and yet, instead of carrying out the discipline of the Church against ministers who had thus unscrupulously as- sailed the theology of its own confession, the synod contented itself with a tame and equivocal expression of disapprobation.®" At the annual meetmg of 1781, it was publicly announced, that '8 At this time, probably the five-sixths of the Presbyterian population wore connected with the synod of Ulster. The grant was divided thus — Synod of Ulster and presbytery of Antrim, £3729, 16s. lOd. ; Seceders, £927, 8s. 5d. ; Southern Association and minister of the French church, St. Peter's, Dublin, £3^2. 14s. 9d. The number of seceding ministers now- amounted to forty-six (twenty-eight Burghers and eighteen Anciburghers), the members of tlie synod of Ulster and presbytery of Antrim to 185, and there were sixteen ministers belonging to to the Southern Association. The actual amount novr added to the bounty of eacli minister was £20, 3s. 2d. '^ There is no evidence whatever that tlie majority of the synod of Ulster :it any time denied the Deity of Christ. The greater number of the anti- evangelical party were simply Pelagians or semi-Pelagians — either totally de- nying the doctrine of the fail, or only partially admitting it. ^^ The resolutions of the Killileagh presbytery were of a political charac- ter, and referred particularly to the removal of Roman Catholic disabilities. The prcsbytei-y declare thrit " thoy have considered it as iniquitous to con- A. I.. 1778-03. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 401 in the presbytery of Armagh subscription was not required from candidates for license ; but when a motion was made that the law relative to the signature of the Westminster formulary shoidd bo either enforced or set aside, the synod resolved, by a great majority, to defer the discussion. The proceedings of succeed- ing synods, in reference to the same subject, present some rare specimens of ecclesiastical fencing. When the matter was intro- duced at the annual meeting of 1782, it was suggested that, without a resolution to the contrary, existing arrangements must continue ; and as no member felt disposed to entangle himself in a troublesome discussion by proposing the repeal of a law which the majority of presbyteries already systematically violated, the following extraordinary minute was finally adopted: — "The aflair of subscription deferred to this session being resumed, this motion was made — If no one move for a repeal of the rule re- specting subscription, then the rule shall remain in its full force ; and, as no one moved for its repeal, the rule continued." On reflection, some of the New-Light party seem to have considered that they had rather incautiously sanctioned a resolution which a]iparently required the stringent observance of the law of sub- scrii)tion, and, at the annual meeting of 1783, they contrived to persuade the synod to agree unanimouslt/ to a resolution that the words " full force," in the entry of the preceding year, should tinuc pcn.altics against obedient children for the disobedience of tiieir ances- tors, and viewed it with detestation as a black branch grafted vj^on the blas- phemons doctrine of inipttted sin." The synod pronounced this statement "higliiy imprudent and offensive," and instructed tlie moderator to express "its disapprobation of said paragrapli, and in tlio most earnest manner cau- tion all its members against all such improper publications in future ;" tak- ing care to add, that it had " not the most distant idea of condemning the generous principles of civil and religious liberty expressed in s.iid publica- tion." (Minutes of Synod for 17S2.) The presbytery of Killileagh was pro- bably the most heterodox connected with the General Synod. In 1786, it reported to the annual meeting that it had received under its care Mr. Arthur M'Mahon, "with ample credentials from the presbytery of Antrim." The synod took no notice of this report, but permitted it to bo inserted in its minutes. This presbytery was dissolved in 1796, and its members distri- liuted among the presbyteries of Uromore, Bangor, and Armagii. 402 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxix. be " erased/' and the words " as usual" inserted in their place.^^ As the law was now usually neglected, the orthodox party soon saw reason to regret that they had acquiesced in this modifica- tion of the minute, and, at the meeting of 1784, the subject was again brought under discussion ; but, after some debating, both parties consented to the following meagre and unsatisfactory de- liverance : — " It was moved and agreed to, that the word ' usual' was vague and improper, and that the word ' full' in the former minute was unnecessary ; that neither of these terms be used, and that the words of the minute stand — That the rule respect- ing subscription is unrepealed." The orthodox party were obliged to be satisfied with a decision which did not directly com- promise owi of the fundamental principles of the Church ; and the heterodox majority did not think it necessary to endanger the dismemberment of the body by insisting upon the abrogation of a law they were at perfect liberty to disregard. For upwards of forty years afterwards, the synod continued in this uncom- fortable and anomalous condition. It is an instructive fact, that error was most prevalent in the synod of Ulster when the course of education prescribed for stu- dents of theology was most limited. As the law now stood, any candidate who had attended a divinity class only one session of five months' length might be licensed as a preacher. Pastors thus educated were most miserably furnished for the duties of their profession. The " mystery of the faith" cannot be understood without patient investigation, neither can the book of eternal wisdom be interpreted by every mere tyro in the most profound of the sciences. The scanty stock of theological learning now generally possessed by those who occupied L'ish Presbyterian pulpits appeared in the poverty, as well as in the sameness, of their ministrations. Some of them, after having passed through the philosophical classes at the University of Grlasgow, studied divinity at home under the direction of the presbytery ; and in making themselves acquainted with the unsound or unprofitable 81 The New-Light party, no doubt, argued on this occasion, that the rulo repecting subscription was modified by the Pacific Act of 1720. A.D. 1778-93. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 403 text-books prescribed for examination by their fathers in the Church, their time was misemployed and tlieir minds perverted.^^ Not a few felt themselves scarcely competent for the preparation of sermons, and one minister of better capacity not unfrequently supplied discourses to a number of the brethren in his neigh- bourhood.83 About this time some attemjits were made, by means of a higher order of academies, to elevate the standard of literary at- tainment among the Presbyterian ministers of Ulster. The sub- ject was brought under the notice of the General Synod in 1784, and, at the annual meeting of the following year, the Rev. Dr. William Crawford of Strabane ^^ was encouraged to undertake the tuition of students in logic, mathematics, and moral phi- losophy. In 1786, the Belfast Academy was opened, an^l, in the hope that it would soon attain distinction as a collegiate semi- nary, the presbytery of Killileagh subscribed one hundred gui- neas towards its support ;S^ but though, at an early period, phi- losopliical lectures were occasionally delivered within its walls, it does not appear that it was ever attended by any considerable number of professional students. In Strabane, a regular course of collegiate instruction was provided, and several ministers of the synod of Ulster were educated at Dr. Crawford's academy. 83 Strange as it may now appear, not a few of the ministers of the synod of Ulster, about the beginning of the present century, had never attended a divinity class. The late Rev. "W. D. H. M'Ewen of Belfast stated, before the Commissioners of Irish Education Inquiry in 1825, that such was his own case. (See "Fourth Report," p. 93.) Meanwhile all students were re- quired to attend the literary and philosophical classes of the university. 83 The Rev. John Cameron of Dunluce " declared to his intimate friends that bis discourses were, every Sabbath-day, preached to six congregations." (Preface to "The Doctrine of the Holy Scriptures," '■ In 1781, the Rev. James Crombie, minister of the 1st congregation, Belfast, published a sermon, in which he endeavoured to prove "the pro- priety of setting apart a portion of the Sabbath for the purpose of acquiring the knowledge and use of arms." In this discourse, Mr. Crombie maintained that, " by virtue of the original appointment," we are under no more obliga- tion to keep holy the Sabbath than we are to observe the passover. The Rev. Sinclair Kelburn, the minister of the Old-Light congregation connected with the synod of Ulster in Belfast, published an answer to this discourse, in which he vindicated the continued obligation of the fourth commandment. In 1781, the Burgher Synod drew up a testimony against Sabbath-breaking, in which they particularly mention "carnal converse about worldly affairs," and " parading with the use of martial music," as instances of Sabbath pro- fanation. "^ These great sacramental assemblages originated in Scotland under en- tirely different circumstances, but their continuance, in a settled state of tho <^'hurch, led almost unavoidably to the grossest irregularities. 408 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. ministers, having vacated their own pulpits, repaired to the place where the ordinance of the supper was about to be dispensed ; one addressed the people in the meeting-house, whilst another outside preached to the multitudes assembled in the open air ; but though these exercises, no doubt, often produced deep~and salutary impressions, their accompaniments were anything but calculated to promote the credit of religion. At no great dis- tance from the spot where the worshippers were congregated, re- freshments were exposed for sale, tents were erected where in- toxicating drinks were freely vended, the idle and the thought- less flocked to what was profanely called " the fair," and the crowds, as they retui'ned from the sacramental scene, sometimes displayed a strange medley of piety, levity, and intemperance. Ministers and elders might plead that the improprieties of the day had not the sanction of their approbation, but they were certainly blameworthy for continuing a system which supplied so many with an apology for the violation of the Sabbath. During this dark night in the history of Irish Presbyterianism, several influential families quietly passed over into the Episcopal establishment.^^ The New-Light theology had generated the spirit of the world, and to the wealthy and ambitious it soon ap- peared desirable to belong to a more fashionable communion. But it Avould be a mistake to suppose that these Episcopal con- verts Avere placed in circumstances more favourable to spiritual improvement by the change in their ecclesiastical relations. The members of the synod of Ulster, as a body, were miserably luke- warm, but the clergy of the establishment were " twice dead." Even the most careless of the Presbyterian ministers were still obliged to maintain some appearance of professional decency ; but the " cursing curate" had scarcely the good taste to refrain '* The Honourable Robert Stewart, afterwards the great Lord Castle- reagh, was now educated an Ejjiscopalian, though baptised by a Presbyterian ministei'. Several other persons of rank, in Dublin and the South, joined the establishment about the same period. Dr. Campbell, writing in 1^88, and speaking of the Episoopal Church, .says, " We see some of her highest dignities now enjoyed by men who have gone out from among us." " Exa- mination," p. 67. A.D. 1778-93. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 409 from uttering his oaths and imprecations within the very pre- cincts of the house of God.'-*^ Many of the Presbyterian minis- ters wore proacliers of " another Gospel," but ahnost all the Ejiiscopal clergy were at once ignorant of the truth themselves, and intensely hostile to its enlightened expositors. The idea of evangelising the Roman Catholic pojnilation was far above their thoughts; and one of the bishops, who seems to have been in special want of occupation, was devoting himself to the teaching of Popery in its most attractive form. " Unable," says the Bishop of Clonfort,^^ " to make the peasants about me good Pro- testants, I wish to make tliem good Catholics, good citizens, good anything. ... To attempt their conversion, or to think of maldng them read Protestant books, would be in vain. I have, therefore, circulated among them some of the best of their own authors, particularly one Gotlier."^'^ Presbyterians had abun- ^^ The Rev. Edward Smyth, in his " Account of his Trial," states the fol- lowing startling facts : — " There have been two petitions presented at diffe- rent times to the B [Bishop of Down and Connor], accusing a minister of frequent drunkenness, even during service, cursing and damning his pa- rishioners, boating his wife, absenting himself from his church even for many Sabbath-days together, and total neglect of every occasional duty ; yet he was suffered to go unpunished, imrepvoved, and he still continues in his cure, though nine men attended the visitation to prove all their allegations upon oath. But these are only common crimes," (p. 133.) For an account of Mr. Smyth, see note 48 of this chapter. i"^ The Bishop of Clonfert, who published tiiese sentiments, was the Right Rev- John Law, D.D. In 1787, be was translated to Kiliala, and in 1795 to Elpbin, where he died in 1810. lie was the son of Dr. Edmund Law, bishop of Carlisle, who throughout life appears to have had a strong leanino' to Socinianism, and who died a Unitarian. See Nichol's " Literary Anec- dotes," vol. ii. p. 70, and Rees' "Cyclopjudia," art. Law, Edmund, D.D. OT Letter from the Bishop of Clonfert to the Rev. Mr. Moore of Boughton Blean, near Canterbury, wiitten in 1786. Gother's "Papist Misrepresented and Represented," was published in 1G85, the year in which James II. as- cended the throne, and was intended to prepare the way for the restoration of I'opery in England. "As the book," says Dr. Cunningham of Edin- burgh, "is written witli great skill and cunning, though with an utter want of truth and honesty, it has been always a great favourite with Papists, and it is certainly well fitted to serve their purposes. Introduction to Still- ingflect's " Doctrines and Practices of the Cliurch of Rome," p. 27. 410 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxix. dant reason to mourn over the defections of their Church, but they could scarcely plead that they were obeying the imperious dictates of conscience when they passed into an establishment under the care of such overseers. A.D. 1793-95. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 411 CHAPTEK XXX. A.D. 1793-1818. State of public feeling in Ireland — Appointment of Earl Fitzwilliam as Lord- Lieutenant — Proposed establishment of a Presbyterian Collefje at CooJcs- toivn — Sudden recal of Earl Fitzwilliam, and failure of the scheme — Public discontent, and low state of iniblic morals — Real authors of the Rebellion of 1798 — Loyalty of the Synod of Ulster — Speech of the Rev. Robert Black of Derry — Notices of Dr. Bruce of Belfast, and of Dr. M'Doivel of Dublin — Extent to ivldch Presbyterians were involved in the Rebellion — Proceedings of the Synod of Ulster consequent xipon it — No- tice of Dr. William Steel Dickson — Proposal of a union between Great Britain and Ireland — Inducements held out at this time to the Presbyte- rians— Proposed augmentation of the Regium Donum, and scheme of classification — Opposition to classification — Motives of Government, and of Lord Castlercagh — Terms on whicli the Bounty was at length given — Beneficial effects of the augmentation of the Bounty — Symptoms of reli- gious improvement — Establishment of the Evangelical Society of Ulster — Secessions of Associate Ministers — Notice of the Rev. Alexander Carson of Tobermore — Increase of the Secession Church, and augmentation of its Regium Donum — Opposition to classification in Burgher and Anti- burgher Synods — Secession of the Rev. James Bryce — Progress of the Covenanters — Gradual revival of religion in the Synod of Ulster — Case of the Minister of Bailee, and protest against Unitarianism — Speech of the Rev. Dr. Waugh of London before the Synod of Ulster — Establish- ment of the Belfast Academical Institution — The Rev. Samuel Edgar, Professor of Divinity for the Burgher Synod, lectures in it — The Synod of Ulster recognises its certificates, and proposes to appoint a Professor of Divinity — Opposition of Dr. Black — Message from Lord Castlercagh — Remarkable speech of Rev. James Carlile — The Rev. S. Hanna ap- pointed Professor of Divinity — Death of Dr. Black. Though the volunteers constituted so large a military force, and continued their meetings for so many years, they were uniformly distinguished by their zeal for the maintenance of social order, and they do not appear to have been ever chargeable with any 412 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxx. act of insubordination or outrage. Wlien, at a critical conjunc- ture, they so alarmed the British ministry as to extort concessions which might not have otherwise been granted, their loyalty could not be impeached ; for, whilst demanding the redress of great and palpable grievances, they proclaimed their unshaken attach- ment to the constitution ; and at that very period they were giv- ing the most unequivocal proofs of their fidelity to the house of Hanover. But for some time past they had no longer excited the interest which they originally awakened ; and when at length they ceased to assemble on parade, there were not a few who re- joiced at the dissolution of their companies, as at the extinction of the sparks of an incipient political conflagration. The announcement of the French Revolution had created an uncommon sensation throughout the British isles, and some of the volunteers had cele- brated the triumphs of Gallic republicanism in a way which gave much uneasiness to the existing administration. These inconsi- derate displays were soon followed by the breaking up of their armed associations. The pvibKc mind in Ireland was now in a most unsatisfactory condition. In 1793, Roman Catholics were admitted to the en- joyment of the elective franchise, but they continued to complain that they were still excluded from other privileges to which they were entitled. The call for parliamentary reform, which had commenced in 1783, had ever since been strenuously resisted ; and though the people felt that they had a very small share of influence in the choice of the members of the House of Com- mons, they had little prospect of obtaining a better system of representation. The unanimity which characterised the proceed- ings of the popular leaders, ten years before, now prevailed no longer — religious feuds had been resuscitated — plans of parlia- mentary reform were promulgated, which many sober patriots utterly condemned ; and, whUst the success of the French demo- crats emboldened some to meditate the subversion of existing in- stitutions, the bloody scenes of the Revolution prompted others to discountenance all the schemes of political agitators. The coun- try everywhere presented indications of divisions and discontent. Matters were in this state when Earl Fitzwilllam was appointed A.D. 1793-95. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 413 lord-lieutenant of Ireland. Tlie nomination of the new viceroy was the theme of general gratulation; and it was understood that he was empowered to give his sanction to those political mea- sures for which the more popular of the parliamentary leaders had so long been contending. But he had only fairly entered on the duties of government wlien he was suddenly recalled.^ Among the projects in agitation during the viceroyalty of Earl Fitzwilliam, was a scheme for the establishment of a Presbyte- rian college in the province of Ulster. The ministry had signi- fied their disposition to assist in the erection and endoAvment of a seminary at Maynooth, where candidates for the Roman Catho- lic priesthood might be educated ; and Mr. Stewart of Killy- moon- had put forward a claim for similar aid on behalf of the Presbyterians. In consequence of a letter addressed by him to the Rev. Dr. Cra>vford of Strabane, stating that " he had a pros- pect of obtaining from parliament a grant of money to establish a uni\'ersity for the education of Protestant dissenters,"^ the fixed committee of the synod of Ulster was convened at Dungannon on the 27th of February 1795. At this meeting the Rev. James Cochrane* the moderator, the Rev. Dr. Crawford, and the Rev. Robert Black, were appointed to proceed immediately to Dublin, and " use their best endeavours" to procure the erection of a col- legiate seminary, " under the patronage and dii-ection of the mi- • Earl Fitzwilliam arrived in Ireland on the 4th of January 1795, and left it on the 25th of March of the same year. - This gentleman, who so frequently distinguished himself as the friend of the synod of Ulster, was of Presbyterian descent, and his father was an elder of the congregation of Cookstown. lie had a hereditary attachment to tho Presbyterian Church ; and as not only most of his tenantry, but the greater portion of his constituents were Presbyterians, he took a deep interest in Presbyterian affairs. Ho probably encouraged the synod to propose Cooks- town as the site of tho college, inasmuch as, being on his own estate, ho could thus, in various ways, have assisted in promoting the prosperity of the insti- tution. 3 M.S. Minutes of Synod of Ulster. In 1789, the synod agreed to print their minutes, but tho resolution was subsequently rescinded. The prnited minutes of the synod of Ulster extend only from 1804 downwards. They were originally printed in folio. Tho octavo minutes commence in 1820. ♦ Minister of R.-iliywaltcr. He was ordained iu 1762, and died in 1802. 414 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxs. nisters of the General Synod of Ulster, the presbytery of Antrim, and the Southern Association." These commissioners were in- structed to propose Cookstown as the site of the contemplated establishment ; and should that place be considered ineligible, they were authorised to fix upon any other locality which would " best serve the purposes of the institution."^ There is reason to believe that the synod of Ulster at this period received from the chief governor very decided encourage- ment to prosecute this application. An annual endowment ©f two thousand pounds was expected from the state ; and it was proposed that, in the intended seminary, " divinity, philosophy, rhetoric, mathematics, and the languages, should be taught by a competent number of professors." But the project eventually mis- carried. Before the day of meeting of the synod's committee, the British ministry had determined on the recal of Earl Fitzwilliam ; and when commissioners were afterwards appointed to urge the establishment of a Presbyterian college, they tried in vain to press the subject upon the consideration of the svicceeding admi- nistration. It is well known that the government now ignored almost all the designs of the late lord-lieutenant ; and when told of his friendly intentions towards the synod of Ulster, Mr. Secre- tary Pelham replied, that " he did not find either in the ofiice [of the chief secretary], or in any proceeding in parliament, any trace" of this plan of Presbyterian collegiate education.^ Mr, Stewart of Killymoon alleged that, after the recal of Earl Fitz- william, he had been encouraged by Mr. Pelham himself to renew the application ; but when the secretary was reminded how he had expressed liimself as "well disposed to receive and attend to the commimications of the synod on the subject," ho stated that his language " amounted only to a declaration on liis part, that whenever the subject of education in general was taken up by go- verinnent, and submitted to parliament, he should be very happy to confer with Mr. Stewart, or any person belonging to the synod of Ulster."^ Maynooth was now erected and endowed, but the * Minutes of Committee. * Letter from Mr. Pelham, appended to minutes for 1796. ' Letter in minutes for 1796. A. p. 1793-9C. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 415 establLsliment of an Irish Presbyterian college was deferred for uiore than another half century.** The abrupt removal of Earl Fitzwilliam from the viceroyalty produced a perfect whirlwind of political excitement. The em- bers of disaffection, which had been for some time smouldering, were thus kept alive, and, in a few years afterwards, they involved the whole island in the flames of an insurrection. Ireland was now fast filling up the measure of her iniquities. The three Romish provinces exhibited a miserable array of ignorance, poverty, profligacy, and outrage. Even in Ulster, laxity of prin- ciple had introduced laxity of practice — drunkenness, profane swearing, and Sabbath-broaking were fearfully prevalent, and the writings of Thomas Paine, which had been diligently circulated, had extensively diffused the leaven of infidelity. The Peep-of- day Boys, the Defenders, and the Orangemen, were carrying on a species of civil war.^ As good men contemplated these " over- flowings of ungodliness," they looked forward with heavy hearts to approaching judgments. In the " Reasons for fasting," adopted by the Irish Burgher Synod in 1796, and ordered to be read in all their congregations, the sins of the land are thus enumerated : — " Divine revelation is contemned — every species of wickedness is carried on in a most daring manner — blasphemy, and the most horrid prostitution of sacred oaths, are now raging abroad like an epidemic disease — relative duties are shamefully neglected and despised — the most barbarous murders have defiled our land with blood — fraudulenco, rapine, and oppression are some of the lead- ing features of the day. There is a general violation of the whole 8 The foundation-stone of the Presbyterian College, Belfast, was laid in the spring of 1852. » The Pcep-of-day Boys sprung up in the county of Armagh. They were so called because they visited tlio houses of their victims early in the morning in search of arms. They were also known as "Protestant Boys," and " Wreckers." It is said that from time to time they drove several thousands of Romanists out of Ulster into Connaught. The " Defenders" were Ro- manists, who committed outrages in retaliation. It is said that the first Orange lodge was formed on the 21st September 1795, immediately after tlio battle of the Diamond, near I'ortadown ; but there are traces of the system of an earlier date. M'Skimin's "Annals of Ulster," p. 53, note. 416 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxx. law of God, and few are so faithful as to lift up a testimony against these enormities, or step forward in the cause of religion." The Presbyterians, according to some, and the Romanists, according to others, were the instigators of the Rebellion of 1798, though neither statement can bear the test of a candid investi- gation. Many of the Presbyterians were, no doubt, implicated in the movement, but they were acting in opposition to the autho- rity of the Church k> which they belonged. There has seldom been a national commotion in which religion was so little con- cerned. During the heat of the struggle in the Roman Catholic provinces, the rancour of sectarian bigotry was manifested ; but the society of United Irishmen was professedly based upon the extinction of all theological animosities. The separation of Ire- land from Britain, and the erection of an independent republic, constituted the grand aim of the conspirators ; and though, among those concerned in organising the rebellion, there were indivi- duals of high respectability, who imagined, under the influence of a strange infatuation, that the success of their cause would have been fraught with blessings to their country, it may safely be affirmed that none of the more prominent actors enjoyed largely the confidence of any great ecclesiastical denomination. A consi- derable proportion of them held deistical principles ; some of them were habitual drunkards ;i'' and not a few of them were barristers of much talent, but of no fixed principles in religion, who had recently entered on their professional career, and who had little to lose in the scramble of a revolution. Strange as it may appear, the majority of the leading conspirators were nomi- nally connected with the Established Church. ^^ Theobald Wolfe 1" In the "Memoranda of Theobald Wolfe Tone," appended to his "Me- moirs," he gives an account of the convivial parties he attended during his visits to Belfast and other places. He there frequently speaks of himself and his friends as "drunk," and " very drunk !" (" Memoirs," vol. ii. pp. 379, 398, 409, 422.) It would seem, too, from these memoranda, that he and his partisans were greatly addicted to profane swearing. See also a re- ference to the character of James Nappcr Tandy, in "Memoii's and Corres- pondence of Lord Castlereagh," vol. i. p. 407. '1 Miiddcn's " United Irishmen, " vol. i., first series, p. xi. Of the twenty A. D. 1793-98. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 417 Tone, who has been described as " the principal framer and agent of the United Irish Society," ^^ was an ex-scholar of Trinity Col- lege, Dublin. The first society of United Irishmen formed in Belfast was instituted by that gentleman. ^^ Qn a day of rejoicing in the metropolis of Ulster, in honour of the anniversary of the French Revolution, Mr. Whitley Stokes, jun., a fellow of the na- tional university, took a conspicuous part in the celebration.^* The first individual convicted of carrying on a treasonable cor- respondence with France, and condemned to capital punishment, was the Rev. William Jackson, a clergyman of the Established Church. 15 Mr. Henry Munroe, who led on the rebels at the battle of Ballinahinch, the most important conflict which occurred in Ulster in 1798, was educated an Episcopalian. ^"^ Mr. Thomas Russel, who was only prevented by his previous arrest from act- ing as their commander in the county of Down, was of the same communion. Counsellor Sampson, one of the most active of their partisans in Belfast, was the son of an Ejiiscopal clergyman of Londonderry. It would, no doubt, be most absurd to charge the crimes of the United Irishmen either on the Episcopal esta- blishment or the Irish university, for the influence of both was unquestionably exerted in the cause of loyalty and order ; but it is, nevertheless, certain, that the seeds of sedition sprung up un- der their shadow. Some of the members of the " Historical So- ciety" of Trinity College, such as William Corbet and Thomas state prisoners sent to Fort George after the Rebellion, ten were Episcopalians, six were Presbyterians, and /oar were Romanists. Dickson's "Narrative," p. 116. '* Gordon's "Ireland," vol. ii. p. 338. It can scarcely be necessary to remind the reader that all the scholars and fellows of Trinity College, Dub- lin, must bo in communion with the Established Church. " Madden's "United Irishmen," vol. i., first series, p. 135. '* " Annals of Ulster," by M'Skimin, p. 16. '* Gordon's "Ireland," vol. ii. p. 338. This unhappy man poisoned him- self to avoid the ignominy of a public execution. His father is said to have oflBciated, at one time, in the Prerog.itivo Court, Dublin, and Dr. Richard Jackson, vicar-general to the Archbishop of Cashel, is said to have been his brother. M'Skimin's " Annals," p. 44. '* Madden's " United Irishmen," third series, vol. i. p. 379. 418 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxx. Addis Emmet, had a great share in concocting the Rebellion. It is well known, too, that the students of the university furnished no small portion of the popular songs which were employed by the United Irishmen to excite and sustain the courage of their adherents.^*^ The Irish House of Commons was a wretched specimen of the representative system,!^ and the Irish Presbyterian ministers were advocates of parliamentary reform ; but, as a body, they strenuously condemned all revolutionary projects. In 1793, when the proceedings of the French republicans were attracting much attention, and when many were cherisliing treasonable de- signs, the members of the synod of Ulster issued a " Declara- tion," in which they expounded then* political sentiments. " The synod of Ulster," say they, in this document, " feel themselves called upon explicitly to avow and publish their unshaken at- tachment to the genuine principles of the British constitution — an attachment early inculcated by the lessons of their fathers, and since justified by their own observation and experience. As members of civil society, they deem it not inconsistent with their public character to join with the great majority of the virtuous and enlightened men in this Idngdom in expressing their opinion that a reform in the representation of the Commons' House of Parliament is essentially necessary to the perfection of the con- stitution, and the security and maintenance of public hberty. In seeking this reform, they will not he seduced hy the visionary theo- ries of speculative men, but taking the principles of the constitu- 1' The authors of some of the most seditious of these songs were afterwards ministers of the Established Church. (Madden's "United Irishmen," vol. i., third series, p. 21.) At a visitation of the university, held in April 1798, "about fifty" scholars and students were "marked for expulsion." ( " Dub- lin University Magazine" for May 1846, p. 554.) Nineteen were actually expelled, and Dr. Stokes, one of the fellows, was suspended for three years from acting as a governing member of the university. (Ibid, p. 555. ) Though Dr. Stokes strongly sympathised with the disaffected party, he was not directly implicated in their proceedings. It appeared at this visitation that there were no less than four committees of United Irishmen in the college. Ibid, p. 555. 18 See note 26, chapter xxix. AD. 1793-98. CHURCH IN IRFiLAND. 410 tion as their guide, they will co-operate with their fellow citizens by all constitutional means to obtain this great object, rejecting with abhorrence evert/ idea of popular tumult or foreign aid." There were some ministers who probably felt little interest in the question of parliamentary reform, and wlio hesitated to adopt this " declaration," inasmuch as they considered it improper for a Church judicatory to " discuss political principles." On this ground it may have been open to objection ; but the synod was undoubtedly justified in condemning the spirit of sctlition, as it was thus only enforcing the admonition, " My son, fear thou the Lord and the king, and meddle not with them that are given to change."'^ Throughout the five following eventful years, the great majority of the Irish Presbyterian ministers continued faithfully to act up to the spirit of this ecclesiastical manifesto. The deter- mination with which Mr. Black, then the acknowledged leader of the synod, opposed and denounced the abettors of revolution, subjected him to considerable obloquy. At a public meeting in Derry, early in the year 1793, this gentleman boldly proclaimed the course which he subsequently pursued.^o He declared that he " would steadily oppose the workings of a few seditious spirits who wished to commit the country in hostilities, to overturn the constitution, and to try ' unproved theories.' If the artifices of turbulent and discontented individuals, working on the well- meant but misguided zeal of particular districts, should excite a local insurrection, it would be quickly quelled, and the leaders exposed to the punishment and infamy due to an act of such atrocious folly. Gross abuses existed in the constitution, which ought, and he believed would speedUy, be redressed; but he knew of none which would justify the risk of a civil war. He was, from education, conviction, and principle, an admii*er of the 19 Proverbs, xxiv. 21- 20 In a letter, dated December 11, 1815, Dr. Black says, "I liavo been fortunate enougli to perform some services of special utility, . . • and particularly in resisting, in defiance of threats affecting my life, the destruc- tive and wide-spread delusions of 179Y and 1793." This letter, which was written at a time when he was about to bo presented with a tribute of re- spect, is entered in tlie session-book of the 1st Dcrry congregation. VOL. III. 2 E 420 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxx. British constitution. With a fair and honest representation in tlie House of Commons, it was fitted to promote more real and durable political happiness than any other existing form of go- vernment in the world, and he had no hesitation in declaring that he preferred it to any republican form, either ancient or mo- dern." 21 The Rev. John Thomson of Carnmoney,22 the Eev. Thomas Cuming of Armagh,23 the Eev. Thomas Henry of Randalstown,^* and other influential ministers, strenuously maintained the same principles. But, in several districts of Down and Antrim, opi- nions of a very different description were industriously propa- gated. The important town of Belfast was the head-quarters of disaffection in Ulster .^^ This place had been long distinguished for its public spirit, but, on the breaking out of the French Revo- lution, a number of its most active political cliaracters became ardent admirers of republicanism, and soon afterwards entered into correspondence with parties of kindred sentiments in Dub- '1 The speech, from which these extracts are taken, may be found fully reported in the Belfast Neivs-Letter of the 25th of January 1793. 22 Mr. Thomson was ordained minister of Carnmoney in 1767, and died in 1 828, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. He possessed a vigorous mind, as well as a dignified deportment, and maintained throughout life the cha- racter of a zealous and consistent Calvinist. He was perhaps better ac- quainted with the principles of ecclesiastical discipline than any other mem- ber of the synod. 23 Mr. Cuming was originally minister of 1st Dromore, where he was ordained in 1784. In 1796 he removed to Armagh, where he died in 1816. He was for many years clerk of the synod of Ulster. For a farther account of this minister, see Stuart's " Armagh," p. 498. 21 Mr. Henry was ordained minister of Randalstown in 1786, and died in 1830. He was moderator of the synod in 1803. He was the son of the Rev. William Henry, minister, first of 2d Dromore, and afterwards of Com- ber, county Down. Mr. Henry of Randalstown, commonly called Doctor Henry, as he was a medical practitioner, was, when advanced in life, a man of remarkably noble and venerable aspect. He was the father of the Rev. P. S. Henry, D.D., President of Queen's College, Belfast. 25 In one of his letters, Lord Castlereagh speaks of Derry as *' the coun- terpoise to Belfast, and the rallying jxyint for the loyalty of the North." ("Memoirs and Coi-respondence," vol. ii. p. 33.) Belfast is now as distin- guished for its loyalty as it was in 1798 for its disaffection. i.D. 1793-93. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 421 lin, for the purpose of maturing those treasonable designs which eventually involved the country in so much misery and confusion. Even in Belfast, howevei', several of the leading Presbyterians discountenanced, from the very outset, the spirit of sedition. The Rev. Dr. Bruce,-^ a minister respected alike for his gentle- manly bearing, his sagacity, and his attainments in general litera- ture, objected from the first to the extreme views of some of his fellow-citizens. He had much intercourse with the higher classes in and around the town, and as great reliance was placed on the soundness of his judgment, his strong disapproval of the Society of United Irishmen no doubt deterred many from joining the as- sociation. In these perilous times, the Rev. Dr. M'Dowel of Dublin was exerting himself, in the spirit of an apostolic minister, to stem the tide of folly and ungodliness. On his settlement in Mary's Abbey, his chai'ge amounted only to a few families,-'' but he was now the pastor of a large and flourishing congregation. A pious Baptist minister, who visited Dublin about this period, bears the most honourable testimony to the success of his labours. " I have," says he, " found much more religion here already than I expected to meet with during the whole of my stay. I am at the house of a Mr. Hutton, late high-sheriff of the city, a gentle- man of opulence, respectability, and evangelical piety. He is by profession a Calvinistic Presbyterian, an elder of Dr. M'Dowel's '" Dr. Bruce w.as the son of the Rev. Samuel Bruce of Dublin, and grand- son of the Rev. Michael Bruce of Holywood. He was originally connected with the synod of Ulster, as minister of Lisburn. He subsequently removed to Strand Street congregation, Dublin, and finally, in 1790, settled in Belfast, as minister of the 1st congregation. Though now connected with the presbytery of Antrim, he still kept up an intercourse with the ministers of the synod of Ulster, and had much influence in all matters relating to the Presbyterian Church. For upwards of thirty years, he presided over the Belfast Academy. His appear- ance was uncommonly dignified, and, as he passed along the street, even a stranger migiit have recognised "the son of ancient kings." Dr. Bruce died in 18-il, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. *' Dr. Horner states that "about six families and a few individuals consti- tuted the entire of his audience at the commencement of his ministry" in Mary's Abbey. " Funeral Sermon," p. 19. 422 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxx. church." 28 Aldevman Hutton and Dr. M'DoAvel laboured to- gether in the Gospel with singular cordiality, and their exertions contributed largely to that genuine revival of religion which has since so much purified and elevated the Protestantism of the Irish metropolis,^^ Prior to the breaking out of the Kebellion, " a few persons of the highest respectability, whose minds had been touched with a deep sense of the importance of eternal things, desirous to profit by the awful appearance of the times, and anxious for their country's welfare, came to the determina- tion of having meetings for prayer, with a particular view to the state of the nation."30 Dr. M'Dowel was one of the ministers by whom these meetings were conducted, and the house of his elder was the place where they assembled. Here, every Friday even- ing, these pious men commended themselves and a guilty nation to the mercy of their Father in heaven. Happy had it been for the Church had all the Presbyterian ministers in the North been similarly occupied. When it is considered that the ramifications of the Society of United Irishmen extended into every part of Ulstei' — that the state of religion was extremely low — and that almost all the Presbyterian ministers then derived by far the larger portion of their income from the people, it is somewhat remarkable that so 28 " Memoirs of Pearce." " Works of Rev. Andrew Fuller," p. 772. Alderman Hutton was lord-mayor of Dublin a few years afterwards, " He was voted a gold box and a valuable piece of plate, and his great attention to the observance of the Sahhath is mentioned in three public addresses from the city." " Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon," vol. ii. pp. 226, 227. 2" The late Rev. AV. Benjamin Mathias of the Bothesda chapel, Dublin, was one of the most efBcient ministers ever connected with the Established Church of Ireland. "Happily for the young Benjamin, and/or many others, the late Rev. Dr. M'Dowel of Mary's Abbey had been appointed his guar- dian." ("Memorials of the Rev. W. B. Mathias," p. 5.) "The faithful proclamation of the Word in the Bethesda chapel has been attended with the happiest results. The light has shone from thence to the remotest parts of the kingdom ; and more than fiye-and-twenty young men from that congre- gation have passed through the university, and are now (1839) consecrating their talents to the Redeemer's glory and service." "Life and Times of Lady Huntingdon," vol. ii. p. 230. ^*' "Life and Times of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon," vol. ii. p- 219. A.D. 1798. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 423 few of their order were implicated in the llobellion. There were then between fifty and sixty secession ministers in the country, and yet not one of them appears to have been even accused of treason. The pastor of a seceding congregation near Belfast,"^' wlio steadfastly refused to compromise his loyalty, at length found his position so uncomfortable, that he voluntarily resigned his charge ; and others who boldly denounced the proceedings of the disaffected, suffered no inconsiderable amount of personal an- noyance.32 Several members of the synod of Ulster were in- fected with the revolutionary mania, but a contemporary, who possessed the best means of information, and who delivered his testimony under circumstances in which, if untrue, it might have been easily refuted, has recorded his conviction, that " not one" ordained minister "out of twelve" was "at all implicated." ^^ In proportion to its extent, the presbytery of Antrim was much more deeply committed than the synod of Ulster, as two of the nine ministers belonging to it were obliged to leave the country, and a thu'd was kept for some time in imprisonment.^^ The 51 The Rev. Francis Pringle of Gilnahirk. Finding that his opposition to tlio United Irishmen embroiled him with liis congregation, Mr. Pringle emi- grated to America. '- Among these was the venerable INIr. Arrott, the seceding minister of Mar- kethill. 33 Thia statement may be found in the Belfast News-Letter of the 27th of July 1798. It appears from a MS. note in his own handwriting, attached to the copy at present in the Belfast Linen-Hall library, that the author was Mr. H. Joy, the intimate friend of Dr. Bruce. Perhaps no individualin the North of Ireland was more competent to give an opinion upon the subject. 3* The ministers obliged to leave tiie country were the Rev. Arthur M'lSIahon of Holywood and the Rev. William Sinclair of Newtownards. Mr. M'Mahon was obliged to make his escape to France some time before the breaking out of the Rebellion. He was originally a licentiate of the pres- bytery of Antrim (see chap, xxix., note 80), but, in 1Y89, was ordained to the pastoral charge of the congregation of Kilrea. In 1794, the Rev. John Beatty, minister of Holywood, in connection with the presbytery of Antrim, died, after a pastorate of about fifty-seven years, and Mr. M'Mahon was elected his successor. Ho was a man of daring character, and of consider- able literary attainments. In the summer of 1797, ho exerted himself to the uttermost to induce the United Irishmen to commence the insurrection forth- with, but having failed in this attempt, he escajicd soon afterwards, with 424 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxx. Covenanters were quite as much involved. They had then only eight or nine ministers in Ireland, and of these two or three were more or less compromised.35 It is clear, however, that, as a body, even they did not approve of the proceedings of the United Irish- men. In a document, published in 1796, and entitled, a " Season- able and Necessary Information," the Reformed Presbytery vindi- cated its character by declaring its "highest abhorrence" of all tumultuous and disorderly meetings," and signifying its disappro- val of "anything said or done prejudicial to the peace, the safety, or property of any individual or society.'^ The year 1798 presents one of the darkest passages in the ec- great difficulty, to France. On the Continent, he embraced the military pro- fession, and, it is said, with what truth I know not, that he became distin- guished as General MacJc. Mr. Sinclair was imprisoned, and, at length, with some difficulty, obtained permission to transport himself to America. The Rev. James Worral of Larne, another member of the presbytery of An- trim, was arrested, but, as no charge could be proved against him, he was liberated after a short imprisonment. 35 The Rev. William Gibson escaped arrest and fled to America. Tho Rev. William Stavely, the most distinguished covenanting minister in Ulster, was arrested, and charged with being a general officer in the army of the United Irishmen, but the accusation could not be substantiated, and seems to have been quite unfounded. Tho Rev. Joseph Orr, another covenanting minister, was arrested, but was almost immediately liberated. Messrs. Black and Wylie, two young men who had now completed their education for the mi- nistry of the Covenanting Church, found it necessary to remove to America. Dr. Wylie died in the autumn of 1852, in the eightieth year of his age, and fifty-third of his ministry. At the time of his death, he was pastor of the 1st Reformed Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, and professor emeritus of ancient languages in theUniversity of Pennsylvania. Of the more humble sufferers dur- ing the reign of terror, the case of no one awakened more general sympathy than that of Daniel English, a young man connected with the Covenanting Church, who was executed on the bridge of Connor. He was a pious and amiable youth, and it was believed that the evidence on which he was con- victed was untrue. He was conducted from the guard-house in Ballymena to Connor, a distance of about four miles, dressed in his grave-clothes, and accompatiiod by a large concourse, who joined together in singing the 119th Pt.alm. As the sad company travelled along, the " grave sweet melody" of so many voices echoed from hill to hill, and produced a most solemn impression. 3* This document may be found in the Northern Star of the 10th of Octo- ber 1796. It is dated October 3 of the same year, and is said to be "done A.D. 1798. CHUUCH IN IRELAND. 425 clesiastieal, as well as in the ci\il history of Ireland. When the insurrection actually took place, many seized on the occasion as an opportunity for indulging their private malice ; and distrust, treachery, and falsehood pervaded almost all the departments of society. The rebels, particularly in the South, exhibited, in the hour of victory, the ferocity of savages ; and the yeomanry,^'^ in their turn, in many instances, perpetrated the most disgraceful acts of rapine and violence. Means utterly unwarrantable were adopted to secure the condemnation of parties suspected of dis- loyalty. The vilest informers Avere openly encouraged, the mi- nions of government, even when guilty of horrid crimes, were screened from punishment, and the conduct of the state officials was often better fitted to foment than to quiet a rebellion. There were very few among the ministers of the Word who had " understanding of the times," and who attempted prayerfully and energetically to awaken a deluded people to consideration and repentance. There appeared to be " no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land ;" the wicked "walked on every in the name of the Reformed Church in the counties of Antrim and Down," but no signature is attached to it. 2' In October 1T06, government began to provide an armed yeomanry to assist the other troops, in tlic event either of foreign invasion or of an insur- rection of the United Irislimen. Sir Richard Musgrave, though by no means a friend to nonconformity, bears honourable testimony to the fidelity of the Presbyterians who were thus enrolled, lie says, " In the counties of Fer- managh, Tyrone, Derry, and Armagh, there were fourteen thousand yeomen, . . . and they were so loyal, and so well disciplined, that General Knox, who commanded at Dungannon, reported, in the summer of 1798, that ho would rest the safety of these counties on tlieir fidelity and bravery ; and, much to the honour of the Presbyterians, three-fourths of them were of that order. ■ . . Though the Presbyterians lay under a general impu- tation of being disloyal, it appears that a great portion of them were steadily attached to the constitution, and ivere ready to draw their sivords in its de- fence against foreign and domestic foes. After many minute inquiries, 1 could not discover an instance of a Presbyterian yeoman having violated his oath of allegiance ; but many shameful instances of the kind occurred among tlie Romish yeomen in Leinster, Connaught, and Munster. " ("Memoirs," p. 194.) Tiie statements in the text do not refer to the yeomanry of tho counties hero mentioned by Sir Richard Musgrave, but to those of other dis- tricts. 426 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxx. side ;" and many hearts trembled as the political volcano, which had long threatened a terrible eruption, commenced to pour forth its fiery lava of war and desolation. The insurrection in Ulster was confined to the two counties of Down and Antrim, and even here it was suppressed in the course of a few days. When the northern rebels heard of the cruelties perpetrated on their Protestant brethren, in other parts of Ire- land, by the Roman Catholic insurgents, they threw down their arms in disgust and indignation. But though the actual danger was soon over, there was long diflused throughout the mass of the community a feeling of insecurity and apprehension. In con- sequence of the state of the country, the Antiburgher Synod did not meet during the year of the Rebellion. The Burgher Synod met at Armagh on the 3d of July according to appointment, and, after hastily desjjatehing some necessary business, broke ujj on the same day. The synod of Ulster did not meet until the 28th of August, when it assembled at Lurgan.^s The French, under General Humbert, had now landed at Killala, and the news of their arrival had partially revived the hopes of the disaffected throughout Ulster ;3^ but the synod proceeded, notwithstanding, to express its strong disapprobation of the conduct of those indivi- 2^^ The following advertisement, ^vhich appears in the Belfast Neius-Letfcr of August 10, 1798, attests the confidence reposed by the military authorities of the day in the loyalty of the ministers of the General Synod : — " GENERAL SYNOD. " The members of the General Synod of Ulster will please to take notice, that Tuesday, the 28th instant, is the day appointed for the meeting of the General Synod at Lurgan. " M. Nelson, Moderator. "August 9, 1798. ' ' The meeting above-mentioned is to take place with my permission ; and I desire that every protection and accommodation may be afforded by the military in the northern district to the members thereof, in passing to and from Lurgan for the purpose. " G. Nugent, Major-General , "Belfast, August 9, 1798. " Commanding Northern District- ' ' To the officers commanding troops and detach- ments in the Northern District. ' ' '" The French cast anchor in the bay of Killala on the 22d of August. A.D. 1798. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 427 duals under its care wlio had violated theii* allegiance. The sum of £500 was unanimously voted to the government " as the con- tribution of the members of the body towards the defence of the Idngdom ;" jyid the several presbyteries were enjoined, " under penalty of severe censure," to " institute a solemn inquiry" into the conduct of ministers and licentiates charged with " seditions and treasonable practices," and to make a faithful report of the result of their investigations to the next annual meeting.^" At the same time, a pastoral address to the Presbyterian people, earnestly remonstrating with those who had been " led into open outrage and rebellion," was unanimously adopted, and ordered to be read from the pulpit in every congregation.*^ WliUst the members of synod, in this document, make a most pathetic appeal to the better feelings of those who had taken part in the revolt, they, at the same time, bear testimony to the peaceable deport- ment of the mass of the Presbyterian population. " Whilst we lament," say they, "the late distvu'bance of the public peace, we derive no small satisfaction from the conviction, that the great body of the people with whom we are connected have given, by their conduct, the most decisive proofs how greatly they con- demned all acts of Adolence." When the General Synod met in June 1799, and when the several presbyteries had given in their reports, it appeared that <» Minutes of Synod for 1798. , the suggestions of the committee were unanimously adopted. The managers of the Belfiist Institution had solicited the pa- tronage of the associate ministers, as well as of the members of the synod of Ulster, and from both the seceding bodies they met with the most cordial encouragement. The Rev. John Rogers of Cahans, professor of divinity, tlied on the 24:th of August 1814, and no arrangements were made for the teaching of the class during the ensuing session ; but, at the annual meeting of the Burgher Synod in 1815, the Rev. Samuel Edgar^^ of Bally- "" Mr. Edgar was ordained to the pastoral charge of the Seceding congre- gation of Bally nahinch towards the end of the year 1793. He was long a most active and useful minister of tlie Secession Church, and his preaching was particularly distinguished by its simplicity and unction. For some time he conducted, at liallynahincb, an academy, which attained considerable celebrity, and in which Mr. James Thomson, afterwards the eminent pro- fessor of mathematics in the University of Glasgow, was an assistant. The clerkship of the Burgher Synod and the professorship of divinity were vacant at the same time, and Mr. Edgar stood so high in the estimation of his bre- thren that he obtained both a])pointmcnls. He was mainly instrumental in effecting the union between the lUirgliers and Antiburghers. In 1820, ho received the degree of 1). D. from Union (..'oliege in tlie United States. Ho 458 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxx. nahiiich was elected his successor. At the foUowang November, Mr. Edgar, acting under the direction of his brethren, delivered his lectures in the Academical Institution. Meanwhile govern- ment had endowed the seminary w^ith a grant of £1500 per annum, and a staff of professors had been appointed to teach various branches of literature and science. The classes were in full operation during the session 1815-16, and the establishment rapidly advanced in popular favour. The opening of the Belfast Academical Institution forms a new epoch in the educational history of the North of Ireland. The seminary fostered a literary taste in the inhabitants of the capital of Ulster, and placed various branches of knowledge within the reach of not a few to whom they would otherwise have remained almost inaccessible. But, throughout the whole period of its col- legiate existence,^'' it was in a struggling condition. At the close of its very first collegiate session, it encountered the deter- mined hostility of the most influential minister of the Presbyte- rian Church in Ireland. Dr. Black had been prevented by ill health from being present at the annual meeting of the General Synod in 1815, but he had marked the progress of the Belfast Institution Avith an eye of jealousy, and the sanction which it had received from his brethren, on the occasion of his absence, had inspired him with anxiety. The poKtical sentiments of cer- tain parties who had a share in the management of the new establishment were exceedingly distasteful to him, and he was haunted with the idea that it would exercise a baneful influence over the minds of the students in attendance. Recent proceed- ings, in which some of its teachers and managers were implicated, died on the 17th October 1826, in the sixtieth year of his age, and thirty- third of his ministry. "" For the information of the general reader, it may here be necessary to state, that in 1849 its collegiate department was superseded by the Queen's College, Belfast, an institute which promises to confer immense advantages upon the province of Ulster. At the Queen's College, the greater number of the students under the care of the Irish General Assembly receive their literary and philosophical education. The Presbyterian College, Belfast, is simply a theological seminary. A.D. 1816. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 450 had served to deepen his prejudices. At a public dinner, on the 16th of March 1816, where these parties were present, several political toasts of an objectionable character were given, and, in consequence, the chancellor of the Irish exchequer had notified to tlie secretary of the institution that the usual grant would be omitted in the public estimates. It was thus deprived of that parliamentary sanction which it had hitherto enjoyed, and it laboured under the additional disadvantage, that it could not confer those academic honours which the more ancient seats of learning wore authorised to bestow. Dr. Black, therefore, ar- gued that it would detract from the respectability of the Irish Presbyterian Church were it to recognise candidates for the ministry trained up at such an institute. At the annual meet- ing of 1816, he made a vigorous effort to induce tlie synod to rescind the resolutions it had adopted the preceding year ; but though he stated fully his objections, in a speech which occupied an hour and a half in the delivery, his reasoning made no im- pression. The synod proceeded to make arrangements for col- lecting funds to endoAv a chair of divinity and Church history,^! and agreed to meet at Cookstown, on the first Tuesday of No- vember, to elect a professor. Wlien it assembled for tliis purpose at the appointed time, it was discovered that comparatively little progress had yet been made in the raising of funds ; and that, without the prospect of an adequate maintenance, parties compe- tent to discharge the duties of the situation were generally mi- willing to allow themselves to bo put in nomination as candi- dates. Another difficulty of an equally grave character now presented itself. A letter to the moderator from the boards of the Belfast Institution was communicated to the synod, stating tliat, at a conference between a deputation from their body and "' Immediately afterwards, a committee appointed for the purpose pub- lished an "Address to the People under the care of the General Synod of Ulster," with a view to obtain funds for endowing the theological chair. They state in this appeal tiiat they could not expect to obtain a suitable pro- fessor " for a smaller salary than ,£250 or £300 per annum." Tlie Rev. John Thomson of Carnmoncy, who was chairman of this committee, took a deep interest in the establishment of the Academical Institution. 460 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxx. Lord Castlereagh, " his lordship deprecated the measure of con- necting the synod of Ulster with the institution, as proposed at the present time ; complained that the synod did not act with becoming respect to his majesty's government, in withholding from them their intention of appointing a professor of divinity to lecture in the institution, and in resolving to accept of certificates from a committee of their own body in lieu of a degree of master of arts from a regular college ; and intimated that, in his opinion, such a measure, if adopted, would be deemed an act of hostility by his majesty's government." It was added, that " his lord- ship requested it to be understood that these sentiments were his, as an individual, without any reference whatever to those of his majesty's government." The boards concluded their commu- nication by stating that " it would be matter of extreme regret to them should any circumstance arise to lessen the confidence and harmony which ought always to exist between his majesty's government and the synod of Ulster." Under all these discou- ragements, the synod deemed it prudent to defer the appoint- ment till its annual meeting in the following year, but exhorted " all its members to continue, in the meantime, their exertions to raise the sum requisite" for endowing the i:)rofessorship.'*"^ With a view to conciliate Lord Castlereagh, the synod ap- pointed a deputation to wait on that nobleman, and to explain the principles which had guided it in forming a connection with the Belfast Academical Institution." The result of this inter- view was not, however, satisfactory, as his lordship distinctly told the deputies that he considered the recent permission given to students to attend the Belfast seminary " a breach of the con- tract between the synod and the government." When reminded that, according to the arrangements made in 1803, at the time of the augmentation of the bounty, the state was pledged not to interfere with the synod's discipline, ^^ his lordship asked if the ^' At this meeting, the llev. William Porter of Newtownlimavady was elected clerk of the sj'nod, in the room of the Rev. Thomas Cuming, lately ileceascd. It was ruled that the members of the presbytery of Antrim liad a right to vote in the election. '■' Sec note 68 of this chapter. A.D. 1817. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 461 deputies regarded the question of collegiate education as an affair of discipline, and when an affirmative answer was returned, he replied that he could not accede to that interpretation. Though he professed to speak merely as an individual, the depu- tation could not but recollect that he was a most influential mi- nister of the crown,^* and that his private views would most pro- bably be adopted by the cabinet of Great Britain, The deputies retu'cd apparently without having made any impression upon the mind of his lordship ; and as soon as it was understood that they had foiled in the object of their mission, the tongue of rumour was most active, and it was currently reported that the Regium Donum would bo withdrawn should the Presbyterian Church persist in preserving its connection with the Belftist Institution, Many confidently expected that the synod of Ulster would suc- cumb; and those who had predicted the worst consequences from the acceptance of the classified bounty, now awaited with impa- tience the fulfilment of all their melancholy prophecies. They alleged that Presbyterian ministers must submit to the will and pleasure of their civil rulers, as, by consentmg to receive the money of the state, they had made merchandise of their ecclesi- astical freedom. In 1817, the General Synod held its annual meeting in Bel- fast ; and Avhen the deputation to Lord Castlereagh handed in their re]>ort, the spacious meeting-house of Rosemary Street^^ was crowded in every part by a deeply interested audience. The withdrawal of the parliamentary grant from the Academical Insti- tution had created a great sensation, and Dr. Black, who was un- derstood to be in the confidence of Lord Castlereagh, boldly de- clared that a continued connection with the seminary might in- volve consequences exceedingly embarrassing to the synod itself. He did not, indeed, go so far as to affirm that the safety of the bounty was in immediate peril, but he asserted, that " if the synod transferred the education of cantlidates for tlie ministry from a '■" His lordship was now secretary of state for foreign affairs. '■''■> The present splendid cditico was erected in 1831, at an expense of about £10,000, but the orijjinal building, in which tiie synod met on this occasion, was cap.ible of acconiinodating a vciy large congregation. 462 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap, xxx, regular college to a private academy, it might become a conside- ration with the government whether it would hereafter grant the Eegium Donum to young men so educated." There was a pre- vailing impression throughout the house that a blow was aimed at the independence of the Church, and that the synod had reached a most important crisis in its history ; but whilst the senior members paused and hesitated, one of the young ministers had the moral courage to come forward and take the lead in re- pelling the aggression. The Rev. James Carlile^^ of Mary's Ab- bey, Dublin, had been listening to the report of the deputies with indignation, and when all its details were fully submitted to the synod, he advanced towards the pulpit, and delivered a speech as remarkable for its intrepidity as its eloquence, " It is surely unnecessary," said he, " to take up the time of the synod in de- monstrating that the education of our students is strictly a mat- ter of internal arrangement, Nothing is more nearly connected with the spiritual interests of our people. There are, moderator, some proposals which may be made to individuals, or to public bodies, on which it is infamous even to deliberate. Such seems to me to be the nature of the proposal made to us at our late meeting in Cookstown, when, by a verbal message from an indi- vidual styling himself Lord Castlereagh, we were infoi'med that government may regard our electing a professor for educating our students in theology as an act of hostility, and we were required to desist from our purpose. Who or what is this Lord Castle- reagh, that he should send such a message to the synod of Ulster ? Is he a minister of the body? Is he an elder? What right has he to obtrude himself on our deliberations ? I revere the govern- ment of my country. I pay it a willing obedience in matters '^ Mr. Carlile was ordained to the pastoral charge of the Mary's Abbey congregation on the llth of May 1813. He was a licentiate of the Esta- blished Chui-ch of Scotland. In a testimonial, presented to the managers and visitors of the Belfast Academical Institution in 1829, Professor Symington of Paisley says of him — "Mr. Carlile belongs to a family of the first re- spectability in this town, where his father has long sustained a high reputa- tion as a member and ofnce-bearer in the Church, a magistrate, and a liberal patron of all benevolent and Christian institutions. He received a finished education, under every advantage." A.u. 1317. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 463 civil. I am no cavilling politician. But I protest against go- vernment dictating an opinion as to the measures we should adopt for the mterests of religion. As long as I can raise my voice, I will raise it against the principle of admitting civil governors, as such, to be heard in our deliberations. Where now is the high spirit of independence, the stern integrity of our ancestors, which would have made them walk steadily to the stake or to the gib- bet before they would have suffered any civil magistrate to dic- tate to them where their students should be educated? Let us tell our people that we will never permit his majesty's bounty to operate as a bribe to induce us to desert what we believe to be their spiritual welfare. We are this day put on our trial for our integrity — the eyes of Ulster are upon us — the eyes of the Idng- dom will soon be upon us — the eyes of God are observing our mo- tions and our purposes — the eyes of Him, who, though He was rich, for our sakes became poor, are watching our determinations. This day's decision will tell whether we deserve to rank as an in- dependent, upright, conscientious body, with no other end in view than the glory of God and the welfare of his Church, or whether we deserve that Lord Castlereagh should drive his chariot into the midst of us, and tread us down as the offal of the streets."^'' This speech, worthy of the days of Knox and Melville, was heard with intense satisfaction by an overflowing audience. Se- veral succeeding speakers attempted to do away with the impres- sion it produced, and to set aside the motion with which it con- cluded, but all their efforts were utterly futile. The bold address of the young pastor had thrilled through Presbyterian hearts, awakening the martyr spii-it of the olden time, and his auditors now sj)urned the monotony of trimming and temporising. The resolution, that " the regulations for the education of young men intended for the ministry are strictly a matter of discipline," was carried by an overwhelming majority. '' Tho speech may be found pretty fully reported in the Belfast News- Letter of the 1st of July 18 17. The general interest taken in the discussions relative to tho Belfast Institution led to the publication of reports of tho synodical proceedings. Prior to tho year 1815, the newspapers rarely take any notice of them. 464 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHAP. XXX. It was now apparent to all that the synod had taken up a po- sition from which it would not recede, and that it would be use- less to throw any farther obstruction in the way of the election of a theological professor. The Rev. Samuel Hanna of Belfast was accordingly chosen unanimously to fill the chair of divinity and Church history. The determination of the place where he should deliver his lectures created some discussion. It was moved that he should assemble his students in his own meeting-house, but it was finally decided that he should lecture in the Academi- cal Institution. The election of Mr. Hanna, as professor of theology, demon- strates the ascendency of the evangelical party in the largest sec- tion of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Thirty years be- fore, the synod of Ulster could not have been induced to advance such a man to such a ])osition. Mr. Hanna was an avowed Cal- vinist, he was largely imbued with an evangelical spirit, and he had been long known in the courts of the Church as the assertor of orthodox principles. The chair of theology had not the at- traction of a considerable endowment ; ^^ but, had the anti-evan- gelical party in the synod entertained an idea that they could have commanded a majority of suffrages, they could easily have found a rival candidate in the town or neighbourhood of Belfast. Their acquiescence in the appointment of a minister with whom they had no sympathy loudly proclaimed their numerical weak- ness. Whilst this election of a professor of divinity cemented the union between the General Synod and the Belfast Institution, it also greatly promoted the progress of home education. From this period the majority of the Irish students ceased to frequent the 98 Dr. Hanna was minister of the large congregation of Rosemary Street as well as professor. He states, in his evidence before tlie Commissioners of Education Inquiry in 1825, that, during the first two years, he only received £36 as professor. ("Fourth Report," p. 60.) But, soon afterwards, the emoluments became much more considerable. It is scarcely necessary to add, that no attempt was ever made to execute any of the threats relative to the withdrawal of Regium Donum from ministers educated at the Belfast In- stitution. A.D. 1817. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 400 Scottish universities. Trained up in Belfast under the eye of re- latives or acquaintances who took an interest in theii" welfare, they were ])reser\'ed from many temptations to which tliey were exjiosed in a land of strangers ; and the merits of each individual, whatever they might be, were ascertained and appreciated. At this period, an attendance on a class of divinity for six months was all that was required, but the s;yniod of 1817 doubled the length of the theological curriculum. Even in the time thus al- lotted, it was impossible for a single professor to overtake the vari- ous subjects he was expected to expound, but the addition of an- other session to the course was an arrangement dictated by the soundest wisdom.^^ Dr. Black had long acted the most prominent part in the meet- ings of the General Synod, and, as an ecclesiastical chief, he had displayed great tact, sagacity, and eloquence. But of late his in- fluence had been visibly declining. His political principles were offensive to many who cherished his religious creed, and his reli- gious creed was gradually becoming more and more unpopular. In some of the recent debates on the subject of the Belfast Institution, he had been left almost alone. The annual meet- ing of 1817 was the last synod he attended, as he died in the month of December following.^*^^ For a considerable time his place remained unoccupied, as several years passed away before any other minister was recognised as the leader of the synod of Ulster. "9 At present, all the students under the care of the Irish General Assem- bly are required to devote three sessions of six months each cxclusivelj' to tlio study of theology in its various branches. 100 Por many months his health had been declining, and at length his mind fairly lost its balance. On tlic 4th of December 1817, in a fit of insanity, he threw himself from the bridge of Dcrry, and was drowned. He died in the sixtv-sixth year of iiis n"c. 46G HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTP:RIAN chap. xxxi. CHAPTER XXXI. A.D. 1818-1841. Union of the Burgher and Antiburgher Sgnods — Missionary operations of the Secession Synod and of the Synod of Ulstet — Intercourse of Synod of Munster, Presbytery of Antrim, and Synod of Ulster — Preparation and publication of a Code of Discipline by Synod of Ulster — Its provisions — Rev. H. Cooke removes from Donegore to Killileagh — Captain Rowan one of his elders — Mission of Mr. Smithurst, a Unitarian, from England — Mr. Coohe complains of the election of Mr. Bruce as Professor of Greek in the Belfast Institution — Dr. Bruce publishes his Sermons, and Mr. Paul his "Refutation of Arianism'" — Mr. Cooke chosen Moderator of the General Synod — Bis evidence before the Commissioners of Education Inquiry — Evidence of Rev. W. Porter — Synod of Strabane, and its declaration of belief in the doctrine of the Trinity — Speech of Rev. H. Montgomery — Review of it by Mr. Paul — Synod of Cookstown adopts re- solutions against Arianism, and establishes a Theological Examination Committee — Speech of Rev. R. Stewart — Election of Mr. Ferrle as Pro- fessor of Moral Pldlosophy in Belfast Institution — Synod of Lurgan, and attack of Mr. Montgomery on Mr. Cooke — The Unitarians resolve to ivithdraw from the Synod, and assume the designation of Remonstrants — Review of the Arian controversy — Popularity of Dr. Cooke — Happy re- sults of the Unitarian Secession — The Rev. J. S. Reid elected Clerk of the Synod of Ulster — Establishment of Fisherivick Place congregation, Belfast, and labours of Rev. James Morgan — Controversy respecting the National System of Education — Adoption of unqualified subscription to the Westminster Confession — Renewal of intercourse with the Established ' Church of Scotland — Equalisation of the Regium Donum — Efforts to piromote a union between the Secession Synod and the Synod of Ulster — Consummation of the union — Concluding observations- Since the commencement of the present century, several efforts have been made to eifect a union between the Irish Burghers and Antibiu'ghers. The negotiations uniformly failed on the part of the Antiburghers, not because they were less anxious than the others for a reconciliation, but because they were subject to a A.D. 1818. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 467 General Synod in Scotland, which more than once interfered, and [>revented them from proceeding with their arrangements. At length, however, they grew weary of this foreign dictation, and agreed upon a basis of union, in which they disavowed the jurisdiction of the Scottish judicatory. The terms of coalescence ha^■ing been settled to the satisfaction of both parties, the two synods, then in Cookstown, met together on the evening of Thursday, the 9th of July 1818, in the place of worship belong- ing to the congregation comiected with the synod of Ulster, and formed themselves into one body, under the designation of " The Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, distinguished by the name Sece- ders." The Rev. James Rentoul of Ray was chosen the first moderator of the United Church. Its ministers at this period amounted to ninety-seven. ^ Immediately after the union, the Secession Church entered with great zeal upon the project of a home mission, and set up preaching-stations in various towns and villages where Presbyte- 1 The two synods agreed that tlio six points following should form the basis of union: — " I. To declare their constant and inviolable attachment to their already approved and recognised standards, namely, the Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms, Directory for Worship, and Form of Presbyterian Church government, with the Original Secession Testimony. "2. Tliat, as they unite under the banner of a testimony, they are deter- mined, in all times coming, as their forefathers have set them the example, to assert the truth when it is injured or opposed, and to condemn and testify against error and immorality whenever they may seem to prevail. " 3. To cancel the name of Burgher and Antiburgher for ever, and to unite the two synods into one, to be known by the name ' The Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, distinguished by the name Secedcrs.' "4. To declare their insubordination to any other ecclesiastical court, while, at the same time, they do hereby signify their hearty inclination to hold a correspondence with their sister Church in Scotland or elsewhere, for their mutual edification ; but think it expedient not to lay themselves under any restrictions as to the manner of said correspondence. " 5. To allow all the presbyteries and congiegations in their connection to boar the same name, and, in tlio meantime, stand as thoy were before the coalescence. "G. Carefully to preserve all tho public records of the two synods from their formation in this kingdom till the present » "The Fourth Report." Dr. Hiuina, Dr. S. Edgar, Mr. Carlile, and several other Presbyterian ministers, were examined before the same com- mission. 2» Mr. Magill was ordained on the 20th of June 1820, and died on the 19th of February 1839. He had a vivid imagination, and certain tones of his voice were so exquisitely tender, that, when touching on particular sub- jects, he could almost at once melt an auditory into tears. Ho enjoyed gnat popularity as a preacher. 2' A government salary of £50 per annum, late Irish currency, was at- tached to the clerkship. 4-78 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. the principles of the body, was shortly afterwards introduced. As it had been stated, before the parliamentary commissioners, that there were a considerable number of concealed Arians in the synod, Mr. Cooke moved that the members of the court, " for the purpose of affording a public testimony to the truth, as well as of vindicating their religious character as individuals, declare, that they do most firmly hold and believe the doctrine concern- ing the nature of God contained in these words of the Westmin- ster Shorter Catechism, namely, that ' there are three persons in the Grodhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Grhost, and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.' " The most exciting discussion which had taken place in the synod for a century now commenced. After several other members had given expression to their sentiments, the Rev. Hemy Montgomery,^^ minister of Dunmurry, and head master of the English department in the Belfast Academical Institution, addressed the chair, and in a speech, which occupied upwards of an hour in the delivery, made an appeal which would have j^roved completely irresistible had the palm of victory been awarded to an effort of finished eloquence. From an early period of his mi- nisterial life, Mr. Montgomery had taken a deep interest in the business of the synod, and he was now the acknowledged leader of the New- Light party, but he had never before signalised him- self by such a splendid and impressive display. His great object was to demonstrate the iniquity of creeds or confessions, and comparatively few were persuaded by his arguments ; but through- out his speech the whole assembly hung upon his lips, as if under the enchantment of some mighty magician. Even when he sat down, the auditory still continued to be in a state of agitation, and a considerable time elapsed before any other speaker could gain " Mr. Montgomery was ordained minister of Dunmurry on the litli of September 1809. In 1818, he was chosen moderator of the synod. Dun- murry is a village in the neighbourhood of Belfast. It may be necessaiy to state, for the information of some readers, that thei'o was originally a school, as well as a college department, belonging to the Belfost Institution. Mr. Montgomery was head master of the English school. The school depart- ment of the institution is still continued. A.D. 1827-28. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 479 tlie attontioii of the liouse. It appeared, notwithstanding, that liis address had failed to impart conviction to his brethren, for, after a debate of two days' continuance, Mr. Cooke's motion was carried by an overwhelming majority. One hundi'ed and seven- teen ministers and eighteen elders voted in its support, two mi- nisters opposed it, and eight ministers declined voting.-^ The synod was now in a position in which it could not remain stationary, and many anticipated that its next annual meeting- would decide the fate of Arianism, as connected w'ith the leading section of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. In the interim, neither party was deficient in zeal or activity. The fame of the speech of Mr. Montgomery at Strabane had gone' abroad over the province, and it was immediately printed in a variety of forms, and circulated ^vith uncommon industry. But that same Mr. Paul, who had already analysed the sermons of Dr. Bruce with such ability, again came forward, through the medium of the press, with an examination of the logic of the minister of Dunmurry. In a " Eeview," which he published in the early part of 1828, he so completely demolished every particle of argument to be found in the speech, that sober men began to w^onder why they had been so strangely fasemated by so feeble a perform- ance. As a defence of creeds and confessions, in reply to Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Paul's production is quite unanswerable. Prior to the meeting of the General Synod in 1828, the difte- rent parties were busily occupied in sounding the note of prepa- ration. Various publications appeared in the newspapers, calling upon the friends of orthodoxy to gird themselves for the coming -^ It was .agreed that the question should be put in the form of "believe the doctrine," or "not," and tiiat each member should stand up when voting. Every one who voted " believe the doctrine," thus publicly acknow- ledged the article of the Trinity, .as set forth in the Shorter Catechism. At the synod of Cookstown, in 1828, such ministers and elders as were present, and had not attended the annual meeting of the preceding year, were called upon to state their views on the same subject. Thirty-eight ministers and fifty-nine elders voted "believe," four ministers and fourteen elders voted "not," one minister withdrew, three ministers and two elders did not answer to their names, and two elders protested against any such question being put to them. 480 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTEIUAN cha!>, xxxr. struggle; and, on the 18th of June, the admirers of Mr. Montgo- mery of Dunmurry presented that gentleman with a laudatory address, accompanied with the more substantial donation of a service of plate, weighing one thousand ounces. The synod as- sembled at Cookstown, on Tuesday the 24th of June, under cir- cumstances of intense interest, and an attendance of ministers and elders, more numerous than had ever been known before, in- dicated the deep anxiety with which the proceedings were anti- cipated. After several days spent in debates of minor conse- quence, and in the transaction of routine business, Mr. Cooke, on Friday, moved a series of ovcrtures,^^ pledging the synod to esta- 2' As the passing of these overtures formed the crisis in the Arian contro- versy, they deserve to be fully recorded. They are as follow : — "I. That many of the evils which now unhappily exist in the General Synod of Ulster have arisen from the admission of persons holding Arian sen- timents, contrary to the accredited standards of this body, as founded on the Word of God ; from the occasional admission of others, who, though nomi- nally holding, in sound words and profession, the form of godliness, were yet deniers of the power thereof ; and consequently destitute of that zeal which is necessary to the dissemination of the Gospel. " II. That while we are individually bound to use all Scriptural means to guard against the continuance of these evils, it is also our duty, as a Church, to adopt such regulations as may, with the Divine blessing, prove effectual to prevent the introduction of ministers unenlightened by the Spirit of God, and to advance spiritual religion in our Church courts and congregations. "III. That before any person be recognised as a candidate for the mi- nistry, he shall, previously to entering a theological class, be enjoined to present himself at our annual meeting, to be examined by a committee of this synod, respecting his personal religion, his knowledge of the Scriptures, especially his views of the doctrines of the Trinity, original sin, justification by faith, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit ; and, likewise, as to his mo- tives for offering himself a candidate for the sacred office of the ministry; and that, should any such examinant be found opposed to those doctrines, or ap- pear to be destitute of vital godliness, he shall in no case be recognised as a candidate for the ministry in this synod. "IV. That students, after having finished their theological course, and their trials in the presbytery, shall again present themselves for a similar examination before the same committee ; and it shall be the duty of that com- mittee to ascertain their soundness in the faith, by requiring from them a statement of their views of the doctrines contained in the Westminster Cou- fos^ion of Faith. A.I). 1828. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 481 blisli a committee for the examination of eaiulidates for license and ordination, with a view to exclude from tlic sacred office all who either denied the doctrines of the Trinity, original sin, jus- tification by fiiith, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, or who appeared to be destitute of vital godliness. This motion, which was seconded by the Rev. Samuel Dill of Donoughmore,25 was followed by a debate, Avhich did not terminate until the afternoon of Sa- turday, when, on putting the question to the vote, the overtures were carried by a majority of eighty -two — ninety-nine ministers and forty elders voting " pass," and forty ministers and seventeen elders voting " not pass." At this meeting of synod, Mr. Cooke, now regarded as the leader of the Old -Light party, exhibited great tact, decision, and intrepidity. He had to contend against the waywardness of some who were the staiuich supporters of his own theological sentiments, but who imagined that measures of less stringency would have been sufficient for the reformation of the Church. An immense majority of the Presbyterian laity of Ulster were, however, decidedly in favour of his policy, and public opinion told power- " V. That if any person thus licensed be afterwaids found not to preach the doctrines of the Trinity, original sin, justification by faith, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, or to avow any principles in opposition to these doctrines, he shall not be continued in fellowship with tliis body. " VI. Persons who are already preachers in this body, but have not been licensed according to these regulations, shall, pi'eviously to ordination, bo required to undergo a similar examination. "VII. Should any person be licensed or ordained, in opposition to these regulations, such license or ordination sliall not be deemed valid by this body. " VIII. The committee for these examinations shall annually be appointed in open .synod." Tho design of this last overture was to cxcUule all Arians from tlie com- mittee of examination. -^ Mr. Dill was ordained to the charge of Donoughnioro, near Raphoe, in July 1799, and died in December 1845. Few members of the synod of Ulster throughout life so well sustained the credit of the ministerial cha- racter. He was a lover of learning, a cheerful companion, and a man of en- lightened and ardent piety. He, and others of his name, had protested, long before, against the toleration of Arians in the synod of Ulster. Sec chapter XXX., note 84. 482 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. fully on the synodical discussions. At this important crisis, an early friend, of extraordinary endowments, rendered him most efficient aid, both in consultation and in debate. The Rev. Eo- bert Stewart of Broughshane^'' made no pretensions to the po- lished beauties of a captivating eloquence, but he was noted for his rare sagacity, his readiness and fluency as a speaker, his sparkling wit, and his imperturbable equanimity. For many years he had taken a leading part in the management of synodi- cal affiiirs; and, in the July of the year preceding, he had ac- quired great reputation by a public discussion with a Roman Catholic priest, in which he had completely prostrated an able antagonist.2'^ On the present occasion, he encountered a more formidable champion with signal success. Mr. Montgomery, in a vigorous and ingenious speech, of upwards of two hours in leng Ji, had opposed the adoption of the overtures moved by Mr. Cooke ; and Mr. Stewart, in an impromptu reply, which occu- pied nearly as much time, and which was heard throughout with profound attention, exposed, with most damaging effect, the as- sumptions and the special pleading of the Arian leader. And it was not merely at this juncture that Mr. Cooke felt the value of the services of the minister of Broughshane. On ecclesiastical questions, they generally held the same views, and Mr. Stewart ahiiost uniformly sustained him in the intellectual conflict. There were times when the orthodox leader, irritated, it may be, by the pertinacity or the petulance of assailants, would express himself with rather uncomfortable pungency; and, when an unpleasant altercation was likely to ensue, as yielding to the impetuosity of his spirit, he scorched with his sarcasm or maddened with his -^ Dr. Stewart was ordained minister of Broughshane on the 9th of May 1809. In 1816, he was chosen moderator of the General Synod, and in 1843 of the General Assembly. He died in September 1852, in the seventieth year of his age, and forty-fourth of his ministry. 27 This discussion took place in the court-house of Ballymena in July 1827, and was continued for three successive days. So great was the interest it created, that many distinguished individuals from distant parts of the country were present on the occasion. The principal topic of discussion was the d""- trine of the Papal supremacy. A.D. 1828. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 483 ii'ony. Mr. Stewart, at once perceiving the rising storm, ayouUI promptly interpose, and contrive, by some happy stroke of hu- mour, or some well-timed explanation, to restore good feeling to the assembly. The passing of the overtures effectually closed the door against the admission of Arians into the ministry of the synod of Ulster. The members of the committee appointed for examination were all decided Trinitarians, and a heterodox candidate had not the slightest prospect of obtaining their approbation. The New- Light party now saw that, if they could not speedily induce the orthodox majority to yield, they could not themselves remain in their present condition. Another resolution might exclude them from the synod, or, if permitted to continue in the body, they must be prepared to submit to their own gradual extinction. They accordingly began to consider the propriety of separation. At a meeting convened by public advertisement, and held in Belfast on the IGth of October 1828, they adopted a Remonstrance, in which their alleged grievances were set forth, and in which they declared that, if they could not obtain a repeal of the obnoxious overtures, they must form themselves into a distinct association. At the same time, they agreed to publish and circulate this ma- nifesto, and they invited all ministers, licentiates, students, elders, and private individuals, opposed to the late proceedings of the synod, to affix to it their signatures. All parties now awaited with anxiety the next annual meeting of the General Synod. A few days before it assembled, an event occurred which added considerably to the public excitement. In March 1829, Dr. John Young, professor of moral philosophy in the Belfast Institution, died, and there was a general desire throughout the synod of Ulster that the Rev. James Carlile of Mary's Abbey, Dublin, who had been induced to become a candi- date for the chair, should be appointed his successor. Mr. Carlile was already known as one of the most learned Protestant ministers in Ireland ; as his mind Avas remarkable for its metaphysical acuteness, he was believed to be peculiarly qualified for the vacant office ; and the moderator of the synod, who was one of the elec- tors, was instructed to support him in preference to any other VOL. III. 2 I 484 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. candidate. But on the day of appointment, to the surprise of a large portion of the community, Mr. John Ferrie, a licentiate of the Church of Scotland, and a gentleman as yet almost imknown to the literary public, had a majority of suftrages. It was under- stood that the Rev. Henry Montgomery had contributed to Mr. Carlile's defeat ; and, as the minister of Mary's Abbey had re- cently published an able work in defence of the Deity of Christ,^^ rumour, with its hundred tongues, was ready to assign a cause for the hostility of the Unitarian leader. Matters were in this state when the synod met in Lurgan, on Tuesday, the 30th of June 1829. The subject of the late election in the Belfast Institution was soon brought under discussion, and Mr. Cooke expressed, in very emphatic terms, his disapproval of Mr. Ferrie's appointment. It was remarked, that though the suc- cessful candidate had been chaplain to the University of Glas- gow, he had no testimonial from Dr. Magill, its pious and en- lightened professor of theology, and it was alleged that certain students had complained of his ministrations in the college chapel as anti-evangelical. The debate had continued for some time when Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Cooke came into direct collision, and, on the fourth day of its meeting, the synod of Ulster wit- nessed a display of eloquence which would have been pronounced magnificent, had it occurred even in the most illustrious assembly of the empire. Mr. Montgomery had evidently summoned all his strength for the occasion ; and, as if anticipating his speedy secession, seemed resolved to make his last appearance in the synod memorable, by the infliction of a fatal wound on the repu- tation of his great ecclesiastical antagonist. Standing imme- diately below the pulpit, and in full view of a crowded auditory, his tall and portly figure, his well-toned voice, and his graceful elocution, imparted additional effect to an address of uncommon 28 The title of this work is, " Jesus Christ the Great God and our Sa- viour." Dublin, 1828. Duod., pp. 4.'Jl. At a much earlier period, Mr. Carlile had published, in one volume octavo, a series of valuable sermons on "Faith and Repentance." He has since published, in two volumes duo- decimo, " Letters on the Divine Origin and Authority of the Holy Scrip- tures." Edinburgh, 1837- Dr. Carlile is the author of several other works. A.n. 1829. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 485 ability. Appealing to a Report of Irish Education Inquiry which lay before him, and wluch he seemed to have diligently studied, he attempted to prove that certain statements, relative to the ortho- doxy of the Scottish clergy, recently made by Mr. Cooke in the case of Mr. Ferrie, flatly contradicted his sworn testimony before the parliamentary commissioners. Not a few of the friends of the minister of Killiloagh exchanged looks of trepidation and be- wilderment as the Arian orator proceeded with his accusations, and as, now and again, wa\dng the report in the face qf the as- sembly, he apparently clenclied the evidence in support, of the various counts of his indictment. When he approached the ter- mination of his speech, he alluded to the possibility of a division of the synod, and then, contrasting the strifes of earth with the serenity of heaven, the tones of his voice became unusually mel- low and pathetic, as he closed with a sublime and touching pero- ration. For nearly three hours the house had now Kstened with mute attention, and when he sat down, it was agreed that the court should adjourn, and meet again, in a short time, to hear what the accused could say in explanation. VVlien it reassem- bled, after the interval of half an hour, Mr. Cooke entered forth- with on his defence; and though his reply Avas obviously alto- gether unpremeditated, never did the representative of a great cause acquit himself, on a grqat occasion, more to the satisfaction of his party. It was plain from the outset that he felt strong in his integrity, and that he was fully prepared to answer his ac- cuser, and tears of gladness rolled down many cheeks as, in plead- ing to the charge of perjury, he proceeded, to use his own im- passioned phraseology, to " dash to atoms the atrocious calumny with the taUsman of truth." His physical energies seemed as if increased for the emergency ; for two hours, his distinct and deep- toned voice filled every part of the great assembly ; and the at- tack of his assailant was repelled in an effort of sustained and surpassing brilliancy. As, point after point, he demolished the accusations of his adversary, his auditors could not restrain the expressions of their sympathy, and the house rang again with peals of acclamation. When he reached the close, the l)uzz of the excitement did not subside for several minutes, and all agreed 486 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. that, however high their expectations, they had not anticipated a vindication at once so prompt and so powerful.^^ Mr. Montgo- mery was constrained to bow to the decision of tlae auditory, and, during the remainder of the sittings of the court, did not again appear inclined to measure his strength with the Goliah of ortho- doxy. When the synod assembled at Lurgan, it was expected that the overtures adopted the preceding year would have formed the grand topic of debate ; but when the discussion relative to the election of a professor in Belfast reached a termination, so many days had now elapsed, and such a quantity of other business was yet to come before the meeting, that it was found expedient to postpone their consideration. It was accordingly resolved that a special synod should be held in Cookstown, on the third Tues- day of the following August, to take up the subject. But the New-Light party now saw that it was useless to continue the struggle. All their attemj^ts to maintain their position in the synod had been defeated by sweeping majorities, and public feeling had displayed itself unequivocally in favour of the friends of orthodoxy. The Unitarians, therefore, met in Bel- fast on the 30th of July, and agreed to absent themselves from the synod of Cookstown. They resolved to leave the set- tlement of the question of the overtures entirely to their ortho- dox brethren, and, should the result prove unsatisfactory, to pro- pose an amicable separation. Wlien the synod met on the 18th of August, it presented an aspect very different from w hat it had ever before exhibited in the memory of any of its ministers. The Unitarians had disappeared, with the exception of the Eev. Wil- liam Porter, and an address, of which he was the bearer, and which he was permitted to read, announced the cause of their non-attendance. At the same time, various memorials from con- gregations were laid before the court, expressing approbation of the overtures, or urging the exclusion of the Arians from eccle- siastical communion. The Remonstrance, signed by eighteen -'■> The reports published in the newspapers give a very inadequate idea of the speech as actually delivered. A. 1). 1829. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 487 ministers, fifteen students or licentiates, one hundred and ninety- seven elders, one hundred and thirty-eight members of the com- mittees of congregations, and three hundred and fourteen seat- holders, was also presented.^^ The discussion of the overtures occupied several sessions of the synod. A few members, of whom the Eev. Robert Gray of Dun- given was the leader, argued that a theological committee, en- trusted with the examination of all candidates for the ministry, and invested with the power of approval and rejection, interfered directly with the rights of presbytei-ies, but their reasoning failed to make any impression. On a division, a motion for the i"eap- pointment of the committee passed without difficulty. Seventy- four ministers, and all the elders, voted " appoint," only three ministers voted " not," and three declined voting. In the address presented by Mr, Porter to the synod, the Uni- tarians had requested that, in the event of the confirmation of the overtures, a committee should be nominated, furnished with full power to enter into an arrangement with them " for a friendly and Christian separation," The s^Tiod acceded to this proposal, and it was agreed that the conference should take place in Belfast on the 9th of the following September. Without en- tering into a detail of the negotiations now commenced, it may be sufficient to state that, in the end, seventeen ministers^i with- "" The small number of signatures to a document of so much importance clearly proved that the Unitarians enjoyed a very small share of public sym- pathy. In some single congregations of the General Assembly there arc more than three hundred and fourteen seatholders. '• The following arc the names of the seventeen separatists : — John Mit- chel, Newry ; James Davis, Banbridge ; James Lunn, Carlingford ; Arthur Neilson, Kilmore ; Samuel Arnold, Narrow-water ; Samuel Craig Neilson, Dromore ; John Watson, Greyabbcy ; John Mulligan, Moira ; Henry Mont- gomery, Dunmurry ; Fletclier lilakcly, Moneyrea ; David White, Bailee ; William Porter, Newtownlimavady ; Thomas Alexander, Cairncastle ; Ro- bert Campbell, Templcpatrick ; Nathaniel Alexander, Crumlin ; Alexander Montgomery, Glenarm ; and William Glcndy, Ballycarry. In almost all the places here mentioned, congregations under the care of the synod of Ulster were soon erected, which were much larger than those still adhering to the Kemonstrant ministers. 488 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. drew from the jurisdiction of the synod ; and, in accordance with the title of the document in which they had enumerated their objections to the overtures, assumed to themselves the designa- tion of Remonstrants. The separatists were, in several cases, deserted by the major part of their congregations. They were, however, permitted by government to continue in the enjoyment of the Regium Donum, they retained their interest in the Widows' Fund, and more recently the Dissenters' Chapels Act has secured them in the possession of their houses of worship. Their stipends may have suffered by the diminution of their congregations, but otherwise their pecuniary interests were not particularly aflected by their withdrawal from the General Synod. On Tuesday, the 25th of May 1830, they assembled in Belfast, and formed them- selves into a distinct body, under the name of " The Remon- strant Synod of Ulster." On this occasion " the Rev. Henry Montgomery read a letter which he had received from the Bol- ton Unitarian Association, expressive of the deepest and most encouraging sympathy" towards the new society .'^^ The confirmation of the overtures, by the reappointment of the theological committee at the meeting in Cookstown, terminated the career of Arianism in the synod of Ulster. Its history, as connected with the North of Ireland, is replete with instruction. It illustrates, in a striking manner, the value of ecclesiastical symbols. If Scriptural creeds do not in every case secure an evangelical ministry, they at least check the boldness of unsound teachers. Though the practice of subscription to the Westmin- ster Confession had fallen into disuse in so many of the presby- teries of the General Synod, the law requiring it had never been 52 Minutes of the first meeting of the Remonstrant Synod, p. 8. The Remonstrant Synod has at present (1853) under its care twenty-seven or twenty-eight congregations. Most of these are very small, the Sabbath at- tendance, in a considerable number of cases, not exceeding, on an average, more than two or three dozen individuals. Reckoning the Antrim Presby- tery, the Remonstrant Synod, and the little association calling itself " the Synod of Munster, " there are now in all Ireland about forty-two Unitarian congregations, and forty-nine or fifty Unitarian ministers. The whole popu- lation connected with the Irish Unitarians may probably amount to from 35,000 to 20,000 souls. A.D. 1829-30. CliUllCH IN IRELAND. 489 repealed, and the recollection of this fact operated as a restraint upon heterodox ministers. They could not decently or safely make a public attack on Calvinism so long as it was taught in their own accredited formularies, neither could they consistently condemn the zeal of those who were its faithful and earnest ex- positors. They might not dispense much of the nourishment of " the sincere milk of the Word," but they did not venture openly to introduce into their sermons a very strong infusion of deadly error. Their preaching was commonly a cold negation, and when heresy was uttered, it was often couched in language so obscure and so equivocal, that to all, save the initiated, it was quite in- comprehensible. The Shorter Catechism of the Westminster divines was all the while in use among the people, they were ac- customed to compare it with the Scriptures, and their children from infancy were made familiar with its pure and solid theology. Thus it was that when, during the progress of the late contro- versy, several of the ministers were obliged to avow their Unita- rianisra, not a few, who had long been connected with their con- gregations, were taken by surprise, and hastened away from the care of such overseers. The annals of the synod of Ulster, for the hundred years prior to the Remonstrant separation, singularly display the spirit and tendency of Unitarianism. It entered " privily" into the Irish Presbyterian Church, like the pestilence that " walketh in dark- ness," and its virulence soon appeared in the traces of its desola- tion. Wherever it spread its infection, piety witliered and died ; and the deserted meeting-house proclaimed that " the glory" had departed. Under the pretence of contending against the impo- sition of creeds, it contrived to conceal its own creed from the people. According to the statement of one of its advocates, the year 1824 witnessed " the first printed avowal and defence" of its principles among the Presbyterians of the North of Ireland. And experience has demonstrated that it is entirely unsuited to. the actual state of man. Other forms of error may captivate the senses and administer a measure of false comfort, but Unitarian-, ism can neither satisfy the reason, nor light up the inaagination, nor pacify the conscience. As, with the eye of scepticism, it sur-. 490 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. veys the glorious truths of revelation, it scarcely ever changes its frigid countenance ; and, as its fails to catch the spirit of the holy oracles, no wonder that it cannot impart either the "faith, no- thing wavering," or the hope that "maketh not ashamed." It is, in fact, little l^etter than a species of sublimated deism, and it must be peculiarly oftensi veto Him on whose head are "many crowns," as it at once degrades His character, and makes light of His salvation. The history of Arianism, as connected with the synod of Ulster, clearly points out the advantages of a Scriptural form of ecclesi- astical polity. The synod always recognised the right of the people to elect their ministers, and the enlightened exercise of tliis privilege tended greatly to impede the progress of anti- evangelical principles. For at least a quarter of a century before the commencement of the Arian controversy, congregations had been scanning with increasing vigilance the doctrines propounded from the pulpit ; and, on the occurrence of a vacancy, the very suspicion of " New-Light" was almost sure to destroy the prospects of a candidate. In 1827, when the synod began fairly to grapple with the question, the people themselves had already performed so effectually the process of purgation, that only a comparatively small fraction of the body was tainted with Unitarianism. The passing of the overtures, in 1828, laid a final arrest upon its pro- gress ; and a considerable number of the oi'thodox members of the synod were desirous that the Unitarians then among them should be suffered to die out, as well to avoid the ii-ritation of a schism, as to secure for their flocks, on their demise, the benefits of an evangelical ministry. Had they chosen to remain, they might not, possibly, have been visited with excision ; but they deemed it better voluntarily to withdraw than to submit to the inglorious alternative of consenting to the gradual annihilation of their party. The narrative of their overthrow and separation supplies a striking proof of the conservative energy of Presbyte- rian government. A doctrinal reformation, so rapid and so com- plete, has never yet been effected in any Church, either Indepen- dent or Prelatic. The struggle which terminated in 1829 had a much more sa- tisfactory conclusion than the controversy of the same description AD. 1829-30. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 491 which convulsed the Irish Presbyterian community towards the commencement of the preceding century. In popular eloquence and personal accomplishments, Abernethy, and some of those who acted with him, were superior to their orthodox opponents, and they thus contrived to secure an amount of support which they could not otherwise have expected. The minds of a large sec- tion of the members of the synod were fairly bewildered by their sophistry, so that even the vote which decided the exclusion of the Antrim presbytery betrayed the vacillation of a perplexed judi- catory. After their separation, they had still many who sympa- thised with them among those w ith whom they had been previ- ously associated ; and though they ceased to meet with them in ecclesiastical courts, they did not break up the intercourse of mi- nisterial communion. It w-as otherwise in the late conflict. There were ministers among the orthodox majority who w'ere greatly superior to any of the Unitarians in general learning and in logical acutencss. ISIr. Montgomery was most formidable in debate, and some of his speeches are models of classic and manly eloquence ; but his theology was miserably superficial, and he had to contend with an orator of equal power, who knew how to ap- peal more effectively to the sympathies of a Christian people. Thus it was that, during the progress of the controversy, all the resolutions proposed by the advocates of orthodoxy were carried by decisive majorities. The Unitarians were boldly met and completely vanquished on the field of ai'gument. So crushing was their discomfiture, that even in the capital of Ulster, which before had been their stronghold, their cause received a shock from which it is never likely to recover. The few small societies under the care of what is called " the Remonstrant Synod of Ulster," proclaim the shrivelled and sickly condition of Irish Unitarianism, as the Sabbath attendance of all united woiUd not amount to that of two or three of the more flouri.shing orthodox congregations. The pojudarity enjoyed at this period by the pastor of Killi- leagh was such as perhaps has never been attained by any other minister of any denomination in this country. He was univer- sally regarded as the chief agent in effecting the Unitarian seces- sion ; his celebrity, as an orator, was not limited to the land of 492 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. liis birth ; and, wherever he appeared, either in the pulpit or on the platform, he was sure to attract an overflowing audience. Towards the end of the year 1829, he was installed as minister of a congregation recently established in Belfast, and when he preached at the opening of the church of May Street, so many Avere anxious to be present, that multitudes could not obtain ad- mission into that beautiful and spacious edifice. A grateful Presbyterian people honoured him for the courage and con- stancy with which he had witnessed against Arianism, and, at the termination of the struggle, were prepared joyfully to exclaim, " Thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel." ^3 The synod of Ulster immediately experienced the happy eflPects of the withdrawal of the Unitarians. Its annual meeting at Omagh, in 1830, was remarkable, as well for its devotional cha- racter as for the harmony which pervaded its deliberations. The amount of business brought before it was considerable, but it was all disposed of satisfactorily within five days, though on each of these days, except the last, it had employed a session in religious exercises, and had listened to a lengthened discourse. The inha- bitants of the town and neighbourhood of Omagh took a deep interest in these devotional services, and the entire proceedings produced upon the public mind a most healthful impression. By the withdi-awal of the Rev. William Porter from the synod, the clerkship became vacant, and, at Omagh, the Rev. James Seaton Reid of Carrickfei'gus was unanimously appointed to the office. Though still a junior minister, Mr. Reid had already filled the moderator's chair, and, at the exciting synod of Stra- bane, had presided with great firmness, ability, and dignity. He was admirably fitted for the post which he was now selected to occupy, as he was a model of punctuality and order ; whilst his clear judgment, his exact knowledge of the forms of ecclesiastical procedure, and his minute acquaintance with the history of the Church, often enabled him to guide the court in cases of impor- ts About this time, he received the degree of D.D. from Jefferson College, United States. The University of Dublin subsequently presented him with the degree of LL.D. ; and his antagonist, Mr. Montgomery, received from the University of Glasgow the same academic distinction. ;..!). 1830-40. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 493 taiice and of cUtiiculty. From this period, he was entrusted with the management of a large siiare of the public business of the synod ; and when it was found necessary to appoint a deputa- tion to wait either on private individuals of distinction, or cor- porate bodies, or ministers of state, he was almost uniformly chosen as one of its representatives. So long as he remained connected with the Presbyterian Church of Ireland, he possessed much influence in its councils, and on many occasions, by his advice, as well as by his personal exertions, he contributed greatly to the advancement of its interests. The wretched condition of the places of Presbyterian worship throughout Ulster, about the commencement of the present cen- tury, afforded melancholy evidence of the general apathy of both ministers and people. As religion revived, there was a growing improvement in the appearance of the ecclesiastical edifices. In some cases, the old buildings were superseded by others at once more tasteful and more comfortable. But from the year 1827, when the General Synod entered in right earnest on a course of aggressive policy against Arianism, the contributions towards the erection and repair of churches far exceeded what had ever been raised at any preceding period. It aj^peared, from returns furnished to the clerk in 1837, that, during the previous ten years, one hundred and seventy congregations had expended £107,000 in erecting and repairing their places of worship.^* The progress made in the woi'k of church extension was equally striking. Within twelve months after the adoption of the overtures in 1828, no less than eleven new congregations sprung up in the synod, and, in the ten years immediately fol- lowing the Arian separation, the growth of the body was greater than it had been during the century preceding. From 1729 to 1829, the synod added only about seventy-three to the number of its congregations; from 1830 to 1840, no less tlian eighty- three congregations were erected. Such, too, was the advauc- '* Minutes of Synod for 1837. P- 49. At this time tlie con!rrcn;ations of tlic'synod amounted to 2G4, so tliat this statement gives an inadequate idea ot" the whole amount expended, as no returns had been made by ninety-tour conjriegaiions. 494 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHAP. XXXI. ing regard for religious ordinances, on the part of the mass of the population, that whilst these new establishments were making their appearance, the Sabbath attendance in the previously ex- isting churches often continued to increase. The progressive improvement in the system of education for students of divinity is one of the most remarkable features in the history of the changes which followed the Arian secession. In 1830, the synod of Ulster had only one professor, and he was ex- pected, in two sessions of six months each, to discuss the various departments of theology. In 1835, Mr. Samuel Davidson ^^ was chosen to conduct the newly instituted class of Biblical criticism. In 1837, the Rev. Dr. J. S. Eeid^^ was ajjpointed to lecture on ecclesiastical history and pafctoral theology. Thus, in a period of seven years, the number of professors was trebled, and several new and important subjects introduced into the scheme of in- struction. In 1840, the synod contemplated a still farther im- provement of the course, by the addition of another session to the theological curriculum. Immediately after the Unitarian secession, the synod of Ulster engaged Avith renovated zeal in the sujjport of missions. In 1826, what was called "The Synod of Ulster Home ISIission So- ciety" was instituted ; but, after languishing for some time, it became, in 1829, virtually extinct. At the annual meeting of the body in 1830, the " Presbyterian Missionary Society" was 3^ Now Dr. Davidson of Lancashire Independent College. 3^ Dr. Reid, the aiithor of the greater portion of the preceding histoiy, was a native of Lurgan, and was the twenty- first child of his parents. On the 20th of July 1819, he was ordained minister of Donegore, from which he removed to Carrickforgus in 1823. In 182*7, he was unanimously chosen moderator of the synod of Ulster, and in 1830, as stated in the text, was ap- pointed its clerk. In 1838, when chosen professor of ecclesiastical history, he resigned the charge of the congregation of Carrickfergus, and removed to Belfast. In April 18il, he was nominated by the crown professor of eccle- siastical and civil history in the University of Glasgow. On Wednesday, the 26th of March 1851, ho died at Belmont, the seat of Lord Mackenzie, near PZdinburgli, after an illness of about two months' duration, in the fifty-third year of his age. In consideration of his valuable contributions to literature, the crown, since his death, has settled a pension of ^100 per annum on his family. A.D. 1830-40. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 495 tbniiod. Its great object was " the revival and extension of vital religion, especially among Presbyterians in Ireland," by dissemi- nating the pure principles of the Gospel through the medium of ftiithful and active agents.^'^ In 1831, its receipts were only £78, but, in 1836, they amounted to upwards of £1200 per annum. In September 1833, the synod assembled in the capi- tal of Ireland, for the special jnirpose of considering the best means of carrying forward and extending its missionary opera- tions; and at tliis meeting the presbytery of Dublin was in- structed to prepare a plan for the formation of a foreign mission- ary society. From that period, the subject of the extension of the Gospel at home and abroad occupied a prominent place in the deliberations of the supreme jud"?atory. No member of the General Synod had a greater share in fos- tering this missionary spirit than the Tlox. James Morgan, mi- nister of the church of Fisherwick Place, Belfast. About four years after his ordination in Carlow, Mr. IMorgan removed to Lis- burn, where he was installed on the 23d of June 1824. Long prior to this period, the orthodox Presbyterians of Belfast had felt greatly the want of church accoimnodation, as the meeting-house of Kosemary Street was the only place of worship connected with the synod of Ulster in the town which enjoyed an evangeli- cal ministiy.^^ At a special meeting held in Moneymore, in December 1823, the synod agreed to sanction the erection of a new meeting-house, but several years elapsed before the edifice was ready for the accommodation of the worshippers. When it was at length opened, it did not disappoint the expectations of the public, as, in point of capacity and comfort, it stood, perhaps, unrivalled among the ecclesiastical buildings of Ulster. The newly-erected congregation invited Mr. Morgan to become their pastor, and, on the 4th of November 1828, he was installed as " Minutes of Synod for 1830, p. 35. M In 1823, there were, in tlie town of Belfast and its immediate vicinity, only three Old-Light meeting-houses connected with the synod of Ulster and the secession. There arc now (1853) eighteen connected with the united Church. Dr. Morgan lias greatly contrihutcd to this work of Church ex- tension. 496 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. the minister of Fisherwick Place. His settlement in Belfast forms a new era in its religious history. A considerable number of families, formerly connected with the presbytery of Antrim, were soon attracted to his ministry ; clergymen, as well as mem- bers of the Episcopal establishment, Avere often to be seen among his auditors ; and his capacious church was speedily filled with an attentive congregation. A spirit of seriousness was diffused throughout society to an extent unknown before, and in not a few instances a love for the frivolities of fashionable life was su- perseded by a zeal for the advancement of schemes of Christian benevolence. The meeting-house of Fisherwick Place was the resort of strangers visiting the capital of Ulster ; the good order of the congregation, and the sound and savoury teaching of the pastor, were reported all over the province; and the munificence of their contributions to the missionary cause awakened and sti- mulated a spirit of Christian liberality. At present, the sums raised annually in this single church, towards the support of the Gospel, are more than treble the amount originally given by Charles II. towards the maintenance of all the Presbyterian mi- nisters in Ireland.39 In October 1831, the Right Honourable E. G. Stanley, the secretary for Ireland, announced, in a letter to the Duke of Lein- ster, the determination of the government to constitute a board, of which his grace was to be president, for the superintendence of a system of national education. In this communication, it was intimated that the commissioners to be chosen were not to sanc- tion the reading of the Scriptures in their schools by all classes of their pupils, that they were " to encourage" the clergy of all denominations to give instruction in the school-rooms to the children of their respective persuasions, and that the masters were •'9 The church and the buildings connected with it were erected at an ex- pense of about £10,000. From a return made to the presbytery of Belfast, at a visitation of this congregation, held in May 1852, it appeared that the seat-rents alone, for the year preceding, amounted to upwards of £600. Its regular missionary contributions for the same period amounted to £654, 16s. 2|d., and, during the same year, its donations to other religious objects ex- ceeded £1000. A.D. 1830-40. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 4J>7 to keep a registry of " the attendance or non-attendance of each child on Divine worship on Sundays." This letter no sooner ap- peared than the scheme which it promulgated was denounced by a large portion of the Protestant public in terms of unmeasured indignation. The synod of Ulster, at a meeting specially con- vened in January 1832, agreed to protest against its establish- ment. At this time the lord-lieutenant had appointed the Rev. James Carlile of Dublin one of the commissioners,^'' and had not the synod possessed the utmost confidence in the piety, sagacity, and single-mindedness of the minister of Mary's Abbey, his ac- ceptance of the office would probably have subjected him to a pro- cess of ecclesiastical discipline. Soon afterwards, however, some of the arrangements described in Mr. Stanley's letter were for- mally relinquished, and others were so modified as to be rendered less objectionable. Almost from the very first, an impression pre- vailed throughout the synod that, in some respects, the new plan possessed advantages such as no other previous system had pre- sented, and that the Church should use the utmost efforts to ob- tain such a relaxation of certain regulations as would enable it consistently to avail itself of the aid of the government commis- sioners. When the synod held its annual meeting in Cookstown in 1833, many hoped that all difficulties, in the way of a satisfac- tory settlement, were on the eve of a removal. The synod then unanimously agreed to submit certain propositions *i to govern- *'> The excellence of the school-books sanctioned by the National Board is admitted by all who are competent to bear an impartial testimony, and it sliould be known that Dr. Carlile had a principal share in their compilation. *' The following were tiio four propositions : — " I. That the ministers and people of this Church, without the necessary concurrence of the ministers or members of any other Church, shall enjoy the right of applying to the Board of Education for aid to schools, by a state- ment of the constitution and regulations of the schools, accompanied with an engagement to adhere to them ; but, in this proposition, wo recognise the right of the board to consider the regulations and decide accordingly. "II. That it shall be the right of all parents to require of patrons and managers of schools to sot apart, for reading the Holy Scriptures, a conve- nient and sufficient portion of the stated scliool-hours, and to direct the master, or some other whom the parents may appoint and provide, to super- intend the reading. 498 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. inent as the basis of an agreement, and it was confidently expected that these terms would have speedily received an official ratifica- tion. In 1834, at the annual meeting in Londonderry, when a committee appointed to confer with his majesty's ministers gave in their report, it appeared that their negotiations had closed un- satisfactorily ; but as many members thought that government had really conceded all that was essential, this diversity of senti- ment led to an animated discussion. A motion, that the ministers and people of the Church might now apply '' for aid out of the funds for national education, strictly adhering to the propositions which were agreed upon at the last meeting of synod," was met by an amendment, stating that "the original system remained un- changed," and pledging the synod to renew "its exhortation to the ministers and elders of the body to refrain from connecting them- selves with the "^ioard." This amendment, though supported by the influence and eloquence of Dr. Cooke, was carried by a very narrow majority. '^^ The question of national education now con- tinued for some years to keep up in the public mind a most un- happy irritation, but at length, in January 1840, the synod ob- tained such modifications of the system as enabled it to accept assistance from the funds provided by the legislature. ^^ " III. That all children, whose parents and guardians so direct, shall daily read the Holy Scriptures during the period appointed ; but that no compulsion whatever be employed to induce othei-s either to read, or remain during the reading. "IV. That every use of school-rooms be vested in the local patrons or committees, subject, in case of abuse, to the cognisance of the board. ^- The majority of the ministers voted against it. The numbers were eighty-one to seventy-four ; fifty-six ministers and twenty-five elders voting for, and sixty-two ministers and twelve elders voting against it. ■'^ Shortly after the commencement of this controversy, a census of the various religious denominations was taken by order of government. Accord- ing to the First Report of the Commissioners of Public Instruction, the po- pulation of Ireland in 1834 stood thus : — Members of the Established Church, . . . 852,064 Roman Catholics, 6,427,712 Presbyterians, 642,356 Other Protestant Dissenters, .... 21,808 It is well known, that whilst this census exaggerates the numbers of the A.D. 1830-40. CIIUIICII IN IRP:LAND. 499 In the meantime, varions events were preparing for arrange- ments calculated to consolidate the strength of Irish Presbyte- Established Church, it underrates the Presbyterians ; and it is probable that, in 1834, the Episcopalians were less, by at least 150,000, than the amount returned. That so large a deduction should be made may appear from the following considerations: — I. The commissioners state that, "in a large number of parishes," they have returned the Protestants of the Established Church "on the authority of censuses made for the occasion by their own clergymen." ("Report," p. C.) They add, indeed, that these returns were " carefully investigated at the local inquiry hold by the visiting commis- sioners ;" but parties deeply interested often received no notice of the investi- gation, and the census being made by " parishes according to the present eccle- siastical division of the Established Church," it was frequently impossible for the ministers of other denominations, even when present, to challenge inac- curacies, as the boundaries of their congregations very rarely coincided with the boundaries of these parishes. The clergy of the efuablishment enumo- r.ated as Episcopalians all not strictly in communion with other denomina- tions, and thus augmented their numbers by enrolling thousands who really made no religious profession whatever. They also took credit for many who, though really belonging to other sects, occasionally attended their ministra- tions. The census of 1831 being a return made, to a great extent, by them- selves, and so drawn up that the ministers of other Churches were not in a position to check it, cannot be received as impartial, II. Every effort was made on the occasion to swell the numbers of the Episcopalians. Ihe com- missioners state in their report that " the census of the members of the Esta- blished Church includes a considerable number of Wesleyan Methodists who wished to be classed as members of that body." (Page 5.) It would ap- pear that there were in Ireland at the time upwards of 43,000 persons in fellowship with the Methodists ; and as many, who are not actual members, are entirely dependent upon that denomination for religious instruction, it may safely be affirmed that, by this piece of accommodating policy, nearly 100,000 individuals, who really diftered from the Established Church in doc- trine, discipline, and worship, were added to the roll of its nominal adherents. The report supplies internal evidence that the Methodists were not the only dissenters who passed muster as belonging to the establishment, for in several instances Baptists and Independents appear to have been anxious to oblige after the same fashion. (See Diocese of Kildarc, Naas, 20 b, and 21 J ; Dio- cese of Leighlin, Maryborough, 40 b, and 47 b ; Diocese of Ferns, 76 b, and 77 b. ) What is still more extraordinaiy, even the Quakers seem to have been forced into the establishment. Thus the report notices, in the city of Limerick, an Independent meeting-houso with an average attendance of "about 200," and a Quaker meeting-house also with an average attendance of "about 200 ;" and yet the whole diocese of Limerick, in addition to Epis- copalians, Uoman Catholics, and I'resbyterians, is represented as containing VOL. III. * 2 K 500 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chaf. xxxi. rianisni. The Unitarians had scarcely left the synod when, at the Cookstown meeting in August 1829, Mr. John Brown of Agha- only 191 individuals of all other Protestant denominations! (See also as remarkable a case in the Diocese of Leighlin, Fenagh, 38 h, and 39 b ; also, Diocese of Ferns, Taghmon, 78 h, and 79 h. ) Other things equally extra- ordinary appear in this report. It states that, in the diocese of Clogher, there were thirty places of worship for "other Protestant dissenters," and yet that these dissenters amounted only to twenty-six individuals ! In the diocese of Ardagh, there were nine places of worship for twelve Protestant dissenters ; in the diocese of Ross, two places of worship for two Protestant dissenters ; and in the diocese of Clonfert, four places of worship for three Protestant dissenters ! Nonconformists arc not in the habit of erecting meeting-houses where there are no congregations, but on this emergency they lent their names to the Established Church. III. In this census many Presbyterians are reckoned as Episcopalians. In not a few instances the enumerators simply asked whether the parties visited were Protestants or Roman Ca- tholics (see chapter xx., note 57), and they put down as members of the Esta- blished Church all who called themselves Protestants. There is no doubt that many thousands of Presbyterians were in this way placed to the credit of the establishment. Thus it would appear, from the report of the commis- sioners, that in 1834 there were no Presbyterians in the parish of Drum- mully, diocese of Clogher (see Report, Province of Armagh, p. 14 a), though a considerable number of families connected with the Presbyterian congrega- tion of Ballyhobridge resided there. In Athlone, diocese of Meath, the enu- merator could find no Pi'esbyterians (see Report, Province of Armagh, p. 70 a), though they were so numerous that a Presbyterian congregation was erected there by the synod of Ulster in the year following. In Balisakerry, county Mayo, the report admits the existence of a Presbyterian meeting- house, with a Sabbath attendance of ninety as the average congregation, and yet ignores the existence of so much as a single Presbyterian in the pai'ish ! Here, even the Presbyterian minister and his family appear to have been reckoned among the members of the Established Church. (See Dio- cese of Killala, pp. 52 d, and 53 d. ) It is certain that, at this very time, there were about three hundred persons connected with this single congregation, and yet the report only recognises thirty-eight Presbyterians in the whole diocese of Killala. The Presbyterian congregation of Ballyshannon has existed for genei-ations, and reckons amongst its members some of the most respectable families in the town and neighbourhood. At the time of the census, the people had just completed the erection of a new meeting-house, the old one having become dilapidated ; but the enumerator could not find even one Presbyterian in the whole parish! (See Kilbarron, Diocese of Raphoc, p. 274 a. ) In these and other instances, large numbers of Presby- terians, sometimes including entire congregations, were reckoned as belong- ing to the Established Church. It was not singular that the synod of Ulster, A.I). 1830-40. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 501 doey '•'^ gave notice of his intention to move tlaat subscription to the Confession of Faith should be required of all candidates for license or ordination. Though the overtures of 1828 secured an adhe- rence to the great doctrines set forth in the Westminster formu- laries, they did not insist upon subscription, and Mr. Brown con- ceived that, so long as this point was vmsettled, the triumph of evangelism was incomplete. In the Arian controversy, he had rendered good service to the orthodox cause, and now, in the face of no small array of difficulties, he continued, year after year, to press his proposition. In 1832, his perseverance par- tially prevailed, as the synod then adopted an overture, to the effect, that candidates for license or ordination should be called on to subscribe in the terms of a certain authorised formula ; but that should they scruple to employ any particular phrase in the in the year 1835, complained of the inaccuracy of this census. See Minutes for tliat year, p. 72. Those who will candidly consider the circumstances under which the cen- sus of 1834 was taken, will probably admit that at least one-tenth of those placed to the credit of the Established Church should have been returned as Presbyterians. At a very moderate estimate, 75,000 besides should have been classed as Methodists or other Protestant dissenters. The census of 1834 modified upon these principles would stand thus : — Members of the Established Church, . . 691,858 Roman Catholics, 6,427.712 Presbyterians, 727,662 Methodists and other Protestant dissenters, . 96,808 As comparatively few of the Presbyterians are in circumstances of very great destitution, they have suffered less comparatively by the famine than cither Episcopalians or Romanists. Making due allowance for the conver- sions to Protestantism which have taken place, the population at present probably stands nearly thus : — Members of the Established Church, . . . 650,000 Roman Catholics, 6,070,000 Presbyterians, 700,000 Methodists and other Protestant dissenters, . 80,000 ** Mr. Brown was ordained minister of Aghadoey, December 14, 1813. In 1832, ho was chosen moderator of the synod of Ulster, and in that year received the thanks of the body for his successful efforts to obtain bounty for a large number of previously unendowed congregations. In 1839, he received the degree of D.D. from the University of Edinburgh. 502 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. confession, they should be at liberty to give in to the synod a written explanation of their sentiments, and that should this be found neither subversive of the analogy of faith, nor inconsistent Avith the true spirit of the doctiine of the creed, they should not be rejected. It was soon discovered that this rule was likely to prove exceedingly embarrassing, and that the peace of the Church could only be preserved by a return to the original practice of absolute subscription. At an adjourned meeting, held in Cooks- town in 1835, the synod accordingly agreed to a declaratory overture, announcing a determination to receive in future no ex- ceptions or explanations, and to require all about to become licen- tiates or ministers to sign the prescribed formula. At a special meeting assembled in Cookstown, on Tuesday, the 9th of August in the following year, this overture Avas again considered, when, after a discussion of great length, the synod, by a large majority, agreed to its confirmation. On this occasion, the eighth session of the court continued during the entire night; and when the roll was called, at five o'clock on the morning of Friday, ninety-four ministers and thirty-one elders voted " confirm," and twenty mi- nisters and eight elders voted " not." By returning to the practice of unqualified subscription, the synod, in as far as ecclesiastical arrangements could avail, com- pleted its doctrinal reformation. This measure was quickly fol- lowed by a renewal of communion with the Church of Scotland. During the latter part of the preceding century, there had been very little intercourse between the synod and the mother Church, and, in 1799, the General Assembly passed a law, which had the effect of excluding Irish Presbyterian ministers from the pulpits of the Scottish establishment.*^ In 1818, the Unitarian party *5 The visit of the Rev. Rowland Hill to Scotland in 1798 led the moderate party to pass this act. It declared that all licenses granted to probationers without its own bounds were invalid, that presentations given to such proba- tioners must be refused, and that its ministers must not, upon any occasion, employ to preach, or to dispense any of the ordinances of the Gospel, persons not qualified to accept a presentation. (See Hetherington's " History of the Church of Scotland." Seventh edition, vol. ii. p. 361.) For an account of a correspondence between the Scottish General Assemblv and the Svnod of A.D. 1830-40. CHURCH IN IKELAND. o03 induced the s^nod, in retaliation, to adopt a resolution, declaring that the niinistei's and licentiates of the Church of Scotland should not be admitted to preach in any of its congregations ; but, in the following year, this regulation was so far modified, that they wore merely intertlicted from officiating in its vacancies, and pronounced ineligible as candidates for its pastoral charges. Shortly afterwards, a more kindly feeling began to spring up be- tween the Churches, and, about the period before us, both parties became desirous for the renewal of ministerial intercourse. In August 183o, the synod removed the great difficulty by passing the declaratory overture in favour of unqualified subscription, so that, in the following May, the General Assembly unanimously agreed to readmit its members to ministerial felloAVship. A cor- respondence, which was kept up with great cordiality on both sides, now commenced between the two Churches. By the confirmation of the overture requiring absolute sub- scription to the Confession of Faith, the principal barrier in the way of another, and a still closei*, ecclesiastical alliance was com- pletely removed. The General Synod was thus almost entirely assimilated to the Irish Secession Church, and no good reason could be assigned why the two bodies should not be incorporated. An arrangement relative to the Ilegium Donuni, made in 1838, obviated several minor objections which might have delayed the consummation of the union. In that year government agreed to ecjualise the bounty, and, on certain conditions, to grant £15, late Irish currency, per annum to every minister connected with the two synods.'"' Being now placed on an equal footing by the Ulster relative to ministerial communion in 1S15 and 1817, sec tbo Preshij- tcrian Review for March 1835, vol. vi. pp. 319, 320. **! On the I'eport of a committee of the House of Commons, in 1831, an important change was made in regard to the Kegium Donum, as the various payments out of the civil list were then all cancelled, and the gross sum pro- vided for in the Irish miscellaneous estimates of the year. Thus the wliolo amount is at present obtained by an annual vote, and part of the grant is not, as formerly, to a certain extent, beyond the reach of the attacks of the Voluntaries of the House of Commons. (.See chapter sxii., note 2j, and the text.) Injustice to the Irisli Presbyterian Church, the ilegium Doiuim hhould ho otherwise secunil. The whcdu amount voted i>y the 504 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. state, as well as one iti doctrine and in polity, they had very few difficulties to surmount when they proceeded to settle the terms of an agreement. It is an interesting fact, that the first very decided movement in favour of the union was made by the candidates for the minis- try in attendance on the collegiate classes connected with the Belfast Academical Institution. The students under the care of the two Churches had established among themselves a united prayer-meeting ; and, in the spring of 1839, they invited the Rev. John Coulter of Gilnahirk to state to them his views as to the propriety of a coalescence of their respective denominations. His excellent and appropriate address, which was immediately published, soon obtained wide circulation, and the arguments which it urged in support of the proposed measure at once com- mended themselves to an intelligent community. The public mind was, in fact, quite j^repared for the appeal. The Rev. Dr. Edgar*'^ of Belfast, professor of divinity for the Secession Synod, House of Commons in 1852 to Irish nonconforming ministers was £38,560. Of this the Unitarians received about £3500. In 1840, the government adopted a regulation, to the effect that no bounty would be issued in any case unless at the very least £35 of stipend were paid yearly to the minister. Of this sum £20 must be paid by the congregation, and the balance may be made up by a free manse, or a permanent bequest, or a donation. The mode in which Irish Presbyterian ministers are paid involves a species of compro- mise between the voluntary and establishment systems, and apparently sug- gests the true solution of a vexed question. They are supported partly by the state and partly by the people. Under the Mosaic economy, the minis- ters of the sanctuary were maintained in much the same way, as, in addition to a fixed endowment in houses and lands, they were entitled to a share of the oblations of the worshippers. ^' The Rev. John Edgar was ordained minister of a Secession congregation recently erected in Belfast on the Idth of November 1820, and, in 1826, succeeded his father as professor of divinity for the Secession Synod. Since the union of the two synods, he has signalised himself as the father of the Connaught mission, and the founder of the industrial schools which have already proved of such advantage to the West of Ireland. His labours in the temperance cause are thus noticed in a late publication r — " Dr. Edgar has written about eighty works of various sizes on temperance, nearly .all of which have been frequently republished in different parts of the United Kingdom and of America ; and they are in circulation in all purts of the woild ; and, A.D. 1830-40. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 505 was already known as one of the most efficient ministers of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Whilst his generous advocacy of schemes for the diffusion of the Gospel had tended greatly to foster a missionary spirit in the Secession Church, his efforts in the cause of female purity and of slave emancipation had at- tracted the favourable notice of good men of all denominations ; and wliilst his fidelity ajid firmness in the assertion of ecclesiasti- cal discipline had given him a title to the confidence of the friends of Presbyterian order, his energy and eloquence, as the father of the Irish temperance reformation, had earned for him the grati- tude and admiration of thousands and tens of thousands, embrac- ing all ranks of his countrymen. The ministers and j^eople of the synod of Ulster were most anxious that he and others of liis brethren should be more closely associated with themselves, and the members of the secession body, on their part, were equally desirous of an alliance with the General Synod. Parties so well disposed for a coalition could not long remain separated. Memo- rials, expressing a desire for union, from the students of the two denominations, from the elders and people of several congrega- tions throughout Ulster, and from a public meeting, consisting of members of the various churches of Belfast connected with the two bodies, Avere presented to the synod of Ulster and the Seces- sion synod, assembled respectively in June and July 1839. Each body, in consequence, appointed a committee to consider the prac- ticability of the measure; to confer, if necessary, with a commit- tee of the other Church ; and, if deemed expedient, to call a spe- cial meeting of the synod, and report to it the result. The com- mittees of the two synods met in Fisherwick Place church, Bel- fast, on the 28th of the following August, and arranged, in a besides keeping his great sulyect continually before the public eye in various periodicals, ho edited the Belfast Temperance Advocate, and for a length of time the periodical of the Rritish and Foreign Temperance Society. AVhcro- cver invited, whether in England, Ireland, or Scotland, he went to advocate the cause ; and in London, Dublin, Glasgow, iMancliestcr, Bradford, Leeds, York, and very many other places, he has repeatedly addressed immense multitudes from the platform and the pulpit ; and twelve years of the best of his life [from 1821) to 1811 J have been sedulously and gratuitously devoted to the cause." Hall's "Ireland," vol. iii. pp. 00, 01, note. 506 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. most fraternal spiiit, the preliminaries of a union. On Wednes- day, the 8th of April 1840, the two synods held special meetings in Belfast, and agreed, in their separate judicatories, to all the more important terms of incorporation. On Friday they termi- nated their proceedings by joining together in devotional exer- cises. " This day," says a spectator, " will be long remembered for the hallowing tone which it imparted to the minds of all pre- sent. The universal feeling during the whole meeting, especially during the concluding prayer, was that of high devotion. All seemed to be lifted up above the earth, with its distracting and dividing passions, and to breathe a purer atmosphere — the atmo- sjihere of heaven." ^^ On Wednesday, the 20th, and Thursday, the 21st of May, the committees of the two synods met together in Fisherwick Place session-room, to arrange some minor details which still remained unsettled. Their business was adjusted without difficulty, and it was agreed that the union should be consummated in the fol- lowing July. On Tuesday, the 7th of that month, the two synods commenced their sittings in Belfast ; the Synod of Ulster, meeting in the church of May Street, and the Secession Synod in the church of Linen-Hall Street. After having transacted some other business, and sanctioned the resolutions which the joint committees had adopted in the May preceding, they pro- ceeded, on Friday, the 10th of July 1840, to the final act of in- corporation. At eleven o'clock on the morning of that day they set out from their respective places of meeting, and then, min- gling in one body on the way, walked together in procession, through a dense crowd of spectators, to the church of Rosemary Street. The moderators of the two synods, the Rev. James Elder of Finvoy, and the Rev. John Rogers of Glascar, headed the procession. Having reached the place of destination, accom- panied by an immense multitude, these two venerable ministers then proceeded to the pulpit, and conducted devotional exercises. Immediately afterwards, the Rev. Dr. James Seaton Reid read, in a very deliberate manner, the act of union ; ^^ and, as soon as he If "Orthodox Presl.ytoriau" for M;iy 1810. '" The foUowhig is tlie :iut of union, ;is cxtnictcil from the Minutes of the first A.D. 1840. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 507 had concluded, all the niini.sters and elders present rose from their seats, and held up their right hands in token of approval. The Rev. Dr. Hanna was now unanimously chosen moderator, and the court was regularly constituted, under the title of " The General As.sembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland." A I'lieral Assembly : — "Whereas, above two centuries ago, extensive coloniea of Presbyterian settlers from Scotland and elsewhere were planted in Ireland, whose ministers and elders afterwards formed themselves into an ecclesiastical body, holding the standards and adopting the discipline of the parent Church of Scotland ; which ecclesiastical body was for a time designated ' The Presby- tery of Ulster,' and subsequently received, and has ever since been known by, the name and designation of ' The Genei'al Synod of Ulster.' And whereas, about a century ago, another Presbyteiian body, being a branch of the Secession Church in Sootland, likewise holding the standards and adopt- ing the discipline of the Church of Scotland, but seceding from the jurisdic- tion of that Church, was introduced into Ireland ; which last-mentioned body, being for a time divided into two synods, bearing the designation of ' The Associate Synod of Ireland, ' and ' The Associate Synod of Ireland in subordination to the General Associate Synod of Scotland, ' respectively, sub- sequently united into one synod, which has been, and is now known by the name of "The Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, distinguished by the name of Seceders." And whereas it hath pleased Almighty God, in his merciful pro- vidence, to remove the causes of difference and alienation hitiierto unhappily subsisting between the said General Synod of Ulster and the said Presby- terian Synod of Ireland, distinguished by the name of Seceders, and to dis- pose these two Churches to unite under the same standards, as aforesaid, as founded upon and agreeable to the Word of God, in Christian communion and fellowship, as one ecclesiastical body under the Great Head of the Church. And whereas it has been severally agreed by the said Churches, in synod duly assembled, to constitute themselves, as aforesaid, into one Church, in the manner and under the designation hereinafter mentioned. "It is hereby accordingly resolved and agreed upon, in the nam© of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Head of the Church, by the said General Synod of Ulster and the said Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, distinguished by the name of Seceders, on this the 10th day of July, in the year of our Lord 1840, duly assembled together, that they do now, and in all times hereafter shall, constitute one united Church, professing the same common faith, as set forth in the standards as aforesaid ; and, in all matters ecclesiastical, exercising, and subject to, the same government and discipline ; each nevertheless retain- ing and reserving, in respect of any temporalities belonging thereto, or to the several congregations respectively under its care, or to any persons in trust for tliem or any of them, all civil I'ights, intei-e^ts, and estates whatever, in 508 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN cuap. xxxi. deputation, consisting of the Rev. Patrick Macfarlane of Greenock, the Rev. James Begg of Libberton, the Rev. Robert M. M'Cheyne of Dundee, and David Maitland Makgill Crichton, Esq., of Ran- keilku', was then introduced ; and the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, through the medium of these representatives, congratulated the united body on the happy event which had just occurred. The Rev. James Morgan now jDresented to the assembly the Rev. James Glasgow of Castledawson, and the Rev. Alexander Kerr of Portadown, as brethren who had been se- lected to jiroceed as missionaries to India, and who had consented to undertake the appointment. The assembly ratified the ar- rangement, and the moderator, after having solemnly set apart these two ministers by prayer to the service of the heathen, pro- ceeded to deliver to them a faithful and aifectionate address. Such was the first session of the first meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The names of Burgher and Antiburgher had already been well nigh forgotten, as full and ample a manner, to all intents and purposes whatsoever, as if the said union of these Churches had not taken place, to and for the same uses, and upon the same trusts respectively, as heretofore in any wise are or have been expressed or declared of or concerning the same. "And it is hereby farther resolved and agreed upon, as aforesaid, that the said united Church, so constituted, shall henceforth bear the name and desig- n;\tion of ' The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, consisting of the General Synod of Ulster and the Presbyterian Synod of Ireland, distinguished by the name of Seceders, ' and that its supreme court shall be styled ' The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.' "And it is hei-eby farther resolved and agreed upon, that, notwithstanding said union, the two synods, as aforesaid, shall reserve, and they do hereby reserve, to themselves and to the ministers and elders of the congregations under their care respectively, and to the successors of such ministers and elders, for the time being, the right of meeting hereafter in synod, but only concei-ning such temporalities as aforesaid, as distinct bodies, with the neces- sary officers, as heretofore, as such General Synod of Ulster and such Pres- byterian Synod of Ireland, distinguished by the name of Seceders, from time to time, as occasion may require, with full power to make all arrangements, and to do and perform all proper, legal, and equitable acts necessary to pro- tect and preserve all their separate rights, interests, and estates as aforesaid." A.D. 1810. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 509 and now the distinctions of Synod of Ulster and Secession were buried in a common gra\c. Scarcely two hundred years before, five ministers had met, at a few miles distance from Belfast, to constitute the first Irish presbytery; now the thirty-three pres- byteries, into which the new Assembly was divided, supplied evi- dence that the Church had taken root and covered the land. Scarcely a century before, the first associate missionary had ap- peared m Ulster; now one hundred and forty-one Seceding con- gregations became connected with the united body.^** At this period the congregations of the synod of Ulster amounted to two hundred and ninety-two, so that the new Assembly had, in all, un- der its care four hundred and thirty-three congregations. The union diftused joy throughout the whole Presbyterian po- pidation, and the pious observer did not fail to recognise the favour of God in the unanimity and right feeling which pervaded the various meetings preparatory to its consummation. The fa- cility with which it Avas accomplished excited the devout wonder even of those entrusted with the drawing up of the articles of settlement, as it scarcely could have been anticipated that preju- dices, which had been gathering strength for the greater portion of a century, would have been so easily and so completely over- come. When the parties met together to hold their first session in the church of Rosemary Street, many were deeply moved, and the whole scene was intensely interesting. Christian charity was celel)rating a noble triumph, and Ulster had never before wnt- nessed such a demonstration of the unity and strength of ortho- dox Presbyterianism. The Assembly at once assumed a position which neither of the bodies of which it was constituted would have been able to oc- cupy. The Irish Presbyterian Church had long been greatly weakened by the mutual jealousies of the Secession and the Synod of Ulster, but it now acquired a new degree even of poli- tical consideration. In the great struggle which preceded the *" Six or seven ministers and their congregations, connected with tlie Se- cession Synod, refused to accede to the union. These malcontents formed themselves into a separate body, which has since attracted very little public attention. 510 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843, it warmly espoused the cause of the non-intrusionists ; and though its appeals to the legislature in their behalf were unsuccessful, the importance of its interference was felt and acknowledged. About the same time an attempt was made to prevent Irish Presbyterian ministers from uniting members of their own Church in wedlock with those of the Episcopal establishment, and, to the surprise of many, the English judges pronounced such marriages illegal ; but the efforts of the Assembly to procure redress eventually prevailed. Though, in this case, it had to contend against the secret opposition of the High Church party, it obtained, in 1844, from a rather re- luctant administration, an act warranting the exercise of the dis- puted privilege. '^i Presbyterians have never formed any very considerable por- tion of the Irish aristocracy, and those among them who have attained high rank have generally evinced a disposition, sooner or later, to jiass over into the Church as by law established. It does not appear that this change has added either to the piety or the usefulness of the converts, and it may be doubted whether it has ever conduced eventually even to their worldly prosperity. When New-Light principles were prevalent in the synod of Ulster, it was not strange that opulent families deserted it, as Irish Pres- byterianism had then lost much of its vitality ; and though the Established Church at the same time was spiritually dead, it had 51 See chapter xxix., note 28, and the text. The Established Church of Ire- land still enjoys, to a certain extent, a monopoly in the way of the celebration of marriage. A Presbyterian minister can legally celebrate a marriage only where at least one of the parties belongs to his own denomination. A minister of the Episcopal Church can perform the ceremony where both the parties are Presbyterians or Romanists, and no minister, not connected with the esta- blishment, can legally marry an Episcopalian and a Romanist. It thus hap- pens that the amount of the Episcopal population cannot be at all estimated from the number of marriages celebrated in Ireland according to the rites of the Established Church. Though the Presbyterian population of Ulster ex- ceeds the Episcopal population, in thei'atio of more than three to two, it appears from the "Third Report of the Registrar- General of Marriages in Ireland," that, in 1851, more marriages were celebrated in the northern province in Episcopal than in Presbyterian cliuvchcs. A.u. 1840. CHURCH IN IRELAND. r)!! at least tlie attractions of fashionable society. But the last quar- ter of a century has witnessed great ecclesiastical as well as poli- tical changes. The new Assembly is free from the incubus of Unitarianism ; it presents Presbyterianism in a consolidated and invigorated form ; its candidates for the ministry receive a colle- giate education more extensive than has been hitherto required in Ireland from Protestant ministers of any denomination ; and its polity, framed according to the model of primitive times, com- mends itself to the approval of an age distinguished by its at- tachment to free institutions. Presbyterians of the upper ranks are now beginning to discover that theu* social influence, if not higher interests, must suffer by a withdrawal fi'om the Church of their fathers. Recent legislation has immensely strengthened the popular element in the constitution of the country ; and it has been ascertained that, other things being equal, a Presbyterian is the favourite candidate with an Ulster constituency.'^^ Besides, the spirit of the age is intensely inquisitive, and the time is pass- ing rapidly away when mere fashion will decide religious con- nections. The Irish Presbyterian Church has, from time to time, received accessions from the Episcopal establishment, as well as from other denominations, and its numerical sti'cngth has never been sensi- bly aflfected by secessions from its communion. At the present moment, Presbyterians constitute the bone and sinew of the Irish Protestant population, as they have more general competence, as well as more diftused intelligence, than any other great reli- gious eonuuunity.^-^ For upwards of a century, the stream of emi- gration has been running strongly in the direction of America, *- For many years there was not a single member of the Irish Presbyterian Church in the imperial parliament. Of late, on one or tvro occasions, a Presbyterian has been returned for Armagh, Belfast, and Colerainc ; and the Irish Assembly has at present in the House of Commons a staunch friend, with a good name, in William Kirk, Esq., M. P. for Newry. " In the case of the Irish Presbyterian Church, the prayer of Agur (Prov. XXX. 8) — " Give mo neither poverty nor riches" — has been to a great extent fulfilled. Very few of her members possess overgrown wealth, and compara- tively few of them are in extreme indigence. Tlie statistics of the work- houses of Ulster very fairly illustrate the social condition of the three Icidin;: 512 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. and, until of late, the Presbyterians of Ulster were almost the only section of the people of sufficient energy and enterprise to avail themselves of the prospects of advancement presented in the New World ; but, notwithstanding this large and continued drain vipon their Church, her adherents, as compared with other Pro- testant sects, still maintain the position which they held, shortly after the Revolution, in the national census.^* Owing to their denominations. Tiie tliree following returns exhibit the state of matters in three different portions of the northern province : — Number of Paupers in the Belfast EpiscopaJiaus. catZfics. Presbytei-iaiis. Workhouse for the week ending 29th Jan. 1853, ... 651 „ 953 ™ 378 In Monaghan Workhouse on 31st Jan. 1853 44 ™ 283 -„ 11 In Londonderry Workhouse on 15th Jan. 1853, . . . . 108 ™ 432 ™ 63 Total, .... 803 1668 453 Supposing that the different denominations now occupy the same compa- rative position as in 1834 — a supposition exceedingly disadvantageous to the Presbyterians, as they have since comparatively increased — and taking the returns of the Commisioners of Public Instruction in their first report as the basis of calculation, though it has been shown that these returns are extremely partial, the present population may be thus estimated : — Present Population of the Belfast Episcopalians. cath?l?"s. Presbyterians. Union, .... 32,789 ™ 37,154 _ 52,828 Do. Monaghan do , . . . 8,188 „ 33,378 ™ 6,778 Do. Londonderry do., . . 9,004 ™ 30,850 ™ 22,258 Total, .... 49,981 101,382 81,864 I have received returns from several other unions in Ulster of less note, all of which exhibit results such as are here jn-esented. These returns, when taken together, represent the amount of pauperism connected with the Esta- blished Church and the Romish Church as very nearly the same. According to them, there is one Episcopal pauper for every sixty-two individuals of the Episcopal population ; one Roman Catholic pauper for every sixty individuals of the Roman Catholic population ; and one Presbyterian pauper for every one hundred and eighty-one individuals of the Presbyterian population. It has often been said that Presbyterianism is not a religion for a gentleman, but the statistics of the Ulster poor-houses rather seem to indicate that it is not a religion for a beggarman. ** That this statement is not lightly made may appear from the following A.n. 1840. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 513 peculiar circumstances, they liave suftered less from the recent famine than perhaps almost any other class of religionists. Of late, in various parts of Ulster, as the old gentry of the country have disappeared, Presbyterians, enriched by trade, have been rapidly filling up their places, and, in some instances, prosperous considerations. In the early part of last century, the Presbyterians do not appear to have amounted to more than one-half of the Protestant population. In an " Apology" addressed by them to Queen Anne, they state that the Test Act, then recently passed, had " placed an odious mark of infamy iqwn at least the one-half of the Protestants of this kingdom." (See Kirkpatrick's "Presbyterian Loyalty," p. 5G4.) The High Church party, at that time, refused to admit that the Presbyterians constituted so large a section of the community ; and it is not to bo thought strange if, under the influence of sectarian prejudice and zeal, they somewhat exaggerated their numbers in the document just quoted. In ITS?, the Bishop of Cloyne estimated them as considerably less numerous than the Episcopalians. (" Present State of the Church of Ireland," p. 73. Sixth edition.) It is probable that, in 1834, the numbers of the Episcopalians and Presbyterians were nearly equal. (See note 43 of this chapter.) Since that period the balance has, perhaps, turned considerably in favour of the Presbyterians, as they suffered less compara- tively by the famine of 184G than any other leading denomination. Many who are nominally connected with the Established Church very seldom at- tend its worship, and still more rarely join in the celebration of the Lord's Supper ; and at present there is little doubt but that the regular coinmuni- can<5 of the Presbyterian Church greatly outnumber those of the establish- ment. Tims though, according to the census of 1834, the Episcopalian po- pulation of Belfast was to the Presbyterian population in the ratio of some- what mo7-c than two to three, it has been ascertained, by actual examination, that the number of individuals who communicated in all the Episcopal churches within the borough, at Christmas last (1852), as compared with the number who partook of the Lord's Supper about the same time in the Presbyterian churches within the same boundary, was in the ratio of less than one to three. The immense patronage so long enjoyed by Episcopacy has replenished the Irish Cliurch, as well with proselytes from other sects as with many immigrants from England ; and, until of late, it has scarcely been affected by emigration to America, as its members were either too rich to think of seeking after an improvement of tlieir condition in a foreign country, or too poor to be able to try the experiment. The fact that, under these circum- stances, the Irish Presbyterian Church has still been able to keep her place in the Protestant population, is a remarkable proof of her internal vigour. In the New World, her children liave laid the foundations of a religious comma- 514 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN chap. xxxi. Presbyterian merchants may be seen occu])ying the l)avouial halls of the ancient aristocracy. Though the members of the Irish Assembly are perfectly agreed in doctrine, they may be expected to differ occasionally as to questions of jurisdiction or of discipline. A case of this kind, which has attracted much public attention, has recently occurred. In 1846, an opulent lady, a member of the Presbyterian Church, died in Dublin, and bequeathed, among other legacies, a sinn of £20,000 towards the erection and endowment of a Presbyterian college.^5 The trustees, who had the power, under the will, of fixing the site of the seminary, selected a locality which a large majority of the Assembly considered quite luisuitable. In conse- quence, one or two of the recent meetings have presented scenes of much excitement, and of somewhat bitter altercation. But no sound reasoner will therefore quarrel with the Presbyterian sys- tem of ecclesiastical polity. It is the glory of freemen that they are at liberty to differ, and just in proportion to the depth of their con- victions wiU be the earnestness with which they will press their peculiar sentiments. And should the " contention" become " sharp," it does not follow, after all, that they are utterly desti- tute of the spirit of Christian brethren.^*^ Ecclesiastical strife exhibits the Church in a most ungainly aspect, and as it is always fostered by human ignorance and pride, it is, no doubt, most de- voutly to be deprecated. But it is an evil incident to any so- ciety constituted according to the Scriptural model, as among mi- nisters, even in the days of the apostles, there occurred sometimes nity which has risen into importance with almost unexampled rapidity ; and should the American Presbyterian Church continue to prosper, as at pre- sent, it will probably be, in another century, by far the most influential in Christendom. The descendants of Irish Presbyterians in the United States are perhaps threefold more numerous than the whole Presbyterian population now in Ireland. 55 See chapter xxix., note 68. Those who wish to be minutely acquainted with the controversy which this bequest has created, may consult the letters and speeches of the Rev. Richard Dill of Dublin on the one side, and, on the other, " Collegiate Education in Ulster, in a series of Letters," by the Rev. R. Wilson, D.D. ■'^e See Acts, xv. 39. A.D. 18il. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 515 "no .small dissonsion and disputation."''" At tlio bar and in the senate there are, now and then, \iolent disputes, but no sane man would therefore desire to relinquish the advantages of the British constitution ; and better far that, in the courts of the Church, there should be an occasional outburst of ill-regulated feeling, than that its legitimate rulers should be divested of their rights, and compelled to submit in silence to the untold abuses of an eccle- siastical despotism. The great mass of the Presbyterian population of Ulster still cleave to their (Jhiu'ch with unabated attachment. They are too enlightened to regard their pastors with the awe of superstition, and too candid not to admit that they have faults as well as other men ; but they honour them, notwithstanding, for their works' sake, and they know how to appreciate the Scriptural doctrines Avhich they preach, and the apostolic ordinances which they ad- minister. Whilst their theology improves the heart, their eccle- siastical arrangements stimulate the intellect ; and to be con- vinced even of the temporal advantages of their peculiar polity, they require only to look abroad upon the face of their own pro- vince. Little more than two centuries ago, it was the most bar- barous and desolate in the land, now it is the most enlightened and prosperous. And if, in the mysterious providence of God, the time shoidd ever again come when Irish Presbyterians must suffer persecution for their principles, it will, no doubt, be seen that not a few will again submit, for Christ's sake, to the spoiling of their goods, and to the repetition of the tragedies of the mar- tyrs of the covenant. Never at any former period was the Irish Presbyterian Church in a position so hopeful as that which it at present occupies. The union of the two synods led to a union of some of the smaller congregations previously connected with them, and the famine for a time pressed heavily upon the whole population, but the work of Church extension has continued to make steady progress, as there are now connected with the Assembly five synods, thirty-six pres- byteries, four hundred and ninety-one congregations, and five •"'" .\cts, XV. 2. VOL. III. 2 L olG HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN fiiAP. xxxi. liundrotl and tliirty-tliree ministers. The united Chuvcli has en- larged the number of its missionaries to the heathen, and has established, in addition, a mission to the Jews, a mission to the British colonies, and a mission to the Roman Catholics of Ire- land. Though it has yet reached but "the day of small things," it at present raises, for its missions and missionary schools, contributions amovinting to about nine thousand pounds ster- ling per annum.58 n has improved and enlarged its course of theological instruction for students going forward to the minis- try, and it is this year (1853) completing the erection of a Presbyterian college in the capital of Ulster. If such have been the fruits of a union of Irish Presbyterians, how glorious would, be the results of a union of Irish Protestants! Who wiU say that such a consummation is altogether hopeless ? Were the spirit formerly exhibited by Ussher and Bedell to pre- vail, it might be speedily accomplished. Ancient manuscripts lately brought to light have greatly illustrated the question of Church government, and one recently discovered treatise of the third, century, written by a learned minister who resided a few miles from Rome, represents the author as protesting against the attem])ted usurpations of incipient prelacy, and as asserting the apostolicity of Presbyterianism.^^ As the serious and. intelligent members of the Episcopal establishment review the history of Ireland, they may learn important lessons in ecclesiastical polity. They must see that their hierarchy, though supported at vast expense, and though not destitute of men eminent for literature and piety, has done comparatively little to advance the cause of evangelical Protestantism. The recent extinction of ten bishop- rics has not impaired the efficiency of the Church, and it must •'s The exact amount for the year ending July 1852 was £8650, 13s. 4d., but it is confidently expected that the contributions for the current year will considerably exceed £9000. ^^ llippolytus, the author of the recently discovered treatise "Against all Heresies," was a member of the Roman presbytery, and flourished about the year 225. Chevalier Bunsen, though no friend to the Scottish ecclesiastical polity, is constrained to admit, when expounding the views of this father, that "his ecclesiastical polity may be termed Presbyterianism." See Bun- sen's " llippolytus and his Age," vol. i. p. 307. London, 1852. A.D. 1841. CHURCH IN IRELAND. 517 now bo obvious that the prosperity of religion in no way depends upon tlie existence of tlie Episcopal order. Presbyterianism, though often frowned upon by statesmen, and always hampered by its limited resources, has, after all, been the best beneftietor of the country. The reconstruction of the Church of Ireland upon a Presbyterian basis would add immensely to its vigour as an ecclesiastical institute. It has already among its clergy a goodly number of the excellent of the earth, but had its people the election of their pastors, and had its pastors liberty to act as the rightful rulers of the house of Glod, it could adduce, in its free constitution, a new argument of tremendous power against the iron despotism of Popery. Happy the day wdien Irish Pro- testants will see eye to eye, and when a reformed and united Church, fitly framed together according to the model of the Word, and inhabited by the living Spirit of the High and the Holy One, will reflect the grace, and truth, and wisdom of the heavenly Architect ! THE END. APPENDIX TO VOLUME TJlIlil), CONSISTING OF ORIGINAL PAPERS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS. No. I. See Chapter XXIII., First Paragraph. Copy of a Protestation, with the Reasons against the Overture for Dissolving our annual General Synods, and substituting in their place a Meeting of Delegates. Taken from Wodrow's MSS. in Advocates' Library, Edinburgh. (Rob. iii., 6-12.) We subscribers, ministers of the Gospel in the North of Ire- land, members of the present Synod met at Derry, June 1st 1709, understanding that an overture is made by some ministers in the name of several presbyteries proposing that our annual general Synods be laid aside and instead thereof a certain number of ministers and elders shall be delegated to meet and empowered to manage the common affairs of this Church which have been formerly treated and determined in our General Synods ; and a vote having passed that a committee be appointed by the Synod to draw up a scheme or model of such a meeting of persons de- legated to that end : We being apprehensive of the dangerous consequences of such motions, votes and acts as have a ten- dency to overthrow the present happy constitution of General Synods and by the dissolution of them to bring in other danger- ous innovations hitherto happy in its luiity order and uniformily ; 620 APPENDIX. and being willing and resolved to prevent by all lawful means and oppose whatever may tend to subvert our happy constitution in whole or in part, have at the passing of the aforesaid vote publickly declared our dissent from it and protestation against it in our own names and in the name of all those that shall adhere to this our dissent and protestation, promised seasonably to give in our reasons ; which accordingly now we do, and desire they may be seriously considered. (1.) Our very learned and pious predecessors ministers of the Gospel now blessed, who in this North of Ireland planted pro- pagated and wisely and successfully governed this church did, when not restrained by the civil powers, yearly meet in a Greneral Synod both before the Restoration of King Charles II. and since the late happy revolution ; by which means they, with much prudent care maintained and promoted peace, order and unity among themselves and gained reputation from others ; so that the Grovernment from experience of their peaceable behaviour, have permitted (tho' not appointed) us to meet under their in- dulgent protection and peaceably to do our proper work. Wliere- fore we cannot without reflecting on the wisdom ability and fide- lity of our pious predecessors depart from so laudable a pattern as they have left us and overturn so wise a constitution which by them according to the word of God hath been conveyed to us as a trust to be faithfully kept and transmitted to posterity, Avhich will bring no honour to ourselves who have hitherto ap- proved these meetings. (2.) The intended judicatory being neither parochial session, presbytery, provincial synod, or national or oecumenical covuicil which are all the kinds of ecclesiastical judicatories known or acknowledged by the church, we cannot in conscience subject ourselves to it or be governed by it, seeing it is no judicatory authorised by Jesus Christ and warranted by the word of God : And as it would be dangerous to set up and obey judicatories in the commonwealth not authorized by the supreme powers ; where- fore it is no less dangerous to set up judicatories in the church and obey them if not authorised and warranted by Him to whom all power in heaven and earth is giAcn. API'F.NDIX. .)2I (.'{.) Wo as ministers having a power given us from our Lord and Master not only to preach the Gospel and adminster the Sacraments, but also to rule in conjunction with our brethren in presbyteries and Synods, cannot divest ourselves of that power committed to us personally nor to delegate it to others, more than and)assadors, judges, generals, justices of the peace &c. can delegate their powers unto others, according to the saying of the famous Lord Verulam, that " he to whom a trust or office is " committed upon the account of personal qualifications cannot " delegate that trust or office unless he also delegate those quali- " fications on account whereof it was committed to him." (4.) Nor can we suspend ourselves nor be by others lawfully suspended from the due exercise of our ministerial power with- out being judicially convicted of such crimes as merit suspension from the said exercise ; for as woe shall be to us if we preach not the Gospel, so wc arc not worthy of double honour if we rule not well and diligently. (o.) This designed judicatory must be either the Supreme in the church from which lieth no appeal, or subordinate and ac- countable to the Supreme. If the former be designed and de- manded it should be seriously and seasonably considered ; (1.) if we may safely clothe a few of ourselves with such a power over us from whoso sentence, tho' never so injurious, we may not appeal to the whole : (2.) if we may not as justly set up some prelates over ourselves "jure ecclesiastico" with a delegated power to govern this church, which is all that some moderate and episcopal divines have desired : (3.) if it be a thing in itself lawful why may not the civil magistrate oblige us to obey a few set up by a delegated ])ower to judge and govern us, which is all that Erastian statesmen required. But if this Judicatory be accountable to a superior, whensoever an appeal is made to the superior judicatory, that must be called "pro re nata;" and so we are but where we were, and the old Synod must stand ; nor will there be by this invention less ground for ai)pealing than formerly : So that all we gain by this project is the supcrivtation of a needless judicatory without precedent in this church or any '•thcr we know. Or if as wo hear, the great Synod may meet 522 APPENDiX. every third or fourth year, this will never mend the matter but will occasion a causeless delay of justice or redress of grievances Avhich is always esteemed a denial of justice. Nor can it plead the church of Scotland for its pattern, as the projectors do allege, seeing it is accovnitable to no superior church-judieatory. (6.) All presbyterians and some bishops themselves have justly denied that bishojjs can delegate their power of jurisdiction to their commissaries, officials, surrogates, &c. Wherefore we ought not to set up any official or commissary court of delegates which we so justly condemn in others. (7.) If we may erect more church-judicatories we may also appoint more church officers ; seeing they that have a power to do the one, have the power to do the other also. (8.) Since we have hitherto taught jn-esbyterian government and judicatories to be of divine appointment, this innovation and change of our ancient constitution will give ground to reflect upon us as Keubenites " unstable as water," that we have no iixed principles, but are now given to changes wearied of our own good old way. (9.) Hereby we shall gratify our adversaries who have peti- tioned the government to discharge our great Synods ; and tho' the government did not think fit to grant that, yet it seems some of ourselves are more complaisant and willing to resign this our liberty. (10.) The ruling elders in the Synod being but delegates from their respective sessions cannot delegate others in their stead for " delegatus not potest delegare alias daretur progressus in injini- " tarn" which is most absurd ; and therefore they had no right to vote in this case, especially seeing they had no commission from their constituents so to do. (11.) The apparent division in judgment among us in this matter gives ground to reject the o\'erture, as tending to divide and so to destroy this church hitherto happy in its union luidor the old form of government which be made appear to be as agreeable to the primitive constitution as any now in the Chris- tian world. But lest some should think wo hereby reflect on the Greneral APPENDIX. '523 Assembly of the Cliurch of Scotland we would have them to ob- serve (1.) that it is a national church and we are but a province in a nation : (2.) it is morally impossible for them considering their distance from one another, in some parts being separated by the sea, as also their number, for them to meet altogether : which is not so with us, as appears liy our meetings these twenty years past : (3.) neither is the legislature committed to the Gen. Assembly who can make no laws or canons to oblige that church, until the overtures be made and transmitted to every Presbytery from whom they are to receive their returns (at) the next Assem- bly, before it can pass into a law : (4.) the Executive power is oidy lodged in the Assembly in matters that come orderly and not "per saltum" before them ; as appears by the limitations (which) every commissioner to the Assembly is put under in his commission by which he acts and votes in that Judicatory : (y.) the Provincial Synod of Grlasgow and Ayr consisting of above 130 members meet twice every year ; neither do they complain of it as an hardship put upon them, but own it as their mercy to meet, know, and converse one with another thereby to maintain brotherly love and prevent mistakes and prejudices which want of knowledge and due correspondence with one another might occasion, which it is to be feared may be the fatal consequence of this project. For these and other reasons to be produced if need be, to which we reserve ourselves a right, we differ from and protest against all votes and acts which tend to the overthrowing our annual general Synods and against all causeless innovations and alterations brought in or that may be brought in to the pre- judice of this church : llequiring that this our protestation may be entered into our Synod-book and that we may have the ex- tract thereof. This is subscribed in our names and of all that adhere to us. By John JSPBride. Thomas Our. Alex. M'Ckacken, &c., &c. Total, 21 ministers and G elders. '32i APPENDIX. No. 11. See Chapter XXIII., Note 4. CASE OF rev. AV. BIGGAR AND DROGHEDA. Com. Villce Drogheda, By William Patoun Esqr. Mayr. of Drogheda. Whereas By an Act made at a Session of Parliament held in this Kingdom on ye 26 Day of Octr. in ye seventeeth year of ye Reign of Charles the Second late King of England Scotland France and Ireland Intitled an Act for yo uniformity of Publick Prayers and Administration of Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies and for establishing ye form of making, ordaining, and consecrating, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons in the Church of Ireland ; It is amongst other Things enacted that if any Person who is by that Act Disabled to Preach any Lecture or Sermon should during ye Time that he should continue and remain so Disabled Preach any Sermon or Lecture, that then for every such offence the Person or Persons so oftending should suffer three months Imprisonment in ye Comon Goal without Bail or IMainprize and that any two Justices of ye Peace of any county in this Kingdom and ye Mayor or other chief Magistrate of any city or Town corporate within the same upon certificate of the ordinary of the place made to him or them of the offence comitted should and were thereby required to comit the Person or Persons so oftending to the Goal of the same County City or Town cor- porate accordingly as by the said Act may fully appear. And Whereas Wm. Biggar being a Person disabled and not Qualify 'd according to the said Act to Preach any Lecture or Sermon, did contrary to the Intent and meaning of that act and without License from any Arch-Bishop Bishop or any other Ecclesiasticall Person of the Church of Ireland, on the 3d day of Octr. in the year of our Lord 1708 at the house of Thomas Siddall in the Town of Drogheda, being a Town corporate in the county of the said Town did in an Asseml:>lv of di\-ers Persons Male and Fe- APPENDIX. 525 male then and There met Together to do Some act of Worship or of Religion, preach a Sermon to the said Assembly contrary to ye Intent and meaning of the said Act and Whereas the most Revd. Father in God Narcissus by Divine Providence Lord Arch- Bishop of Armagh Primate and Metropolitan of all Ireland did by his certificate l)earing date the 5th of Octr. in the year of our Lord 1708 certitie the said ollence of the said Wm. Biggar in these words (viz^) To the Mayor of the Town of Drogheda for the time being we Narcissus Arch-Bishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland having Reed. Information by severall proofs and examinations taken before Willm. Patoun Mayor of ye said Town of Drogheda that Wm. Biggar not being a Person Qualify 'd by Law to Preach in any Place of Publick worship within this Kingdom did in Contempt of the Law of this Kingdom and con- trary thereunto on the 3d day of Octr. in the year 1708 Pub- lickly Preach a Sermon in and unto an Assembly of Divers men and women met to Worship and to do some act of Religion at the house of Thomas Siddall in Drogheda We Therefore certitie to you that the said William Biggar did Preach in and to the said Assembly at the Time and Place aforesaid and that the said Wm. Biggar is not Qualify'd by Law to preach in any Church or Chappie or place of Publick Worship within this Realm nor was he ever Licensed by us to Preach in or to any Assembly or Con- gregation whatsoever. Given under our hand and seal this lifth day of Octr. 1708. Narcissus Aiidmagii, siapists and tlieir public masses generally throw all Ireland, and at tliis very tyme there are three or four Massing priests who avowedly reside in the town of Drogheda and actually ofRciat there without ever being questioned, whereby it plainly appears from what spring these hardships on protestant dissenters do arise and to what Issue they tend. It is therefore humbly proposed Tliat not only an effectual and speedy stop be put to these practices, but likewise 1°- That the parliament Grant an Act of Toleration in favors of the presbyterians in Ireland^ or extend the English Act unto them, there being alike reason for the one as for the other, or rather a greater reason for the former, they having signalized their loyalty to K. William and their zeal for the Revolution and pro- testant Religion beyond what the other had occasion to do, It is very hard that they should be more exposed than their Brethren in England to the grievous effects of a persecuting antichristian and antirevolution spirit, especially the danger arising therefrom both to protestancy and to the tranquillity of the present Go- vernment being greater in Ireland, upon the account both of the multitude and of the untameableness of papists there, than in England. 2°- That the Sacramcntary Test both in Brittain and Ireland be intirely abolished. It being utterly unaccountable That what was at first designed only as a Barr against papists whose princi- ples and consciences oblige them to disturb and undermine every Government that is not subject to the Pope, should be employed and kept up to exclude from useful service to the Government and their country so many of her Ma^'"'*- most able, most peace- able and most affectionat protestant subjects. It being also an high scandal and reproach to Christianity That the most sacred and solemn ordinance of the Lord's Supper should be prostituted to be the condition of any man's having access to a civil employ- ment ; And that prophane men should be under a temptation of eating and drinking danuiation to themselves (which in the con- struction of Scripture i Cor. ii. 29. is tlio true import and danger i)f eating and drinking unworthily) in order to (luallfy themselves for a place of Trust or gain, and thereby destroy their souls for '■>80 APPENDIX. over to purchase a little temporary subsistence for their perishing- bodies or perhaps to feed their Lusts. 3°' Whereas the Presbiterians in England are obliged to sub- scribe the first 36 Articles of the Church of England before they can enjoy the benefit of the Act of Toleration, It is to be consi- dered Whether in the present circumstance of an union betwixt Scotland and England, by which presbytery is the legally esta- blished Grovernment of the Church in Scotland as prelacy is in England, It were not more Just and profitable, and a more cer- tain, firm and obliging establishment of the union, That all pres- byterian Ministers tolerated both in England and Ireland (but more especially in Ireland wdiere they are generally all Scotsmen) should only be bound to subscribe The Confession of Eaith ra- tified by the parliat. in Scotland And that all preachers of the prelatical perswasion who are or may be tolerated in Scotland be required to sign the whole 39 Articles of the Church of Eng- land. Whether is it not equal In an incorporating Union that the two legall Churches of the two United Kingdoms be thus brought nearer to a level or ballance with respect to their legal settlements ; vrhether wold not this be a more satisfying security to such presbns. in Scotland who are not fully reconciled to the Union becaus they Judge their Church constitution is thereby rendered precarious ; And whether might not this j)rove an effec- tual mean to destroy the Monster of persecution for ever in both parties, and to establish that Grospel peace and mutual forbear- ance amongst protestants which is the Christian design and Ten- dency of the Revolution and her Ma'''^^- Reign as well as (by abo- lishing animosities and factious Interests) to secure the civil quiet of these nations. And lastly wdTether is it with any probability to be expected that such methods shall take place in the Reign of a Successour bound by the conditions of Entail not only to be of the communion of the Church of England But likewise to exe- cute all the Laws in favours of that communion, whereof the Acts on which high and violent churchment found their persecuting practices, make no small part ; which is an unreasonable over- ballance against the legal church of Scotland in a state of Union, and which Laws haue always furnished ill men Avith an handle APPENDIX. .>31 and pretence to disquiet and oppress their peaceable neighbours. [If tlio happiness proposed in the above mentioned overtures, be not attained in her present Ma^'*^^- benign and auspicious Reign, her Ma. being under no such obligations as are laid upon the Suc- cession of Entail.* No. III. See Chapter XXVIIL, Note 5. When Mr. Alexander Stewart became a landed proprietor of the county of Down, and settled at Ne^vtownards, he was soon regarded with great jealousy by the old gentry of that part of Ulster. Very few of them were equal to him in point of wealth, whilst liis superior intelligence, his affability, and his exemplary conduct, secured for him general respect. As he was attached by conviction to the cause of nonconformity, and as he was for- ward to embrace every opportunity of promoting its interests, he speedily acquired unmense influence with the constituency of a Presbyterian county. Soon after the passing of the Octennial Bill, this influence appeared, for his son Robert was then returned to parliament as one of the representatives of the Yorkshire of Ireland. At the general election of 1783, " the independent party" attempted to return two members for the county of Down, and thus completely to oust the Hillsborough family from the representation. The effort was unsuccessful, and, during the election, when the friends of the Earl of Hillsborough saw that the seat of liis son. Lord Kilwarlin, was secure, they agreed to give their second votes to !Mr. Ward, and thus contrived to mor- tify the independent party by placing Mr. Robert Stewart, the more popular candidate, at the foot of the poll. The consti- tuency of the county of Down was now split up into two great factions, and, at the elections of 1790 and 1805, the families of Hill and Stewart struggled for victory with desperate energy. On these occasions the subordinate agents were not very scru- * Wodrow's Folio MSS., vol. xwv., arts. 72, 73, and 74. VOL. III. 2 M •■)32 AI>PENDIX. piilous as to the tales they eircuhited with a view to injure the reputation of the other party ; and as the Stewarts were confess- edly but comparatively recent settlers in the county of Down, it soon began to be insinuated that they were of discreditable origin. At the election of 1805, these rumours appear to have been first promulgated in squibs, and various other forms, and in many quarters they are now currently believed. The following statements, taken chiefly from the MS. of Mr. Stone, noticed in the preceding part of this history, will show that they are utterly destitute of foundation. Miss Mary Cowan, to whom Mr. Alexander Stewart was mar- ried, was the daughter of Alderman Cowan of Derry. This gentleman, who had married the sister of Lieutenant- Colonel Stewart of Ballylawn, was a staunch Presbyterian, and, in con- sequence of the passing of the Sacramental Test Act, was ejected from the Derry corporation. (See chapter xxii., note 37.) He and his father wore distinguished during the siege, and endured a full share of its dangers and privations. It is said that a lady of the family had a favourite grey horse, which, if iliscovered, would have been certainly killed for food, but that she contrived to keep the animal concealed, and to have it fed with hay during the whole of the siege. Alderman Cowan died possessed of con- siderable property, consisting of the lands of Campsie, on the banks of the Faughan, and tenements in the city and neighbour- hood of Derry. This property was inherited by his daughter, Miss Mary Cowan, and, before her death, produced a rental of £600 per annum. At one time. Alderman Cowan had much more extensive possessions, but in consequence of losses sustained in some commercial speculations in which he had engaged, he had been obliged to sell a large property in Burt. The greater jjor- tion of Miss Cowan's fortune was derived from another quarter. Her father had, by a former marriage, a son, Robert, who went out to India, and there soon rose to eminence as a merchant. On a particular occasion he managed a negotiation with which he was entrusted so sldlfuUy, and rendered such valuable ser- vices to the East India Company, that the Court of Direc- tors in London appointed him governor of Bombay. In 1736, APPENDIX. 533 ho rcturnetl, with great reputation and wealtli, to England, was knighted by George II., and sat for a short time in the British parliament. Before leaving Bombay, he had executed a will, be- queathing his entire property to his half brother, William Cowan, (who had gone out to India under his auspices), and, in the event of liis dying without issue, to his half sister, Max*y Cowan. In the beginning of the year 1737, Sir Robert Cowan died in Lon- don of quinsy, and though the intelligence had not then reached England, William Cowan had died shortly before in India. Mean- while, other members of the family also died, and Miss Mary Cowan was now sole heiress of all the property of her father and her two brothers. A few months after the death of Sir Ilobert Cowan, she married her cousin, Mr. Alex. Stewart ; but, before taking this step, she had a marriage settlement executed, vesting her fortune according to her wishes. Hugh Henry, Esq., the well-known banker of Dublin, was one of her trustees. Mrs. Stone, the wife of Major Stone, at whose house in Dublin she was married, was the granddaughter of Lieutenant-Colonel Stew- art of Ballylawn, and the first cousin of both the bride and bridegroom. At the time of her marriage. Miss Cowan was twenty-four years of age, and about fourteen years younger than her husband. Though by no means handsome, she possessed the more enduring recommendation of a humane and agreeable tlis- position. She survived Mr. Stewart seven years, and died at Newtownards on the 7th of April 1788. When very young, Mr. Alexander Stewart exhibited those ex- cellent traits of character by which he was distinguished through- out life. He had scarcely reached the age of twenty-one years when Mr. John Kennedy of Cultra died, but his brother-in-law, though possessed of a very considerable fortune, had formed so high an estimate of his integrity, prudence, and capacity, that he nominated him his executor, and appointed hhn guardian of his children. In many respects. Captain Thomas Stewart of Bally- lawn, and his brother Alexander, presented a striking contrast. Thomas was a liigh Tory. He sold his commission on the acces- sion of George I. to the throne; and when Mr. Andrews, a citi- zen of Deny, and father of one of tlic pio\ osts of Trinity College, Dublin, was sentenced to stand in tlie pillory for having sjiokcn 534 APPENDIX. disrespectfully of the goveriinient of the new sovereign, Captain Stewart stood near him, with his sword in his hand, ready to re- sent any affi'ont that might be offered to the condemned gen- tleman. Mr. Alexander Stewart was a decided Whig, and a zealous adherent of the house of Hanover. Instead of residing on his estate at Ballylawn, Captain Stewart lived in Derry, and indulged in so lavish an expenditure, that he was at length obliged to sell a portion of his property. Mr. Alexander Stew- art, though noted for his generosity to his friends, was an enemy to empty show and extravagance. On the demise of Captain Stewart, his wife claimed the Ballylawn estate, and as she had induced her husband, before his death, to execute some deed in her favour, she endeavoured, by the assistance of her brother, who was a justice of the king's bench, to make good her title ; but the tenants, who were Presbyterians, and who sided with Mr. Alexander Stewart, refused to recognise her pretensions. She commenced a suit at law to establish her claims, but, in 1733, whilst the case was still pending, she died, and Mr. Stewart was then permitted to retain quiet possession of the property. Mr. Alexander Stewart was acquainted with Sir Robert Cowan, and dined with him at his house in London on the day on Avhich the latter was seized with the complaint Avhich so soon proved fatal. In 1743, when Mr. Stewart bought the estate of Comber, it yielded a rental of about £1100 per annum, and he obtained it for twenty-one years' purchase. In the following year, he purchased the estate of Newtownards, producing about £2200 per annum, on the same terms. About the year 1 750, he erected a mansion for himself at Newtownards, and contributed greatly as a resident landlord, to the imjirovement of his property. In 1743, there were only two slated dwellings in the parish of Com- ber— viz., the glebe-house and the old house of Ballybeen. At the same time, there were not more than three good slated houses in Newtownards. Mr. Alexander Stewart built the market- house of that town, laid out the large square in front for a mar- ket-place, and effected many other improvements. " He had no small share of ambition," says Dr. Dickson (" Narrati\'e," p. 7), " but it was an ambition to raise his family to honour and in- fluence in his country, for his country's good." APPENDIX. o35 No. IV. See Chapter XXX., Note G1. List of the congregations of the Synod of Ulster and Presby- tery of Antrim, with the names of the ministers and the amount of stipend paid to each, as furnished by the Rev. Robert Black to Lord Castlereagh, April 27, 1799. No. Congregations. 1 Belfast 1st 2 Do. 2d _.™„ 3 Do. 3d 4 Do. 4th 5 C.irnmoncy ., G B.illj'claro 7 Antrim 1st ^ 8 Do. 2d 0 Ahogliill 10 Brouglisliane ^„ 11 Ballymena ^„ .„„ 12 Buckna w^.. 13 Connor 1-i CuUybackcy ^ 15 C lough ,„ 16 Duncan and Grange^ 17 Portglenone 18 Randalstown . 19 Bally willan ^ 20 Dervock 21 Billy 22 Dunluco 23 Ilamoan . ..„ 2'1 Annoy „ 25 Ballymoney v~,w 20 Finvoy 27 Kilraughts 28 Donogoi'o 29 Ballyeaston oO Ballycariy ;jl Carricktl'i'''us Counties. Antrim ,,. . Yearly Ministers. Stipend. Dr. Bruco £200 Patrick Vance 170 Sinclair Kclburn -^ .„ 120 Vacant>^^ ^™ 100 John Thompson 55 Foote Alarshall ., 30 William Bryson ,„ 45 Alexander Montgomery^™ 40 James Cuming „^„,,^„, 25 Charles Brown >„ . 50 William Hamilton .„ 67 David Park „ 30 Henry Henry „„„™^ .„ 75 Robei't Christy . 35 Vacant „,„, 50 Robert Scott ™ 30 Alexander Speers „» „^ 30 Thomas Henry GO Robert Thompson .„,. 50 Alexander Martin 45 Daniel M'Kee 40 John Camcron„,„^ 20 William Lynd ™, 30 Hugh M'Clelland 25 Alexander Marshall . 70 James Elder „^„ ,„ 40 Matthew Elder 50 John Wright „ 60 William Montgomery 50 John Bankhead „ ™, (iO John Savage ™, T") 536 APPENDIX. No Congregations. 32 Ballynure>„ »^^„ 33 Killead 34 Larne 1st — .„ «.„ 35 Do. 2d 36 Islandmagee .„ 37 Glenarm „.„»„ 38 Cairncastle ,„^„.„ 39 Crumlin ,^„^„. 40 Templepatrick,„^„ 41 Ballinderry ^„^„«,^ 42 Lisburn .„ „,^ 43 Armagh . .„ 44 Creggan &jNewtown-\ haniilton ^„^^.^^) 45 Dumbanaghei" — ^^ 46 Mountnorris 47 Lurgaii „ 48 Clare ™ ^ 49 Markethill „.™™™ 50 Loughgall ^-^^„»^ 51 Keady .™.„™™ 53 Richhill and Vinecash 53 Lisluney — ^„.„ 54 Derry »„»„^„^„^^^„ 55 Glenderraot 1st ,„^„ 56 Do. 2d .„™ 57 Cumber ™^„^„ 58 Banagher ^„ >„ 59 Bovevagb^„ ^„ 60 Screegan „ 61 Coleraine 1st ^„ — .^ 62 Do. 2d 63 Faughanvale »„ _» 64 Newtownlimavady ^„ 65 Tobermore ^„^„^„^^ 66 Moneymore .„.„. 67 Castledawson ^„ 68 Drumbo ^„.~. 69 Ballyrashane „,^„ 70 Ballykelly _, 71 Druraacbose . 72 Aghadocy 73 Kilrea ^^v^ ,,. . Yearly Counties. Ministers. Stipend. Antrim Adam Hill ..„^„ £40 ,, Robert OiT ™.™-,: .™™ 60 ,, James Worral™,^„ »^^„^„ 70 ,, Robert Thomson „^„ 45 ,, John Murphy »„ . „^~,^^ 35 , , Robert Acheson ^„ 40 , , Thomas Alexander ^^ 42 Vacant ___™™™ 50 ,, Robert Campbell ^„ ^^ 57 William Whitlaw _™™_. 20 ,, Andrew Craig . »v„ 80 Armagh Thomas Cuming ^ 116 „ Joseph Jackson 40 ,, Alexander Patterson ..„.„»„ 35 ,, Francis Turretine ^„^„ „, 35 ,, William Mngee ^ ,^ 30 ,, Samuel Livingston ,.„ ^„ 60 ,, William Charleton »„ ^„ 45 ,, Moses Hogg ^ ™^, 30 ,, Vacant^„ ,„ ^~^^„ 50 Thomas Reid ™™_ 30 , , Vacant .».^^„,.„ 40 Derry David Young & Robt. Black 240 Henry Millar ™_^ 40 Vacant ™ , ™ 60 Samuel Patten ™_™ 40 ,, John Lav? ..„^„^„.„™.^„^„ 20 ,, Francis Gray ^„ ^„ 45 ,, Joseph Osborne ^„ . „ 40 Matthew Culbert ™™™ 60 ,, John Glasgovv^„ ^ 70 ,, Henry Elder ,„ .„ »„ 40 ,, Joseph Csborne »„ „ 30 ,, Alexander Carson »^ 60 William Moore ^ 60 , , Robert Henry^. .»„^„ 35 ,, William Knox ., 36 ,, John Logan»„.„. 23 ,, Robert Rcntoul ^ ^„ 70 ,, Daniel Blair ^ ^ 50 ,, Archibald Fullcrton „ 40 ,, Vacant v^ ^^ .„ 30 APPENDIX. 537 ,, Derry No. Congregationt 74 Garragh 75 Maghcr.a »~« ,, 76 M.acosquin ,, 77 Moville „.-,«, Donegal 78 Donagh ™™ 79 Milin . 80 Fahan and Buncrana ,, 81 Burt ™ 82 Taughboyne (now\ Monreagh) .^/ " 83 St. Johnstone -^^„ ,, 84 Knowhead ^>„.-. ,, 85 Stranorlar ,, 86 Convoy ,, 87 Donaglimore . , , 88 LifFord 89 Raphoe . . ,, 90 Ray „,™..- 91 IjOtterkenny^„ .„ — ,, 92 Ramclton . . — 93 Fanot 9i Dunfanaghy & Kil macrenan 95 Donegal and Bally-\ shannon / " 96 Douglas and Clady Tyrone 97 Downpatiick ,^ Down 98 Money rea .^ .„ — ,, 99 Castlcreagh , , 100 lMillisle™___ 101 Kirkcubbin , ,, 102 Ilolywood 1st ,, 103 Do. 2d 104 Drumbo ~, . ,, 105 Newtownards 1st ,, 106 Do. 2d 107 Killinchy .„™^ ,, 108 Saintfield 109 Dromara ^„^^ « — ,, 110 Dromoro 1st ,, 111 Do. 2d 112 Anahilt ,,. . i'eailv Ministers. Stipend. James Brown . £45 Vacant.„ .„ 50 James M'Farland ^^.„ 40 Robert Caldwell 15 Robert Scott ^ .™ 18 John Canning , .^ 30 William Hamilton ., 30 Hugh Brooke »„^^^„ 55 i} Vacant. William Cunningham. Richard Dill .^, Joseph Lovo ... .. James T.aylor .. Samuel Dill ........ James Houston .^ , William Ramsay... Francis Dill ... ..,, Joseph Lyttle William Burke ..,, James Delap .... David Allen........ William Huston Thomas Leitch James Neilson ... . Samuel Patten „. Alexander Henry Andrew Greer „ George Brydonc, William Crawford Joseph Harrison .. Samuel Hanna „.. John M'llwaine ....... Vacant ... ^, Samuel Watson Vacant .......... James Birch „.. James Bankhead .... James AVaddel .... Robert M'Chtre 30 70 45 45 45 55 50 45 35 55 50 40 34 40 40 65 60 60 40 60 36 50 70 70* 60 70 70 70 80 60 50 * Including Lord Londonden'y's grant, valued at 30 guineas per annum. 538 APPENDIX. No. Congregations 113 Killileagh.„ 114 Donaghmore „ 115 Magherally ™™ 116 Rathfriland ™„ 117 Ballynahnich „ 118 Cumber , 119 Ballyroney ^„w 120 Mourne 121 Loughbrickland 122 Tullylish 123 Dundonald 124 Glastry 125 Bally waiter 126 Bangor^^ 127 Greyabbey ^„„ 128 Donaghadee. 129 Bailee ™ 130 Moira ™„ 131 Portaferry 132 Clough^. 133 Kilmore ™™^ 134 Banbridge „ 135 Newry ^„.„^„^ 136 Narrow-water Carlingford „ 137 Dunmurry v 138 Usher's Quay , 139 Mary's Abbey , 140 Ballyjamesduff, 141 Killesbandra , 142 Cootehill _,™, 143 Baillieborough, 144 Enniskillen ^„^ 145 Dundalk .„™. Counties. Down Ministers. Joseph Little ^„w„, Joseph Hay ,^ , Isaac Patrick .„. Samuel Barber . JohnM'Clelland™ John M 'Canoe „ William Fletcher Moses Thomson ,„ John Smith v^ John Sherrard James Caldwell »„ James Sinclair James Cochran »„ David Taggart ~„ Vacant ^„ „ Vacant^„ v^ Josiah Kerr ^^ John Wightman ^„ Vacant.^ . Robert Porter„,..^„ Moses Neilson ^„ Nathaniel Shaw Vacant ., v~. and Robert Dickson ,, William Taggart.^ ^«^« , Dublin Wm. Wilson & Hugh Moore jBenjamin M'Dowel and > " \ James Horner , 3 Cavan James Kennedy . , , Vacant>„.„,~. ^.^„»~^ >^ ,, Thomas Stewart^^*^™.,.^,^™ ,, Robert Montgomery >.„ .„ .Fermanagh Joseph Denham . „ Louth William Neilson ^^ 146 Ervy & Carrickmaclin Meath William Moore 147 Mayo ^„.„.^..„.„.~v Mayo Alexander Marshall 148 Corboy.„..„^„, .^ Longford Vacant ,^« 149 Monaghan »„ ^^^^ Monaghan Matthew Trimble „ 150 Ballibay ™„.™™™ ,, Vacant^ ™„ 151 Castleblayney ,^ . ,, John Davies 152 Stonebridge ,, James Whiteside ^ 153 Glennan .„„„.^^„ ,, James M' Curdy »^„ Yearly Stipend. £63 60 45 50 55 65 60 50 60 GO 50 50 40 75 40 50 50 20 80 50 50 80 140 21 60 234 250 25 60 20 20 40 30 35 30 50 40 60 40 36 APPENDIX. 539 No. Congregations 154 Clontibret 155 Drum ^», loG Omagh 1st »— — 157 Do. 2d 158 Donaghcady 1st 159 Aidstraw »^ ™ 160 DrumquinandPettigo 161 Badony . 162 Derg 163 Strabane ^^x-,.. .^ 164 Carlan 105 Benburb 166 Dungannon . 107 Minterburn i8 Magherafelt ^^ Brigh ■*ewartstown .„ kstovrn .v^,^ ■■nd Dromore & Bally- \ 177 -icck 178 L .iagheady 2d ] 79 Urney ^„ ^„^„ ^^ 180 Crossroads . ^^ 181 Sligo and 1 82 Turlough . 183 Stratford . Yearly Stipend. Counties. Ministers. Monaghan James Goudy »^w^ £30 Tyr James AValker .^^ Robert Nelson Hugh Delap Hugh Hamill Robert Clark Thomas Anderson „ Charles Hemphill „ James Henderson „ William Dunlop „ William Kennedy „ James Whiteside^^^ William Stitt Hugh Boylan ^„^ George Dugall ^ Thomas M'Kay James Adams John Davison Vacant »„ „ William Moorhead „ James Davison Ballymote Sli; . Mayo Wicklow James Kerr ^ Andrew Millar ^„^ William Johnston „ John Holmes ^ Andrew Alexander ^ James M'Clintock „ Booth Caldwell James Hall , „ Unsettled „.„ 15 30 50 45 50 40 40 40 105 40 40 47 40 GO 57 50 GO 40 35 Go 40 50 40 50 50 45 30 30 nil.NTKD Br M'CORMICK AND UOBlf, DO.NliO.^LL STHEET, BEI-FAST. I.'J, line 13, for " Embyn," read " Emlyn." 14. note 15, first line, for "Emhvn/'read "Emlyn." ')5, line 2, for " Newry," read "Antrim." S, line 2, for "a capital punishment," 7-ead "capital punishment." line 24, for " it may be," read " it may have been." line 2.5, for " would express," read "expressed." ines 26 and 27, the pointing should stand thus — " pungency, and • 1 an unpl'^asant altercation was likely to ensue as, yielding." ^2, for "its," road "it." INDEX Aberncthy, Rev. John, sen., ii. 342, 395. Abernotliy, Rev. John, jun., iii. 156 — publishes a sermon, iii. 161 — his orthodoxy questioned, iii. 275. Abjuration Oath to be taken by all ofScial persons, iii. 15. Academical Institution of Belfast, iii. 456 — disputes respecting it, iii. 459, 475. Act of Bangor, ii. 1 90. Adair, Bishop Archibald, i. 250, 27t. Adair, Mr., of Ballymena, i. 27S. Adair, Sir Robert, i. 379, 381 ; ii. 73, 181. Adair, Rev. Patrick, i. 196 ; ii. 36, 232, 309. Adderton, Bishop, executed, i. 277. Aird, Rev. John, i. 356. Ambrose, Rev. William, ii. 398. Annesley, Mr., ii. 14, 46. Antrim, Earl of, captured, i. 408 — escapes, i. 439. Antrim, important meeting at, iii. 108. Antrim, Presbytery of, iii. 234 — ex- cluded from Synod of Ulster, iii. 247. Apologetical Narration, i. 461. Aprichard, Mr., a licentiate, iii. 280. Ards, Lady, ii. 283. Argyle, Marquis of, ii. 29, 65. Arian controversy reviewed, iii. 489, 490, 491. Arianism of Emlyn, iii. 14 — Bishop Clayton, iii. 336 — and others, iii. 360, 363, 454, 475, 477. Assembly, General, of Scotland, sends ministers to Ireland, i. 364, 380, 449 ; ii. 2. Assembly of Glasgow of 1638, i. 208. Associate Presbytery, the, iii. 277. Baird, Rev. John, i. 356, 358; ii. 41. Bale, bishop of Ossory, i. 36 . Bankhead, Rev. John, iii. 433. Baptists, i. 373 ; ii. 167, 197, 201, 203. Barrow, Colonel, ii. 186. Barnett, Rev. John, D.D., iii. 283, note. Bateson, Sir Robert, iii. 397, note. Baty, Mr., ordained, i. 375. Beatty, Rev. Charles, iii. 356. Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, i. 150, 152, 165, 254— dies, i. 319, 320, 323. Belfast Academy established, iii. 403. Belfast Society, the, iii. 158, 159. Belfast taken, i. 452 — its compara- tive Episcopal and Presbyterian population, iii. 513. Benburb, battle of, ii. 24. 542 INDEX. Berkley, Lord, ii. 290, 298, 309. Bibles, two large ones sent to Dublin, i. 44 — destroyed by Romanists, i. 316 — great demand for, iii. 453. Biggar, case of Rev. William, ii. 452. Bishoprics, Irish, in 15th century, poor, i. 7- Bishops, Romish, in Ireland, rapa- cious, i. 8 — and profligate, i. 11. Black Oath, i. 232, 234. Black, Rev. Robert, D.D., iii. 397, 419, 442, 458, 461, 465. Blackwood, John, of Ballyleidy, iii. 40. Blair, Rev. Robert, i. 96, 102, 115, 128, 130, 170, 211, 367. Blair, Mr. Bryce, iii. 71. Blaney, Lord, ii. 242, 350. Blood's plot, ii. 273. Bole, Rev. Mr., i. 239. Bond, Rev. James, iii, 355. Book of Common Prayer not pub- lished in Irish till reign of James I., i. 62 — prohibited, ii. 51. Boulter, Primate, iii. 261, 265. Boyle, Archbishop, ii. 302. Boyne, battle of, ii. 386. Boyse, Rev. Joseph, ii. 407, 412, 425, 429— answers Tisdall, iii. 117 — supports non-subscribers, iii. 193, 206. Bramhall, Bishop, i. 156, 158, 245; ii. 241, 257— his death, ii. 284. Brice, Rev. Edward, i. 93. Bristol, Earl of, bishop of Derry, iii . 383. Broghill, Lord, ii. 242. Brown, George, archbishop of Dub- lin, i. 20. Brown, Rev. John, D.D., iii. 501. Bruce, archdeacon of Raphoe, i. 217. Bruce, Rev. Dr., of Belfast, iii. 421, 475. Bruce, Rev. Michael, of Killinchy, ii. 209, 260, 286. Bruce, Rev. Michael, of Holywood, iii. 183, 251. Bruce, Mr. AVilliam, of Dublin, iii. 323. Bruce, Rev. Professor, iii. 474. Bryce, Rev. James, iii. 451, 452. Brydone, Rev. George, iii. 404. Burghers and Antiburghers, origin of, iii. 301 — union of, iii. 466. Butler, Dr. James, R. C. Archbishop of Cashel, iii. 392. Butler, Sir Theobald, iii. 24. Buttle, Rev. David, ii. 9. Buttle, Mr. David, iii. 32, note. Cairns, William, iii. 32, note, 44, note. Caldwell, Rev. Booth, iii. 447. Cameron, Rev. John, iii. 338, 302, 367. Campbell, Hugh, i. 105. Campbell, Rev. Dr., of Armagh, iii. 384, 385, 393. Campbell, Rev. John, challenges Presbyterian ministers, iii. 57. Candidates for the Presbyterian ministry, their course of study, iii. 12, 273, 366, 402, 465. Canons, Irish, of 1634, i. 160, 162. Capel, Lord, ii. 421, 422, 430, 432, 433. Carlile, Rev. James, D.D., iii. 462, 483, 497. Carlisle^ Rev. John, iii. 290. Carrickfergus preserved, i. 298 — seized, ii. 72— battered, ii. 372— taken, iii. 354. Carson, Rev. Alexander, iii. 447, 449. Castlehaven, Lord, i. 455. Castlereagh, Lord, iii. 320, 398, 439, 460. Cathcart, Rev. John, ii. 283. INDEX. ;U.'3 Census of 1834 incorrect, ii. 411, note; iii. 498, 499, 500, 501 . Cessation with Romanists, i. 402. Chappell, Provost of Dublin college, i. 159, 281. Charles I. ascends the throne, i. 136 — how his death was regarded by High-Churchmen, ii. 82. Charles II. 's restoration, ii. 235. Cherry, Rev. George, iii. 279, 354. Chichester, Sir Arthur, i. 77; ii. 50. Chieftains, Irish, lawless, i. 16. Choppin, Rev. Richard, iii. 131. • Claneboy, Lord, i. 237, 304, 359. Clarendon, Lord, ii. 327. Clark, Rev. Thomas, iii. 342, 344, 346, 347. Classification of Bounty, iii. 434, 435, 441, 451. Clayton, Bishop, an Arian, iii. 336. Clotworthy, Lady, ii. 184. Clotworthy, Sir John, i. 103, 264, 207, 331, 352, 388; ii. 48, 77, 196, 199, 231, 237. Clotworthy, Sir Hugh, i. 103. Code of discipline prepared, iii. 470. Cole, Dr., his commission, i. 42. Coleraine, mortality there, i. 315. College, Presbyterian, proposed, iii. 414, 432. Colville, Rev. Alexander, iii. 157. Colville, Rev. Alexander, M.D., iii. 231, 233, 314. Colville, Doctor, ii. 17, 18. Colville, Sir Robert, ii. 340. Colwort, Rev. Henry, i. 109, 211. Confession of Faith for the Church of Ireland, i. 90 — set aside, i. 161. Confession, Westminster, to be sub- scribed, iii. 39, 108, 109, 129, 171, 274, 312, 401, 501. Connaught Plantation proposed, i. 137. ConoUy, Mr. , befriends Presbyterians, iii. 116. Conventicle Act, ii. 296. Convocation of 1634, i. 160, 162— of 1711 : iii. 61, note. Conway, Colonel, ii. 25, 46, 58. Cooke, Rev. Henry, D.D., iii. 468, 471, 473, 476, 481, 484, 491. Cooper, Colonel, ii. 215. Coote, Sir Charles, ii. 53, 54, 57, 75, 228, 242, 243. Corbet, John, i. 248, 253. Corke, Earl of, i. 141. Covenant, National, of Scotland, i. 207. Covenant, Solemn League and, i. 389— taken in Ulster, i. 423, 431. Covenanters, or Reformed Presbyte- rians, iii. 362, 395, 452, 476. Cowan, Alderman, iii. 532. Co.\, Rev. Mr., ii. 232. Craghead, Rev. Robert, ii. 393, 394, 408; iii. 131, 166, 267. Crawford, Rev. Dr., iii. 403. Croft, Sir James, i. 32. Cromer, Archbishop of Armagh, i. 21 — maintains the authority of the Pope, i. 24. Cromwell, Henry, ii. 200, 201, 207, 212, 217. Cromwell, Oliver, ii. 128, 204. Crookslianks, Rev. John, ii. 285, 286, 287, note. Crosby, Sir Piers, i. 200. Cuming, Rev. Thomas, iii. 420. Cumyng, Doctor Duncan, ii. 336. Cunningham, Rev. Robert, i. 95, 190, 197. Cunningham, Rev. Robert, ii. 37. Cunningham, Rev. Hugh, i. 356, ii. 43. < Cunningham, Rev. AYilliam, i. 111. Cunningham, Mr. William, iii. 32, note. 544 INDEX. JJalway, Captain, ii. 259, note. Dalway, Mr., iii. 40, note. Darragh, Rev. Robert, case of, iii. 83. Deacons in the Irish Presbyterian Church, i. 116. Dean Swift, ii. 418 ; iii. 37, 42, 116, 268. Declaration of council of the army, ii. 102. Declaration by presbytery at Bangor, ii. 119, 127. Declaration of Irish parliament, ii. 258. Declaration for liberty of conscience, i. 332. Declaration of Synod of Ulster against schemes of United Irishmen, iii. 418, 419. Derry fortified, i. 335 — its distress, i. 344— besieged, ii. 104, 125— blockaded, ii. 354. Dickson, Rev. "William Steel, D.D., iii. 439, 430. Dill, Rev. Samuel, iii. 455, 481. Disputes relative to subscription of Confession of Faith, iii. 164, 249, 401. Dolben, Sir Gilbert, iii. 22. Dopping, Bishop, ii. 429, 435. Douglas, Rev. Joseph, iii. 397. Dowdal, George, primate, i. 27. Down, contests for representation of the county, iii. 381, 382, 398, 440, note. Downham, bishop of Derry, i. 155. Downshire, Marquis of, iii. 399, 439. Drogheda, attempt to establish a col- lege there, i. 9 — opposition to preaching of Presbyterian minis- tersthere, iii. 55 — invested, ii. 129. Dromore, break of, ii. 348. Drysdale, Mr., ordained, i. 375. Dublin college founded, i. 55 — its first provosts and fellows Presby- terians, i. 56, 57, 158 — statutes altered, i. 160 — Jacobite spirit in it, iii. 113 — United Irishmen in it, iii. 417, 418, note. Duchal, Rev. James, iii. 257- Dugud, Rev. William, iii. 187. Dunbar, Rev. George, i. 108, 130, 170, 211. Dungannon, resolutions of volunteers, iii. 377. Dunlop, Rev. Samuel, of Athlone, iii. 168. Echlin, Bishop, i. 98 — opposes the Presbyterians, i. 124 — his confe- rence with Blair, i. 175 — his death, i. 178. Echlin, Mr., of Bangor, iii. 217. Edgar, Rev. John, D.D., iii. 504. Edgar, Rev. Samuel, D.D., iii. 457. Edmonstone, Captain, of Broadisland, i. 303, 309. Edmonstone, Mr. Archibald, iii. 32, note. Edmonstone, Mr. John, ii. 30, 31, note. Edmundson the Quaker, ii. 205, 206, 210. Education of candidates for the mi- nistry, iii. 12, 273, 366, 465. Edward VI. 's reign favourable to the Reformation, i. 26. Ejection of Presbyterian ministers at the Restoration, ii. 250, 252, 253. Elder, Rev. Mr., iii. 230. Elders, ruling, deterred from attend- ing presbyteries, ii. 292 — turn the scale in the subscription contro- versy, iii. 247. Elizabeth ascends the throne, i. 43. Ellis, Major Edmond, ii. 118, 154, 467. Emancipation, Roman Catholic, iii. 440. INDEX. 545 Emigration to America, i. 170, 191; iii. 262, 306, 371. Emlyn, Uev. Thomas, iii. 13, 11. Engagement of the parliament, ii. lU. Engagement, the Scottish, ii. 64, 65. Enniskilien, covenant taken at, i. 433— defence of, ii. 370. E[)iscopal Church of Irehuid, low state of, iii. 390, 408, 409. Episcopal clergy join the presbytery, i. 371 — pray for and against Wil- liam III., ii. 387, 388. Erskine, Rev. John, iii. 284, note. Evangelical Society of Ulster, iii. 447. Falkland, Lord-Deputy, i. 136. Ferguson, Dr. Victor, iii. 157, 188. Ferguson, Rev. George, iii. 288. Ferguson, Rev. Andrew, of Burt, iii. 300. Ferguson, Rev. Archibald, ii. 9, 31. Ferguson, Sir R. A., iii. 300, note. Ferrie, Mr. John, iii. 485. Fisher, Rev. James, of Glasgow, iii. 295. Fisherwick PI. Presbyterian church, iii. 495. Fleetwood, General, ii. 107, 171, 197, 217. Forbes, Sir Arthur, ii. 231, 277, 288, 291, 302, 309. Forfeited estates, i. 72, 75, 77. Forward, Mr. John, ii. 332, 350, note. Franklin, Sir William, ii. 337. Freeman, an English conformist, i. 122. French refugees in Irehmd, ii. 440, 441 ; iii. 76. FuUarton, Sir James, i. 56. Giilbrailh, Rev. Mr., i. 217, 218, 460. Galoy, Daniel, case of, iii. 312. Galland, Captain, of Vow, iii. 40. Galway, Sheriff of, fined, i. 199. Galway, Lord, ii. 433, 434. Geddes, Janet, i. 207. General Assembly of Presbyterian Church in Ireland formed, iii. 507. General Convention in Ireland, ii. 230, 231. General Fund established, iii. 63. Gentry, proportion of Episcopal and Presbyterian, in reign of Queen Anne, iii. 27. George I., change of policy on ac- cession of, iii. 104, 105. George II. ascends the throne, iii. 260, George III., address of Irish Presby- terians to, iii. 354. George IV., congr.atulatory address to, iii. 469. 470. Gibson, Dean, i. 97, 118, Gibson, James, Esq., iii. 283, note, 379, note. Glamorgan, Earl of, i. 464 — his treaty discovered, i. 470. Glendinning, Rev. James, i. 95, 102, 106. Glenmaquin, battle of, i. 352. Goodacre, Hugh, primate, i. 36. Goodall, John, case of, ii, 309, 310, 481. Gordon, Rev. James, ii. 42, 337, 366, 307, note. Gowan, Rev. Thomas, ii. 318, Graces promised by Charles I., i. 139. Granard, Earl of, ii. 320, 324. Grattan, Mr., fiivours the Presbyte- rians, iii. 399. Gray, Rev, Robert, iii. 487- (hay, case of Rev, William, ill- 38. Gregg, Rev. John, ii. 41, 08. 546 INDEX. Hackett, Bishop, ii. 416. Haliday, Rev. Samuel iii. 134 — called to Belfast, iii. 168 — refuses to subscribe Confession of Faith, iii. 173— is irregularly installed, iii. 174, 185, Hall, Rev. Thomas, ii. 37. Hamilton, Rev. James, i. 99, 186, 211, 367. Hamilton, Sir James, i. 118. Hamilton, Rev. Robert, i. 212. Hamilton, Sir Frederick, i. 415, 417, 427. Hamilton, William, of Killileagh, iii. 32. Hamilton, Colonel, iii. 40. Hamilton, Rev. George, iii, 447. Hamilton, Rev. Archibald, ii. 315. Hanna, Rev. Samuel, D.D., iii. 447, 455, 464. Hanover, Elector of, Irish Presby- terians prepared to take up arms in support of, iii. 102. Hearts of Oak, iii. 370. Henderson, Captain, iii. 40. Henderson, Rev. Alexander, i. 390, 463. Henry, Rev. Michael, iii. 287. Henry, Rev. Henry, iii. 455. Henry, Rev. Thomas, iii. 420. Henry VIII. proclaims the royal supremacy in Ireland, i. 20. Heyland, Mr., iii. 40. High-Commission Court, i. 147. Higinbotham, Rev. Robert, iii. 252, 306. Hill, Colonel Arthur, i. 298, 303 ; ii. 242. Hopkins, Bishop, ii. 337. Horner, Rev. James, iii. 468. Houston, Rev. James, i. 376. Houston, Rev. David, ii. 310, 313, 333, 396. Hoyle, Rev. Dr., i. 388. Hubbard, Rev. Mr., i. 94. Hunter, Captain Henry, ii. 357. Hutcheson, Rev. Alexander, ii. 316. Hutcheson, Dr. Francis, iii. 160, 327. Hutcheson, Rev. Mr., of Armagh, iii. 255. Hutton, Alderman, iii. 421, 422. Imputed sin, the doctrine of, denied, iii. 400, 401. Indemnity, Acts of, iii. 153, 316. Independents, ii. 136, 158, 163, 221. Intercourse between Synod of Ulster and Church of Scotland renewed, iii. 503. Iredell, Rev. Francis, ii. 455 ; iii. 131, 182, 322. Ireland granted by a Papal bull t Henry II., i. 3. Ireton, Henry, ii. 153, 164. Irish language, scheme for preaching . in, iii. 60, 62, 136 Irish Church, early, i. 2. Islandmagee, Roman Catholics put to death in, i. 312. Jackson, Rev. James, iii. 347. Jackson, John, of Crieve, iii. 448, note, 473, note. Jackson, Rev. Henry, iii. 297, note. Jackson, Rev. William, iii. 417. Jails of Ulster, number of prisoners of different denominations in, iii. 444, 445. James I. ascends the throne, i. 70 — encourages the settlement of Scots in Ulster, i. 81 — connives at the introduction of their ministers into the Established Church, i. 89. James II. proclaimed, ii. 325 — ar- rives in Dublin, ii. 353 — escapes to France, ii, 386. INDEX. 547 Kelso, Kev. Robert, ii. 338. Kennedy, Rev. Gilbert, of Dundon- ald, ii. 300. Kennedy, Rev. Gilbert, of Tullylish, iii. 168, 177, 193. Kennedy, Rev. Gilbert, of Belfast, iii. 278, 357. Kennedy, Rev. Anthony, ii. 39, 40. Ker, Rev, James, ii. 107, 109, 110, 175. Killileagh, break of, ii. 359. King, bishop of Derry, ii. 403, 404, 407, 410 — attempts to interfere •with the Regium Donura, iii. 6, 7 — made archbishop of Dublin, and op- poses Presbyterians, iii. 68, 69, 70 — appointed one of the lords- justices, iii. 107 — supports the Test Act, iii. 122, 126, 145, 147. King, Charles, M.P., iii. 381. Kirk, Major-General, ii. 362, 364, 360, 382. Kirkpatrick, Rev. James, iii. 91 — publishes his ' ' Presbyterian Loy- alty," iii. 92. Kneeling at the Lord's Supper con- demned, i. 115. Knox, bishop of Raphoe, i. 107, 111, 112. Laird, Rev. William, iii. 308. Lambert, Rev. Ralph, D. D., iii. 38. Lands forfeited in Ulster, i. 72, 75, Leslie, bishop of Raphoe, i. 354 ; ii. 299. Leslie, dean and bishop of Down, i. 127, 162, 178, 179. 221, 222, 224, 228. Letterkcnny, covenant taken at, i. 432. Letablero, Rev. John, ii. 442, note. Leven, Earl of, i- 450. Leyden, Irish ministers study at Uni- versity of, iii. 150. Lisburn attacked, i. 332. Listen, Rev. Mr., ii. 392, Little, Rev. Joseph, iii. 433. Livingston, Rev. John, i. 110, 117, 130, 170, 178, 211, 213, 377; ii. 9, 67, 208, 210, Livingston, Rev. William, iii. 202, 282. Loftus, Lord- Justice, i. 141. Long Parliament, i. 263. London, Corporation of, i. 337. Londonderry, Marquis of, iii. 320, note, 439, note. Lords, Irish House of, draw up a re- presentation against Presbyterians, iii. 07. Low Countries send relief to Ireland i. 419. Lundy, governor of Derry, ii. 353, 354. Lynd, Rev. Charles, iii. 132, note ; ill. 314. Lang, Rev. George, iii. 178. Laud, Archbishop, i. 145 — his trial, i. 459, 460. Lawson, Captain, i, 300. Leckic, Laird of, i. 244, 267. Lcckcy, llov. William, ii. 273, 275, 281. Lcucliman, Rev, Dr., iii. 333. Leland, Rev. Dr., iii. 131, 352. Macdonnell, Alaster, i. 440, 442. Macgill, Captain James, ii. 353. Mackenna, Mr. William, i. 447. Mackenzie, Rev. John, ii. 336. Mackie, Mr, William, iii. 32, note. Magco, Mrs., her bequests, iii, 397, 514. Magcnnis, Sir Con, i. 296, 309. .Magill, Rev. Robert, iii. 477- 548 INDEX. Mail's, Rev. John, of Newtownards, iii. 175, 207. Malcome, Rev. John, of Dunmurry, iii. 163, 252. Malcom, Rev. Dr., of Newry, iii. 471. Manby, Dr. Peter, ii. 330, 331. Margetson, Archbishop, ii. 284, 302. Marriages, Presbyterians troubled on account of their, iii. 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 — vindicated, iii. 37 — prosecutions continued, iii. 101, 131 — act re- specting them, iii. 272, 378, 510. Mary, Queen, i. 41. Massacres in 1641, i. 311. Massareene, Lord, ii. 244, 258, 267, 270— his death, ii. 302, note. Masterton, Rev. Charles, iii. 200, 208, 209, 258. Mather, Rev. Samuel, ii. 202. Mathews, Rev. Samuel, ii. 417. Maxwell, Mr. Ai-thur, iii. 40, note. Maxwell, Rev. John, of Armagh, iii. 321. Maxwell, Bishop, i. 255. M 'Alpine, Rev. James, has a philo- sophy-school at Killileagh, ii. 443, 452 ; iii. 35. M 'Bride, Rev. John, ii. 437, 449— refuses to take the oath of abjura- tion, iii. 15 — retires to Scotland, iii. 37— dies, iii. 168. M'Cabbin, Fergus, hospitality of, i. 195. M'Claine, Rev. Dr., iii. 289. M'Clelland, Rev. Mr., i. 211, 212. M'Cormick, Rev. Andrew, ii. 285, 286. M'Cracken, Rev. Alexander, re- fuses to take oath of abjuration, iii. 16 — escapes, iii. 64 — again in danger, iii. 94 — is apprehended, iii. 97 — and tried, iii. 98 — his death, iii. 121, note. M 'Dowel, Rev. Benjamin, D.D., iii. 367, 385, 421. M'Garragh, Rev. James, iii. 396. M'Mahon, Bishop Heber, ii. 139, 142, 143. M'Mahon, Rev. Arthur, iii. 423. M'Master, Rev. Robert, iii. 214. M'Neill, Mr. Donald, ii. 42. M'Neill, Rev. Daniel, i. 474. Milton's reply to the presbytery at Belfast, ii. 84. Ministers, Scottish, sent to Ireland, i. 420, 449. Missionary Fund instituted, iii. 39. Missionary movements of Synod of Ulster and Secession, iii. 467, 468, 494. Monck, Colonel George, ii. 52, 69, 71, 74. 97, 226, 237. Moncrieff, Thomas, case of, ii. 445, 514. Monro, General, i. 341, 344, 418 ; ii. 2, 10, 47. Montgomery, Lord, i. 233, 299, 304, 359, 378, 413 — taken prisoner, ii. 25, 27, 59, 115, 123, 134. Montgomery, Rev. Henry, LL.D., iii. 430, 478, 479, 480, 482, 484, 491. Montrose, his successes, ii. 12. Moore, Captain James, ii. 274. Moore, Captain Hugh, iii. 40. Moravians appear in Ulster, iii. 303, note. Morell, Rev. Samuel, shot, iii. 370. Morgan, Rev. James, D.D., iii. 469, 495, 508. Mortimer, Mr., of Ramelton, iii. 40. Mount-Alexander, Lord, ii. 276, 280, 283, 320, 337, 340. Mountcashel, Lord, ii. 18, note. Mountjoy, Viscount, ii. 322. Mountnorris, Lord, i. 200. Mossom, Bishop, ii. 292, 355, INDEX. 549 Mun3ter Synod, iii. US, 469, 488, note. Murray, Captain Adam, ii. 354. Narrative of Seven Synods, iii. 254. National Education, controversy re- specting, iii. 497, 498. Nelson, Rev. John, of Ballykelly, iii. 359. Nevin, Rev. Mr., iii. 20G— his trial, iii. 219. New congregations erected, iii. 110, 111, 317. 493. New-Light, first application of tho name, iii. 163. Nonconformist, play of the, ii. 308. Nuncio, Papal, ii. 44, 45. Nye, Rev. Philip, i. 391. Octennial Act, iii. 372. O'llaggerty, a friar, ii. 344. Oliver Cromwell, ii. 128. O'Neill, SirPhelim, i. 295, 331, 334, 347. O'Neill, Owen Roe, i. 397, 405, 455 ; ii. 23, 25— his death, ii. 128, note. O'Quin, Rev. Jeremiah, ii. 39, 41, 107, 110, 170. Orangemen, iii, 415. Ordination, Presbyterian, singular mode of, i. 98, 111, 112. Ormond, Earl of, i. 401, 413, 458 ; ii. 49. Orr, Rev. Thomas, of Cumber, iii. 157, 225. Orrery, Earl of, ii. 243. Osborne, Rev. Alexander, ii. 330, 345, Osborne, Rev. Joseph, iii. 285, 280. Ossory, Earl of, ii. 287, 291. Overtures of 1725, iii. 239— of 1828, iii. 480. Owen, Dr. John, ii. 136, 137- Owen O'ConnoUy, i. 293, 395, 405, 412, 415 ; ii. 46, 131, 132. Pacific Act, the, iii. 171. Parliamentary reform, demand for, iii. 412. Patient, Rev. Thomas, ii. 165, 167. Patrick's Purgatory, i. 13 — sup- pressed, i. 142. Patton, Rev. Isaac, iii. 292, 302. Paul, Rev. John, D.D., iii. 476, 479. Peden, Rev, Alexander, ii. 296, 320. Peebles, Rev. Thomas, i. 356 ; ii. 42, 304, Peep-of-day Boys, iii, 415, Petition to Scottish Assembly, i, 360, 445. Petition to Long Parliament from Irish Presbyterians, i, 267. Places of worship rebuilt and re- paired, iii. 493. Plantation of Ulster, i. 77, 81, 85. Pont, Rev. Mr.,i. 218. Pont, Mrs., i. 280. Population of Ireland of different sects, its amount, iii. 498, 499, 600, 501, 513. Porter, Rev. John, of Bushmills, iii, 119, Porter, Rev. William, iii, 460, 477, 486, 492. Portland, Duke of, iii. 378, 379, 380. Presbyterians settle in Ireland, i. 56, 79 — encouraged by the state, i. 87, 89 — character of early set- tlers, i. 92 — revival of religion among them, i, 101 — their minis- ters deposed, i. 185 — refuse to take the Black Oath, i, 236— protest against execution of Charles I., ii. 84 — ministers apprehended, ii. 146 — again encouraged, ii. 208 — promote the restoration of Charles 550 INDEX, II., ii. 229 — their ministers ejected, ii. 252 — receive a Regium Do- num, ii. 316 — present a congra- tulatory address to William III., ii. 376 — prepare to take up arms for Elector of Hanover, iii. 102 — not the authors of the Rebellion of 1798, iii. 416, 422, 423, 425, 427. Presbytery, the first meeting of, at Carrickfergus, i. 357. Presbytery, a false one formed, i. 473. I'resbytery of Antrim cut oflf from Synod of Ulster, iii. 246, 247— — ^invited to join in scheme of Widows' Fund, iii. 326 — and to correspond with synod, iii. 351— send commissioners to synod, iii. 353 — its members attend meetings of synod, iii. 444 — and join with synod in a deputation to George IV., iii. 469. Presbytery of Armagh, iii. 286. Presbytery of Dromore, iii. 287, 288, 472. Presbytery of Killileagh, iii. 274, 400, 401, note. Pretender, threatened invasion of the, iii. 114, 319. Printing-press brought to Ireland, i. 51. Privy censures, ii. 55, note. Proclamation for transporting the Scots to Munster, ii. 177. Provosts of Dublin College Presbyte- rians, i. 57. Pullen, Bishop, ii. 427. Quakers in Ireland, ii. 205, 207. Queen Anne dies, iii. 104. Queen Caroline, iii. 336. Queen's College, Belfast, iii. 158, note. Raphoe, covenant taken at, i. 431 — congregation erected there, iii. 342, note. : Ramsay, Rev. Gilbert, ii. 42, 303. Rawdon, Sir Geo., ii. 242, 243, 289. Rawdon, Sir Arthur, ii. 343, 348. Reading of sermons attacked, iii. 304. Rebellion, Irish, of 1641, i. 284— of 1798, iii. 424. Reformed Presbytery, iii. 362, 395, 424, 452. Regium Donum first granted, ii. 316, 317 — inci-eased by William III., ii. 384 — letters patent issued by Queen Anne in reference to it, iii. 10 — Irish Commons pass a resolu- tion against it, iii. 18 — withdrawn, iii. 101 — increased, iii. 135 — efforts for its additional augmentation, iii. 319— increased, iii. 386,399, 433 — equalised, iii. 503. Reid, Rev. Edward, iii. 470. Reid, Rev. J. S., D.D., iii. 492, 494, 506. Remonstrance of Unitarians, iii. 483. Remonstrance of Irish Parliament, i. 262. Remonstrants, Irish, origin of, iii. 488. Rentoul, Rev. James, iii. 467. Representation of Irish Lords against Presbyterian ministers, iii. 67 — of Presbyterian ministers against exe- cution of Charles I., ii. 84. Restoration, the, ii. 227. Revival of religion, i., 101, 102, 103, 104, 120. Revolution, the, ii. 336. Richardson, Rev. John, iii. 85. Richardson, Rev. William, ii. 302, 305, 306, note. Ridge, Rev. John, i. 95, 172, 185. Right Boys, iii. 390. Robarts, Lord, ii. 238, 294, 295. liNDEX. 551 Rogers, Rev. John, ii. 168. Rogers, Rev. John, of Cah.ans, iii. 396, 457. Romish bishops in Ireland before tho Reformation, i. 5. Row, Rev. Samuel, i. 212. Rowan, Captain, iii. 473, 474. Rowley, Mr. William, i. 122, 297- Rule, Dr. Gilbert, singular anecdote told by him, ii. 222, note. Rump Parliament, ii. 78. Sabbath profanation, prevalence of, iii. 406, 407. Saintleger, Sir Anthony, lord-deputy, i.27. Sample of Jet-Black Prelatic Ca- lumny, iii. 88. Schear-Saullis, battle of, ii. 142. Schism Act extended to Ireland, iii. 103. Schomberg, Duke of, ii. 372, 374, 3SG. School of philosophy at Antrim, ii. 318— at Newtownards, ii. 452 — and at Killileagh, ii. 443. Scotch Presbyterian chaplains re- quired to conform to Episcopal Church, iii. 124. Scott, Rev. John, i. 350. Scottish forces leave Ireland, ii. 62, 03. Seasonable Advice, the, iii. 189. Seceders appear in Ireland, iii. 283 — divided into Burghers and Anti- burghers, iii. 302 — increase, iii. 307 — two synods of theirs formed, iii. 388, 389 — permitted to swear with uplifted hand, iii. 379 — ob- tain Rcgium Donum, iii. 387 — ra- pidly increase, iii. 450 — unite with the Synod of Ulster, iii. 506. Secession, rise of the, iii. 277. Semple, Rev. John, i. 113, 211. Semple, Rev. John, of Anahilt, iii. 345. Semple, Rev. William, ii. 43, 315. Serious Warning of Synod of Ulster, iii. 298. Shaw, Mr. James, i. 299 ; ii. 36. Shaw, Captain, of the Bush, iii. 40, note. Shaw, Rev. Anthony, ii. 37. Shaw, Rev. James, ii. 302. Shute, Mr., an eminent dissenter, iii. 141. vSimpson, Rev. James, i. 356. Simpson, Rev. Professor, iii. 159, 327. Sixty-one Presbyterian ministers ejected, ii. 252. Smithurst, Rev. J., iii. 474. Statisticsof jails of Ulster, iii. 445 — of workhouses, iii. 512 — of popula- tion, iii. 501, 513. Stavely, Rev. William, iii. 405, 424, note. Stephenson, Rev. S. M., iii. 369. Stevenson, Captain, iii. 40, note. Stewart, Rev. Andrew, i. 108 — his death, i. 171. Stewart, Sir William, i. 219, 220, 333. Stewart, Mr. Henry, i. 245, 278. Stewart, Mr. Archibald, i. 299. Stewart, Mr. Robert, of Irry, i. 328. Stewart, Mr. William, of Killymoon, iii. S. Stewart, Mr. Alexander, of New- townards, iii. 318, 319, 531. Stewart, Colonel James, M. P., iii. 378, 413. Stewart, Rev. Robert, D.D., iii.4G8, 482. Stewart, Sir Alexander, ii. 95. Stewart, Lieutenant-Colonel William, ii. 363. Stipend of ministers, iii. 2G5, 318, 342, 404, 438. 552 INDEX. Stock, bishop of Killala, iii. 393. Stone, Primate, iii. 335. Strabane Academy, iii. 403. Students' prayer-meeting, iii. 604. Subscribers and non-subscribers, iii. 183. Subscription to Westminster Confes- sion of Faith, ii. 493; iii. 13, 12S, 162, 171, 274, 312, 401, 472, 480, 601. Supplications to Synod of Ulster, iii. 296, 297. Swanston, Rev. John, iii. 294, 306, 307. Sydney, Sir Henry, holds a parlia- ment, i. 50. Synge, Rev. Edward, ii. 435; iii. 38. Synod (Romish) of Killsenny, i. 398, 399. Synod of Ulster, ii. 222 — proposal to constitute it by delegation, iii. 64, 349— annual meeting of 1716, iii. 127— of 1828, iii. 481. Taylor on Original Sin, iii. 296, 335. Taylor, Bishop Jeremy, ii. 225, 241, 246. Taylor, Rev. Timothy, ii. 138, 158, 159, 161, 163, 215. Tennent, Rev. John, iii. 340. Tennent, Sir James Emerson, iii. 340, note. Tennent, Rev. Gilbert, iii. 357- Test Act, Irish, iii. 20 — its operation in Derry and elsewhere, iii. 28, 44 — petition against it, iii. 31 — at- tempts to repeal it defeated, ii' 42, 122, 271— its repep' Third congregation of B lished, iii. 186. Thomson, Mr. John, iii. Thomson, Rev. John, iii. 471. Thornton, mayor of Dcrry, i. 41S, 427; ii. 5. Tisdall, Rev. William, D.D., iii, 49, 77, 82, 99, 104, 106, 120. Tithes enjoyed by Irish Presbyterian ministers, i. 123; ii. 200, 214. Toleration Act passed, iii. 151. Tone, Theobald Wolfe, iii. 416. Trail, Rev. William, ii. 321. Travers, Walter, a Presbyterian, and first provost of Dublin college, i. 67. Turner, Sir James, i. 343. Tyrconnel, Lord-Lieutenant, ii, 328, 332, 333, 338, 339, 345. Ulster Plantation, i. 72, 78, 80, 81. Unitarian controversy, iii. 473, 475, 483, 486, 489. Unitarianism, protest against, iii. 454. United Irishmen, iii. 416, 417, 418, 419. Union between Great Britain and Ireland, iii. 431. Union of Burghers and Antiburghers, iii, 467. Union of Secession and Synod of Ulster, iii. 606. University, a second proposed in Ireland, iii. 432, note. Unqualified subscription to Confes- sion of Faith, iii. 502. Upton, Captain Henry, i. 104, 299. Upton, Mr. Arthur, ii. 340, 376; iii. 31, 118, 140, 141 --i_ 219. Uasbe- ^ 128, 129, 9. , 147, 149, 570. INDEX. 553 \'oters, two-thirds of the, must con- cur in a call to a minister, iii. 273. Walker, Rev. George, ii. 354, 369, 383, 386, 398. Walkington, Bishop, ii. 446. Wallace, Captain James, i. 439 ; ii. 7, 39, 285. Wandcsford, Deputy, i. 277. Waring, Mr. Westenra, iii. 79, 97. Warning, A Serious, iii. 298. Warning, A Solemn and Seasonable, ii. 8.^ Waugh, Rev. Dr., of London, iii. 455. Weir, Rev. Mr., captured, i. 440 — dies, i. 455. Welsh, Rev. Josias, i. 106, 130, 170 —his death, i. 170. Wentworth, Lord-Deputy, i. 134, 143, 156, 174, 198, 200, 214, 221, 248— Lord Strafford, i.257, 265. Westminster Assembly, i. 388 ; ii. 33. White, Rev. James, iii. 321. Widows' Fund, iii. 324, 451, note. William III. arrives in Ireland, ii. 381 — grants the Regium Donum, ii. 384 — abolishes oath of sapre- macy, ii. 399 — his death, iii. C. Williams, Rev. Dr., iii. 136. Willoughby, Sir Francis, ii. 46. Wilson, James, M.P., iii. 373. Winter, Rev. Samuel, ii. 153, 167. Witherspoon, Rev. Dr., iii. 332, 357, note. Woodward, bishop of Cloyne, iii. 389. Worcester, battle of, ii. 176. Workhouses of Ulster, iii. 512, note. Young, Dr. John, iii. 433. rni.\'TKi> nv mVohmick and robik, donkoali, strkkt, BEr.FAST. Date Due FACULTY UiiKj J '^ '^n[Mmiimirti ♦"Wis Fe«..^wi«;: 1 1 jT^^V^^^^^HpT^