Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1819-03-16

huCrlCd anu III AfeiaU0, reconciliation
has been effected betwixt the two bodies of
Christians, called Burghers, and Arthur.
Ighers, into which the Secession Church has
long been divided, and we have lust learn.
ed that matters are in train for the forma-
ton OF union betwixt the same bodies
in Scotland. The following resolutions
upon this subject were, we understand,
unanimously adopted by the Burgher Con
gregation in Lenark, which we lay before
Our readers as one proof Of the truth Of
our remarks:-
lst. That the two bodies of Christians
IN the Secession, commonly distinguished
by the names of Burglers and Alibursb-
ers, have the same faith, observe the same
modes of divine worship, exercise The
same church government and discipline.
Any difference of opinion, therefore,
which may exist among them about lesser
points, cannot 10 the opinion of this meet
ing De good reason why they should re-
main in divided state.
"a. This meeting has learned that
union betwixt these two bodies of Seceders
in British North America, and in ireland,
has been already effected, which happy
events they fondly regard as prelude to
aunion OF the same kind ia Scotland.
Sd. Ii this meeting has been rightly
informed, the union lately formed betwixt
the Burghers and Antiburghers, in British
North America, has been approved of, and
sanctioned by the Burghers and Anti
burgher Synods in Scotland, and the u
nited American Secession Church, ac-
knowledged by them both as a sister
Church. Therefore, in the opinion Of
this meeting, these two Synods, with the
two bodies of Christians under their In
spection are already virtually united in
Church fellowship, and caanot any longer
remain ia divided state without mani
fest inconsistency.
4til. This union is peculiarly desirable
on account OF important happy consequent
ces, to which it will give rise. The Sc.
cession Church will increase in exteut and
responsibility, her energies will be put
forth with augmented effect, in spreading
the knowledge Of evangelical truth
throughout the kingdom, and in affording
relief to the Christian people suffering
under the operation of the law, respecting
Church Patrons. The reproach too of
cherishing spirit of bigotry and Of dis
sention, which has fallen upon her in con-
sequence OF unnecessary ara improper tli-
visions, will, by this proposed union, be in
great measure wiped off
5th. Fully aware that II is their duty
to keep the unity Of the spirit in the bond
of peace, and when union is lost to epdea-
your its recovery, encouraged moreover
by the liberality Of sentiment, which char
acterizes Christians of the present day,
this meeting resolve to cooperate with
all other congregations who may be willing
to use measures for the attainment of this
most desirable object, and they further
suggest that in their opinions petitions
from Sessions or from Congregations adj
dressed to Presbyteries and Synods, under
whose jurisdiction they my be placed, is
a measure beneficial and powerful in its
tendency, and likely to produce the hap
piest results.
9th. While the union of the two great
bodies into which the Secession Church
has been SO long divided is most desirable,
on its own account, this meeting fondly
hopes that their cordial reconciliation
may provoke other denominations, holding
similar principles, to follow their example,
and may issue in general union Of all
those who hold the truth as it is in Jesus.