The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1840-01-11
PRESBYTERIANISM IN IRELAND.
STATEMENT

STATEMENT
Of thc proceedings Of the Committees of The
Gcacra! Syaod Of Ulster, end The PresJytcrian
Sy"Odcf ireland, distinguished by Mc name cj
Sseeders, appontad to consider the erpeAiency
and practicabihty Of the union Of the t,co Synods
PUBLISHED BY REQUEST.
Agreeably TO the direction of the two
Svnods, at their last meetings, the Com.
miltecs appointed to confer upon the sub.
ject of Union, met in the Presbyterian
Church, Fisherwicke-piac on the c3rd
of August. On the motion of the lHo No.
terators, the United Committees agreed
to elect as Chairman the senior minister
present, when the Rev. Thomas Miller,
of Cookstown, was chosen, and the meet.
ing was opened with prayer. The Rev.
George Bells was requested 10 act as Sc.
cretary. A general conversation cmsued,
on the best method Of conducting the de-
libcratons Of the meeting, when the fol-
lowing Resolutions were agreed to-
l.--"I'hat union amongst Christian
Churches for mutual edifcation, and for
the extension of the Goapel. is agreeable
to the Scriptures, and at all times highly
desirable.
2.-"That the leadings of Divine Pro-
r.dence seem to favor IA union between
those Presbyterian churches Ireland that
maintain the doclrinal standards Of the
Church of Scotland, in The profession of
which they were originally planted.
3.-"That whereas the General Synod
Of Ulster d d appoint Committee 10 IL
slider this mattcr-and the Presbyterian
Synod of ireland, distinguished by the
name of Seceders, did appoint another
Committee for the same purpose-these
Committees now in joint meeting assem-
blcd, do proceed In consider the details of
a Union, upon the principle that each Sy-
nod receives the Westminster Confession
of Faith as founded on and agreeable to
the Holy Scriptures, in the same manner
as it was received BY the Church of Scot
la"1, n tic year 1917"
These ResoIutio having brcn uaani-
mous!y adopted, a Subcommittee, con-
ssiing of al cqnal riIrnber from each Com
mittee, was appninle to prepare course
Of proceeding, and submit, in discslrd
form, the various subjects that should be
considered and discussed by the Joint Com
m,itre. After delbrration, the Sub-Com-
miltce submitted their report, when it was
resolved by the joint comIhillec:-
l.-"That the :'ynoIs respectively &C.
kn"w.cdc C each other as equal and co-or-
dinale Church courts.
2.-"The Committee of the Synod of
Ulster, for the information aud s,iliSiac
ton Of l!lcir brethren Of Tic Secession,
state-I'Iat the Synod Of Ulster require
from all candidates for license, or ortna-
ton, subscription 10 the Westminster
Confession CT Faith, in the following
wor Is:
81 believe the Westminster Confession
of Faith to nc founded OH and agreeable
10 the Word Of God, and, as such, SUBJ
scribe il as the confession of my faith"
That the practice Of their Presbylcries is
uniform in this matter, and report Of
iallhlulness annually made to this Synod.
That the Synod of Ulster maintains the
rights Of the people in the election Of
ninis.e and other olice-bcarers, with
out any Interference or control whatsoever
of private patrons, or of the state; and
that as court of Christ the Synod is per-
feclly free, in all matters Of doctrine, or
der, and discipline, from the interference
and control Of any other church,
3.-"The Committee Of the Secession
Synod for the information aud sal Suction
oi their brethren Of the Synod of Ulster,
81 ',e-That the StceSsion Synod require
from all candidates for icence, or ordina-
ton, subscription and acknowledgement
Of TIC Confession Of Faith, in answer 10
the following question:
"Do you sincerely own and believe
The whole doctrines contained in the Con-
IessiOa Of Faith, Larger and Shorter Cat
rchl>m, compiled BY the Assembly of d.
viAes that met at Westminster, with Com
missioners from tue Church Of Scotland,
as the said Confession aud Calechisms
we're received and approved by the acts
Of The General Assembly. 1917 and l64S,
to be founded on the Word of God; and
10 you acknowledge the said Confession
and Ca;cchisms as the confession Of your
faith!'
That the practice Of their several Prcsby-
crics is uniform in this matter, and re-
port CT their failhfulncss annually made
% tie Syncd. They further desire to
slale that is individuals and az a Church :