of sapping and undermining the means of our salvation, as conveyed to us from our Lord Jesus, in his divine word! He knew the men who received this work, and distributed it extensively in the congregations of this Synod; he knew the shop in Belfast to which it came; and he knew the direction of every parcel as it arrived!!! These are the men who wear the cloak, to preserve them from the wind and the rain; and they are calling out, "Let us alone-we are dying a natural death!" But shall we let these men in cloaks alone, whilst they are stabbing the dearest interests of our souls' salvation in the most vital part? Shall we,-Oh! shall we leave these hidden and cloaked emissaries from our enemy's camp alone, that they may lay the mine, and set fire to the train which will blow up the citadel of our faith? These sappers and miners are busily at work, in their cloaks; and they are calling out "Leave us alone-Leave us alone!"whilst they are already under our very walls. There is also another enemy, in one of these cloaks, busy in the undermining of our works

Mr. Montgomery begged to set Mr. Cooke right, regarding his use of the fable of the traveller and his cloak. He never said that the AntiTrinitarian members of the Synod wore a cloak of hypocrisy, as Mr. Cooke had endeavoured most unfairly to insinuate: but that in Mr. Cooke's estimation, and that of some of his friends, they were wrapped round with a cloak of error. Mr. Cooke will also please explain who this ally of the Christian Moderator is; and whether he means to say that I get parcels from London of these books.

Mr. Cooke. There was another work of a still more dangerous description, which ministers of this body were labouring most earnestly to circulate in their congregations. He knew the days on which the parcels of it arrived he knew the time on which they were despatched from their delectable depository-and he knew the messengers who traitorously conveyed the train of crime and mischief into the enemy's camp these sappers and miners in the train of irreligion and infidelity! Shall we calmly wait till the mischief be done; or shall we now, and at once, drive these traitors from amongst us?

Mr. Montgomery.-Name, name.

Mr. Cooke. The book is the Pioneer, printed in Glasgow; and is no way behind its London compeer, in its erudite labours to rob our Lord and Master of his crown of eternal glory and power! The ambas-> sador I do not choose to name. I do not believe Mr. Montgomery is one of those persons who write and distribute these precious books; but I could name them, if I chose.

Mr. Montgomery.-Really, Mr. Cooke's grounds of belief cannot be very tenable, when such contemptible trifles as he would represent those publications to be, affright him so horribly.

Mr. Cooke wished to impress on the house the real danger to be apprehended from these "trifles." An ignorant man who goes into an apothecary's shop, may take up a medicine, which, to a man of skill, who knew how to compound it with another medicine, might prove harmless when swallowed; but if taken in its crude state by the ignorant, would be certain death. So it is with these works they may be "trifles" in the hands of the skilful, but death to the untaught. He (Mr. Cooke) would endeavour to show what effect these "trifles" would produce. One "trifle" is, to show that the Bible does not contain the great leading articles of our faith. Another "trifle" is, to prove Christ to be a mere man, such as he now saw before him.Is this a "trifle?" Another "trifle" is, to represent Jesus Christ as an exalted angel, and the Holy Ghost as a nonentity! That is no "trifle," for it takes away from mankind the blessed doctrine of the Atonement! Is it a "trifle' to take away the Lamb who shed his blood for the remission of our sins?. Mr. Montgomery said, it was most unfair in Mr. Cooke, to confound

and mix up the doctrines of Arianism and Socinianism, which he well knew were so essentially different. Such a course could only be pursued to mislead the public mind, and to create unmerited odium.

Mr. Cooke. They are twin-brothers; par nobile fratrum. The gentleman who so eloquently addressed you yesterday, made a powerful appeal to your feelings as husbands and fathers. The picture was painted in lively colours, to produce effect, and to strike the eye of the superficial inspector. But, suppose that all he has said, prove reality, shall such consequences drive us from the discharge of a duty we owe to our Heavenly Master? Let us not dread any consequences-let us disregard even the tears of our wives, and the cries of our children. Yes, it is evident the gentleman knew how to enlist the weakness of humanity on his side; but the whole was the work of the hand of a conjurer, which lighted the candle that gave a momentary power and effect to the phantasmagoria of his imagination.

Mr. F. Blakely said, that, after the eloquence and arguments which had been used by Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Denham, and others, he did not intend detaining the house, more especially as their time was very precious. But he felt bound, in justice to himself, to make a few observations. His opinions were so well known, at home and elsewhere, that he had nothing to dread from the issue of the present question. He was not a Trinitarian; and he was aware that his sentiments had been caricatured, and that it had been said by misguided people, that he had no Saviour; but though he might labour, and suffer reproach, he would trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men. Many might set up to be masters over him, but one was his Master, even Christ, and all his sincere disciples, of every Church, he would consider as brethren. He might be charged with depending on his own righteousness for salvation; but he was too well acquainted with his own weakness and imperfection, to trust to such a false principle; and so well, he thought, with his Bible, as to know and believe, that he must trust to the grace and mercy of God in Christ Jesus. His brethren, who assisted him on sacramental occasions, knew that he spoke fully and freely his sentiments to his Congregation. He would not be a hypocrite, in the Synod or out of it; and after all that had been said about a cloak, there was no man who would venture to charge him with requiring any. He had heard, with much pain, much misrepresentation of sentiments, from different quarters; but was certain that truth, more than triumph, should be the aim and object of every Christian. He was surprised at some observations which had been thrown out regarding the Reformation; and begged to remind his brethren, that the Bible, and the Bible alone, was the religion of Protestants. The right of private judgment, and the sufficiency of the Scriptures, were the very pillars of the Refor mation. He did not charge any member of the house with setting up for infallibility, but he was sorry to remark, that he had heard something very near it, or at least approaching to it. As for the propositions contained in the motion, he would not sign them, even if he believed them; because it would be giving up his right of private judgment, and suffering others, no better than himself, to influence him by threats. Like his brethren, he was liable to error; but he was open to conviction-and as Mr. Dill had, in some measure, thrown down the gauntlet, he had no objection to meet him, or any of his brethren, at a proper time and place, and have a friendly and Christian debate on these matters.

Mr. N. Alexander rose, and observed, that in addressing the assembly, he would neither be so long nor so loud as Mr. Cooke, whilst he should endeavour to state his reasons for not signing this Confession of Faith. He then proceeded to urge the differences amongst the Calvinistic members, on yesterday, regarding the terms which should be employed whilst speaking of the Godhead, as one reason why it is impossible that all men

should arrive at the same conclusion on this important and mysterious doctrine. Another reason was, that he knew many young members who had not yet come to a decision on this subject, although they had for years calmly and studiously investigated the matter. Another reason why he would not sign it, was, that as there have always been differences of opinion in the Church of Christ, and as such differences are likely to continue, he would not sanction any measure which might lead to a split of this body, and thereby weaken, if not destroy, its permanent usefulBesides, when he beheld an attempt made to change a Presbyterian assembly into a Popish council-chamber, he thought he also saw in the distance racks and gibbets, and all those instruments of torture which have been so often employed to coerce and keep in chains the human mind. He implored the liberal and reasoning portion of the Synod not to lend themselves to such an inquisitorial proceeding; and concluded by expressing his belief, that the enlightened era of the 19th century, would never witness the success of such a scheme.

ness.

Mr. Heron said, he was a member of Synod for 26 years, and in all that time he had scarcely spoken two sentences; but he could not bring himself to give a silent vote on this momentous occasion. He had no objection to the Declaration now proposed, for it contained his doctrines. But he will not subscribe it as a Test; because he never yet saw either the Calvinistic or Arian Creed, to which he could give his name: his creed was to be found in the Bible, and to no Test of human formation would he give his signature. He has heard a threat held out, that printed lists would be circulated of the names of those who refused to sign this Test of Mr. Cooke. He would tell the Synod, flatly and roundly, that he cared not a farthing that 50 copies of it were sent into his Congregation. He concluded a very eloquent address, by observing, that he never knew subscription to effect any purpose, except to make hypocrites and knaves; and therefore he never will put his name to this, or any other human Test.

Mr. Stewart of Broughshane said, you have been most ably and eloquently appealed to, by Mr. Montgomery, on the subject of persecution. The man who takes the vantage ground, is sure to carry with him the prejudices of the assembly he addresses. For example, if he (Mr. S.) recollected aright, it had been reported in the public papers, that at a public meeting of merchants and other public characters, Mr. Montgomery did not think it wrong to denounce this Synod, as composed of men who were guided by a spirit of bigotry and intolerance; and to say, that the inventors of steam had done more good to mankind, than the ministers of this, or any other religious body.

Mr. Montgomery.-I did not apply "bigotry and intolerance" to this body; but to certain members of it, who were strenuously opposing the establishment and success of Mechanics' Institutes. Nor did I say, that the inventors of steam had done more good to mankind, than the ministers of this body; but that it might be a question, whether an Arkwright or a Watt had not rendered more service to the world, than those divines, who were labouring so devotedly to prevent the spread of knowledge amongst the ignorant and untaught.

Mr. Stewart argued, that the observations of the last speaker, on the occasion referred to, had the effect to produce on his mind the impression, that Mr. M. meant to say, that the arts and sciences should be preferred to the study of religion. The Bench of Bishops and the Synod of Ulster were also coupled, in Mr. Montgomery's charge of their attempting to retard the march of the public mind. He would say just one word about the popular feeling so much talked of. It is a strong mark of the truth being embodied in this doctrine, that there is such a popular feeling excited on the subject. Those ministers who are Arians, and who have Arian congregations, are not placed in temptation. Mr.

F. Blakely or Mr. Montgomery are not thereby put into temptation; and he begged clearly to disavow the propriety of applying the term "wolves in sheeps' clothing" to these gentlemen. Indeed any one who knew Mr. Montgomery at College, or elsewhere, could not with honesty apply such an epithet to him. But it was those ministers who cloak themselves from their people, that are the "wolves in sheeps' clothing," and which this measure will and ought to bear hard on. They are the persons we wish to see dragged into light. Let those congregations which are Arian, keep their Arian ministers; but do not allow the people to be hoodwinked by false and treacherous teachers. Which of you will keep a cook in your employment, who is suspected of preparing poisonous food for yourselves and your families?

Mr. Carlile addressed the assembly at some length, in a most eloquent appeal to their judgments and their feelings, as men and as ministers of the gospel of peace, on the want of Christian charity which had been manifested throughout the whole of this discussion. He had witnessed, with pain, epithets the most opprobious; insinuations and assertions the most uncandid, and sarcasms biting and bitter; the whole of which proceeding was strongly opposed to the lessons given by our Lord and Master, to his disciples and followers. There was an evident want of Christian charity in the hearts of many speakers who had addressed the house; and their sentiments and conduct were calculated to do every thing but promote brotherly kindness, and true Christian charity. He passed a warm eulogium on the conduct and proceedings of the Independents, whose example he conceived worthy of the consideration of the Synod of Ulster. He concluded a beautiful address, by imploring his brethren to endeavour to instil into their bosoms a greater portion of Christian charity.

After some bustle, and several attempts of other members to address the house, and the understanding that that part of the motion which required signatures be omitted, the Clerk prepared to call the roll-each member to stand up on answering to his name.

Mr. Montgomery here rose, and requested leave to retire; observing, that he did not wish to be present when such proceedings would take place, as he was afraid were about to be transacted in that house.

Mr. F. Blakely followed Mr. Montgomery, expressing himself to a similar effect.

Mr. S. C. Nelson requested the Moderator to cause the Clerk to read the motion about to be put. Which being done, Mr. Nelson said, he could not sign it: he was not a Trinitarian-he was not an Arian-he was not a Socinian. Were he permitted, he could draw up his own creed; but he would not sign this Test; and he was also desirous to be absent when others would do so.-Mr. Nelson then retired.

We believe that Mr. Orr (of Killead) also retired on similar grounds. The roll being called, 117 Ministers and 18 Elders answered, "I believe the doctrine;" 2 Ministers answered, "Not;" and 8 declined voting. The Clerk was instructed to report in round numbers, and not to take down names.

On Monday, the Clerk read the Minutes; and when Mr. Porter came to that part, where he had, conformably to his instructions, stated that 135 members had voted, "I believe the doctrine," and that two had voted, "Not," Mr. Cooke immediately started up, and expressed himself thus: "Moderator, this is not a fair representation of the result of the vote and the conduct of our Clerk on this occasion, shows how necessary it is, that we should watch vigilantly over the official conduct of men who are swayed by party motives, and have purposes of their own to serve:-Mr. Porter has omitted to state the number of the members who withdrew from the house before the Roll was called-and the number of those present who sunk their votes!"

Mr. Porter-This, Moderator, is a direct impeachment of my integrity, and one which I do most indignantly repel. I was instructed by the house, to record the gross numbers of those who voted on each side of the question, and this I have done. More I could not do. In the name of common sense, how was it possible for me, when calling the roll, to ascertain how many of those who did not answer to their names, had previously returned home-how many had withdrawn when the question was about to be put-and how many remained in their seats without choosing to vote? Before the roll was called, I received no instructions to make such a discrimination; and when the roll was concluded, I had no means of making it. By collecting information from different members of the house, you may, no doubt, make a tolerably accurate discrimination of the kind required, respecting the Ministers who did not answer to their names; but with respect to the Elders it is utterly impracticable. Supposing me so completely destitute of common honesty, as to be capable of practising imposition, I must be equally destitute of common sense, had I attempted doing so in the case before us. Must I not have been perfectly aware, that the minute on this subject would be read over this morning in open Synod? and how then could I expect to escape detection? Mr. Cooke must think me a fool, as well as a knave; but, independently of this, I would ask, what interested view could I have, in omitting all notice of those who did not answer to their names? By stating the number of those who withdrew from the house, in disgust at what they termed a scandalous procedure, and of those who sunk their votes, would I not have magnified the strength of my own party, and diminished the comparative majority against us? According to Mr. Cooke, I have attempted a dishonourable trick, for the purpose of weakening my own cause! I charge that gentleman with having used language highly improper and disorderly; and I call on you, Moderator, to tell him so.

Being thus called on, the Moderator said, that Mr. Cooke was not strictly in order. To which Mr. Porter replied, that this expression did not sufficiently characterize Mr. Cooke's language, and that he again called on the Moderator for protection. Out of the house he could defend himself, but there it was the duty of the Moderator to see that no member was injuriously treated. Mr. Porter having paused, and the Moderator continuing silent, Mr. Porter said, he must now take the matter into his own hands, and repay Mr. Cooke in his own coin, by declaring, that he presumed Mr. Cooke judged of other men's motives by the evil ones by which he himself was actuated.

On information communicated from different members, it was then agreed, that the state of the vote should be thus recorded:-" Before the Roll was called, 4 Ministers begged leave to withdraw-117 Ministers, and 18 Elders voted- I believe;' 2 Ministers voted Not;' 8 Ministers declined voting."

The following Protest was handed in, signed by a number of Ministers and Elders, against the decision of Synod in passing a Declaration of Faith:

"The undersigned, Protest against the proceedings in this case, for the following reasons:

1st,-Because we regard this measure as being, in its introduction and progress, a direct violation of the law of Synod, which requires, that 'all matters originating before the Synod, shall first be submitted to the Committee of Overtures, and remain upon the Synod's books, for at least one year.'

2d,-Because it is obvious, and has been so admitted by the friends of the measure, that it cannot assure the Synod of the sentiments of any individual, even for a day, and is therefore nugatory.

3d,-Because we cannot give our sanction to a proceeding, which,

D