The Christian Pioneer

have we made the slightest encroachment on the religious freedom of our brethren. In no one instance have we attempted the slightest innovation in ecclesiastical discipline. All we ask, and all we wish, is, that the constitution of the Presbyterian Church may be restored to the state in which it was when we were encouraged to enter on the ministry—a state which was deliberately, formally, and unanimously, ratified by the Synod in the year 1825. Our opponents are the innovators. If separation is inevitable, they, not we, are the persons who ought to secede. "There is another ground of complaint, to which I request permission to advert. We make no claim to infallibility: our opinions, however sincere, may be erroneous; but even on the supposition of their being so-surely we cannot be considered as deserving the obloquy and opprobrious appellations with which we have been loaded by some of our fellow-Christians. We may be vastly inferior to our orthodox neighbours in judgment, talents, and information; but our purity of intention can hardly be disputed; and, on this ground alone, instead of meriting reproach, we think ourselves entitled to esteem. Instead of reviling us, the advocates of orthodoxy ought to compassionate our involuntary error, and endeavour to convert us by mild persuasion. It is impossible-morally impossible, that we can be actuated by any other principle than that of conscientious conviction. Does the profession of Unitarianism contribute in any one way to our worldly advantage? Does it contribute to our temporal ease and comfort? Does it contribute to the augmentation of our professional emoluments? Does it contribute to the augmentation of our popularity? Does it contribute to the augmentation of our influence in society? No, Sir, instead of promoting, it injures our interest in all these respects. I ask, then, what selfish or sinister motive can we have for adhering to a cause, which, whatever may be its concomitants in other countries, yields neither profit nor popularity in this? We can have no other inducement than a desire to obtain the testimony of a good conscience, unless it be supposed that we expose ourselves to persecution in this world, in order to secure perdition in the next. If we are not honest men, we are mad men. That there are very few evils which are not attended by some good, is an observation as well founded as it is common. The present theological agitation has excited a

spirit of inquiry which must ultimately terminate in the advancement of evangelical truth. If the doctrine which we have been led to espouse, is of men, most fervently do we pray that it may soon come to naught; but if it is of God, human strength will not be able to prevail against it, and every attempt to suppress it will only contribute to its propagation. One word, Mr. Chairman, relative to a matter of personal concern, and I shall no longer occupy your time. Let the result of certain recent proceedings be what it may, I owe to the Synod of Ulster a debt of gratitude which I will always be ready to acknowledge. The only lucrative situation which its members have the power of bestowing, they bestowed on me. The emoluments connected with that situation, I will not affect to disregard; at the same time, I can safely say, that it was principally valuable in my estimation, as being a testimony of the kindness and confidence of my brethren. But, however highly I may prize this token of esteem, it shall be respectfully returned to the donors, the moment it can no longer be retained with honour; and my friends may rest assured, that I shall surrender the appointment with feelings not less comfortable than those with which I received it at first. I received it with a feeling of gratitude to others-I shall surrender it with a feeling of respect for myself."

After Mr. Porter had concluded, Mr. Ware addressed a few words to the chair:-"In that part of New England," said he, "from which I lately parted, the people have passed through scenes very similar to those which Mr. Porter has described, and which I understand, from other sources, have just occurred here. We were visited with similar storms of a persecuting nature; but our Church was built on a rock, and could not fall. I would willingly give a word of comfort to my brethren here. I would say to them-preserve your integrity, and persevere; your cause is a good one: and I bid you God speed.' Put your trust in heaven, and all will be well."

Synod of Ulster.-The Synod met on Tuesday, 18th August. We have received the report of the first and part of the second day's proceedings; but as the result cannot possibly reach us in time for our present number, we must defer our account of the expurgatorial convocation till our next.

Glasgow Unitarian Chapel.

THE Glasgow Unitarian Congregation respectfully and gratefully acknowledge, that the following Donations from England, towards the liquidation of the Debt on their Chapel, have been announced. The major portion of the sums have been received and paid over to Mr. Gaskell; and the Society earnestly request that those who have not yet paid, will do so as soon as possible. Additional contributions will be thankfully received, as, notwithstanding the liberal subscriptions, a heavy burden still remains on the place of worship.