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entirely, (for there is no saving clause introduced,) and I adopt it because it contains "the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures." Hence it is not the mere general system contained in the Confession, which is adopted, but the Confession itself, and that because it contains the Bible system. The evasion resorted to by some is not only unworthy of their intelligence, but it is a blot on their honour and honesty. How men professing godliness, can fail to see the evident and only import of such simple language, is what I cannot explain. It certainly never was designed that any should enter the Presbyterian Church, under the cover of such a glaring subterfuge. I have already said, that a creed is designed as a bond of union, and as a defence against error; but it loses its virtue, whenever it is received merely for "substance of doctrine." Men may differ very widely in their notions of what constitutes the substance of doctrine. The Arminian may give it as his opinion, that the sovereignty of God in election, and the perseverance of the saints, are not essential to the Presbyterian system, and hence he adopts it for substance, with these exceptions. The Universalist may reason in the same way, in relation to the doctrine of future punishments; and the Socinian may follow his example, in relation to the Divinity and atonement of Christ; and they may all enter the Presbyterian Church on the convenient plea, that they embrace what they consider the substance of its doctrines. Every man is left to judge for himself, what constitutes the substance, and the Unitarian is not to be condemned any more than the Pelagian, in making his exceptions and modifications.

Such being the true and necessary operation of this principle, if it receives countenance, what becomes of the unity of the church? I grieve while I say it, this evasive conduct has already destroyed the unity and harmony of our church, by the introduction of many, who not only do not believe in the doctrines of our Confession, but are busy in undermining and subverting them. So many have entered our communion "for substance of doctrine," that there is great danger that the church will eventually lose the very substance of the gospel itself.

Parishioner. I confess, my dear sir, I am amazed at these disclosures. Whether the "new divinity" which I was so much in danger of imbibing, be true or false, it is now clear to my mind that it cannot be held by any honest

hearted Presbyterian. Surely they who are not cordial in adopting the Westminster Confession, should leave our church, and seek one whose doctrines they can embrace.

Pastor. This certainly is the dictate of common honesty, to say nothing of religion. As long as they remain, there will be controversy; for those who love the truth, and wish to secure the stability of the Presbyterian church, must, from a sense of duty to their Master, resist the encroach. ments of errorists, the tendency of whose course, is to subvert, both the doctrine and polity of our beloved Zion. The truth incorporated in our standards, is precious; it is worth contending for; and if the foe comes to destroy, he must be met and resisted. Just in proportion as error prevails, the souls of men are endangered; and how can the faithful watchmen of Zion, who see the danger, fail to give the alarm, or refuse to buckle on their armour?

In reviewing the whole subject, you may perceive that the controversy existing in the Church, involves some of the most precious articles of our faith. The covenant made with Adam, his representative character, and the imputation of his first sin to his posterity, are clearly denied; the representative character of Christ, the imputation to him of his people's sins, his endurance of the proper penalty of the law, and the imputation of his righteousness to believers for justification, are also denied; total depravity, the entire inability of sinners, and the direct agency of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, are equally impugned. They who reject these cardinal doctrines, also assert that men are born free from original sin, that their sin is entirely the result of voluntary action, that the atonement was not a satisfaction to divine justice, that sinners have a full ability to repent and believe, except so far as relates to their indisposition, that their act of faith is imputed to them for justifying righteousness, that men are active in regeneration, and that their regeneration is progressive. Here is not only the denial of some of the principal points of the system of revealed truth, but the assertion of a contrary system, which is but a series of errors.

We are often told, that none of these points affect the essential faith of a Christian, and that as matters of speculation, they may be entertained without endangering the personal salvation of man. This we have every reason to deny; but even if it were true, still the known tendency of error is from bad to worse, until it amounts to a direct

denial of the "Lord that bought us." While we have abundant reason to be alarmed, we should also feel that our hope is in God. To Him should unceasing, fervent, and importunate prayer be made, that through his mighty power, his own truth may be maintained, and the peace, spirituality, and efficiency of the Church restored.

POSTSCRIPT.

Parishioner. Since our last conversation, the state of our church has undergone a remarkable change, by the excision of the erroneous portions. I think we should regard this as a signal interposition of Providence to save the church from the ruin, which but for this, seemed inevitable.

Pastor. Yes, my dear Sir, a great deliverance has been effected, which we could scarcely have anticipated, which we did not deserve, but for which we should be devoutly grateful to God. The advocates of error having obtained possession of many Presbyteries and Synods, had the means of strengthening their forces and extending their influence at pleasure. Their connexion with New England Theological Seminaries, and those mighty, but dangerous engines, the voluntary societies for education and missions, gave them unusual facilities for the increase of their ministers, and consequently of their ecclesiastical judicatories. The multiplication of their Presbyteries of course increased their delegation to the General Assembly, the supreme judicatory of the church, until it was found, that when a full representation was sent to the Assembly, they had managed to obtain nearly an equality of votes. Had they succeeded in obtaining a majority, an object to which all their efforts were directed for years, there can be no doubt, from their oft repeated intimations, that they would have revolutionized the whole church; displaced every orthodox man from the management of our institutions; dismissed our venerable theological professors, and committed the whole interests of the church into the hands of those who would have taken a pride in reducing the orthodoxy of our venerated standards,

to suit the erroneous and disjointed opinions of modern heresy. This evil the Lord, in mercy, has averted, and they that digged the pit for others, fell into it themselves. The church has been reformed, and a complete separation has been effected between the two parties.

Parishioner. I have heard some say, that the result which has been effected, is desirable, but the means of its accomplishment were of doubtful propriety.

Pastor. The result certainly has been happy. The separation was in every point of view better than a forced and incongruous union. Since it has taken place, contention has in a great measure ceased; delightful peace has been restored to our bleeding Zion, and God is now smiling benignantly and pouring out the copious showers of his grace. The church has perhaps never been in a sounder and more healthful condition. As to the means by which the separation was effected, it has been abundantly shown, that they were righteous in themselves, called for by the suffering condition of the church, justified by the soundest ecclesiastical principles, and adopted as the only alternative left by the obstinacy of those who were exscinded only after all overtures of amicable adjustment had been scornfully refused. It is hardly conceivable, that any other measure, in the circumstances of the case, could have accomplished the desirable end; and had decisive action been delayed a year or two more, the advocates of innovation and error would have acquired the ascendency, and the most precious truths of our standards would have fallen in the streets. Our opponents who have made such loud complaints of oppression and tyranny, should at length hold their peace, as the great civil tribunal to which they submitted the question with the most entire confidence, has gravely decided, that there was no ground of complaint, and that the General Assembly in its exscinding acts had not transcended its power.

Parishioner. I have no doubt myself on this subject, and am fully persuaded that the Assembly not only did the best thing in the circumstances of the case, but one altogether

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