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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul cllchA, 11 est filmA A partir de Tangle supArleur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en has, en prenant le nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants lllustrent ia mAthode. , .t.-,v . ■:! r. i:»-=®-::.:, f nF' 1 2 3 4 5 6 •ON i i '^ 74 A LETTER, ■1 ADDRESSED TO THE MINISTERS AND ELDER8 OF TUE SYNOD OF CANADA, !M ON THE PRESENT DUTV OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BY THE rIeV. ROBERT BURNS, D. D., WITH A LETTER «N THE SAME SUBJECT, BY THE REV. W. CUNNINGHAM, D. D., AND THE REPLY OF THE CONVENER '■^^■ OF THE COLONIAL COMMITTEE OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, TO TUB iij MODERATOR OF THE SYNOD OF CANADA. 5\S f^* MONTREAL: PRINTED BY J. C. BECKET, ST. PAUL STRB1:T. 1844. PRICE ONE PEXNY, t^.., ii li r-l { t I ^)^^^o Jt/Nl3 1935 m -Hf'-y-liiSJ^^S^. . _ ^ ;,, LETTER From Ret\ Dr, Cunningham ; to Rev. R, Esson. BosTOK) April 9t 1844. Mt Dear Sir, • •••• *•* I approve rery much of the resolutions brought forward in the Presbytery of Hamilton, (I think) by Mr. Bayne of Gait, and would hope that they may be mitck the basis of any steps that may be taken in the Synod upon the subject. I think the Colonial Churches have such a connection with the Mother Church, in virtue of their Ministers being licensed and ordained by her, that it would be morally dishonourable in them to abstain from substantially taking a side in the great contest for principle, which is now waging again, as in days of old, in Scotland, the selected battle field for maintaining the Crown lights of the Redeemer. God, by so regulating the course of events as to make the contest inevitable, has been testing us upon the ground of the same principles on which he tested our fore- fathers, and I do not see that the Colonial churches can escape subjection to the same test, or avoid the responsibility of taking their place on the one side or the other. We believe that God has called us out of the Establishment, by revealing to us in His Word certain great truths concerning the sole Headship of Christ, the exclusive supremacy of His Word, and the rights and liberties of His Church and people, truths which it never can be lawful to renounce or to compro- mise, and by so regulating the actual course of events, in His Providence, as to make an honest maintenance of these great principles, and a longer continuance in the Establishment incompatible with each other, and to make it palpable, that continuing longer in con- nection with the Establishment practically involved a ■ ^ m 't denial of these truths, and a profession of the opposite errors. The truths for which our forefathers died have again been brought up to test us, and we may not be the men who either refuse to suffer for them, or stand aside and seek to escape from any share in the respon- sibility. This responsibility, so far as concerns the great fundamental principles involved in the contest, extends, we think, to all who are in any sense Ministers of the Church of Scotland, so that protanto, according to their circumstances, they are called to make it mani- fest that they adhere to the one set of principles or the other. And while I think the Colonial Churches are called upon to take a side, and that it would be dishonourable tto them if they did not, still they are independent churches, and ought to act in that capa- city, judging for themselves of the truth of the opposite sets of principles, and of the way in which their adherence to what they believ e to be the truth ought to be manifested. Had the Colonial Churches H supply of Ministers for themselves, so as not to be dependent upK)n other churches, an object which ought to be strenuously aimed at, and will, it is to be hoped, be speedily accomplished, a general de- claration of principles, such as that adopted by the Synod of Canada in July last, would perhaps have been sufficient, but since they must of necessity settle the practical question as to where they are to get Licentiates and Ministers, something more must be done. I do not think that there would be anything improper in the Synod just at once resolving that they would not receive and admit the Licentiates and Ministers of the Establishment, and that they would receive and admit those of the Free Church. I do not see that in adopt- ing this resolution as a declaration of their views of pre- sent duty, and in acting upon it in the mean time there would be anything inconsistent, with your position as an independent church, any thing like subjecting your- selves to the jurisdiction of the Free Church. But while I see no objection to this, and would think it de- sirable, if practicable, 1 do not see any material objec- tion to the plan proposed in the Hamilton re8olutions> m the opposite ers died have may not be m, or stand the respon- oncerns the the contest, ise Ministers Of according lake it inani- )rinciples or al Churches it would be itiil they are n that capa- the opposite which their the truth ial Churches as not to bject which will, it is to general de- )ted by the irhaps have lessity settle are to get lust be done, ig improper ty would not isters of the sand admit at in adopt- I'iews of pre- ntime there position as ecting your- turch. But think it de* ;erial objec- resolutionsy of resolving to test all who apply for admission to license or ordination by a distinct and explicit statement of the principles which have been brought into contro- versy in Scotland, and have led to the disruption of the Church, and as this plan is likely to meet with the more general concurence of the brethren, who are, in the main, sound, probably it would be better for all who adhere to Free Church principles to unite upon it. I pray that you and all our fHends'who^are resolved to maintain the honor of Christ, the supreftiavy of His Word, and the liberty of His Church, may receive wis- dom and grace according to your time of need, may be' enabled to be strong in the Lord, and to quit your- selves like men. It signifies little to the Free Church of Scotland, except in so far as she is concerned for the honor of the Christian Ministry, and the maintenance of truth and principle over the world, what part may be taken by the Colonial Churches. It much moro concerns yourselves, and I have no doubt whatever, that the favour of God, which is life, and his loving kindness, which is better than life, will be dispensed to these churches, in some measure, according to the part they act in this important crisis; You are at liberty to make any use of this letter that you may think expedient for the good of the cause. To the Ministers and Eld&rs of the Synod of Canada Reverend and Dear Brethren, In the view of the approaching Meeting of Synod on the 8th of July, t have thought it proper to print the above letter from Dr. Cunningham to Mr. Ssson. Al- though the letter is expressive of Dr. Cunningham's individual sentiments, it appears from the concluding sen- tence to have been intended for general circulation; and as thesubject of it was on more than one occarsion canvassed between my much respected colleague in the deputation and myself, I fed it my duty to you and to the object of my mission, to intimate with the same publicity the extent of my concurrence. . , . . .,, . v «> . ill 'i ^ ii s ^I go aloiu]; with Dr. Cunningham in all the sentimenta ol his letter ; but I differ from him, somewhat, as to the practical meaaures which he suggests. It appears to me Chat the plan of either refusing to receive Ministers trom the Eatabliahed Church of Scotland at all, or of subjecting them to a specific test, is inconsistent with the continuance of that connexion between the Synod and the Established Church, which the latter evidently con- liiJers ad a very close and intimate one. My impres- sion has all along been that the connexion is a volun- tary and not a legal one, and that its character and extent are somewhat vague and undefined. But clear U is to my mind, that whatever be its nature and extent, the existence of such a connexion ought not, for a single moment, to stand in the way of a bold and decisive de- claration, on the part of the Synod, of their adherence to the great principles in the present question, which they have hitherto professed. These principles are in all essential points those of the Free Protesting Church ; and the circumstance of the Ministers of that Church having been called in Providence to make sacrifices on account of them, rather strengthens than diminishes the Synod's obligation. That the Synod of Canada attaches the same impor- tance to these principles as we do, appears very clearly from tlie published resolutions of successive meetings of that body, including those of July last. The value of these principles does in no respect depend on locality. They are essential to the constitution of a Scriptural church ; and I do not well see on what ground a soctety that contravenes them is entitled to ask or to expect the blessing of God's Spirit on its labours. It appears to me that you are bound in honour and conscience to declare that the Free Church, as adhering to these principles, is the genuine representative of that venerable church to whose standard you adhere ; and that with us, therefore, you desire to maintain the closest brotherhood. Hour far it will be consistent with this, to fraternise, with a church based on principles directly the reverse of those which you yourselves contend for, as all im* portant, I leave it for you to determine. H e sentiments at, as to the appears to ve Ministere At all, or of tent with the Synod and idently con- My impres- is a volun- laracter and But clear b and extent^ \, for a single decisive de- ir adherence istion, which jiples are in ing Church ; that Church sacrifices on minishes the same impor- very clearly e meetings of rhe value of I on locality, a Scriptural und a society expect the honour and as adhering itive of that adhere ; and n the closest ) fraternise, the reverse as all im- It is vain to imagine that an adherence to an Eras- tiaiiized Establishment, on the plan of the t'resby tery of Ratburst, and of certain individuals of your body, and of the other Colonial Synods, can be maintained without serious injury to your spiritual intereFts as a church. To im, with whom you have hitherto har- monized, it wears an aspect which I will not describe ; and other churches of Christ will form their owu opinions of a testimony so ambiguous. Since writing the above, I have just seen the follow- ing letter, from the Convener of the Colonial Committee of the Free Church, to the Moderator of your Synod, to which I earnestly request your attention, and which, ad- mirably expressing as it does, my views upon the sub- ject, renders it unnecessary for me to lengthen these re- in irks. Wish ing you Divine guidance, and much of the Divine blessing, I am, Revereud and dear brethren, yours in the bonds of the Gospel. ' * ROBT. BURNS. To the Rev. the Moderator of the Synod of the Pree* byterian Church of Canada, , ..^, Reverend and Dear Sir, — ^The resolutions of the Synod of Canada, passed on the lOlh July 184>3, and transmitted by you to the Colonial Committee of the Free Church of Scotland, have received their most patient and anxious consideration. The Committee,-— and they believe they may say the Free Church gene- rally, — have been gratified and cheered by the expres- sion of your sympathy, and still more by the public and ofiicial renewal of your unbiassed testimony in favour of the principles for which they have been called to suffer, — principles which you truly believe to have "full warrant in the Word of God,*' and to have been " re- cognized in the constitution of the Church of Scotland^ as well as in those acts of the civil Government, by which she has enjoyed the advantages of an Establish- ment," and of which you justly state, that < name of I, that the ] respects ikes or for imbiguous iiave been ►le by the hemselves ler on the > practical to any in- is Church :onnect«on >tland and a spiritual latter, nor actings of 3d do now, laid upon le Presby- any sacri" I tvith the omote the spiritually destitute region of which thoy have the oversight ; and they arc persuaded that the Synod is coiMcientioualy desirous to acquit itself of thiii obligation to the uttermost They arc satisfied, too, of the sincerity and Christian integrity of their brethren in Canada, and of their rea- diness to endure all labour, and to brave every hardship when they shall consider it incumbent upon them to do so, in the discharge of their duty, particularly in the defence and maintenance of the rights and liberties of the Church of Christ. But while the Committee wil- lingly give credit to the Synod for soundness of princi- ples, purity of intention, and firmness of purpose, they may be permitted to refer to the position which the Synod at present occupies, as, in the eyes of all, equi- vocal, unsatisfactory, and liable to grave misconstruc- tion, and a^, in the judgment of many, betraying a marked and serious inconsistency. The Synod contin- ues avowedly in that peculiar connection with the Es- tablished Church of Scotland, which it held as a branch of that Church, while characterised by the principles which the Synod approves and professes, but which the Establishment of Scotland has now abjured and aban- doned. This connection may not imply that the Synod is responsible, directly at least, for any of the actings of the Church of Scotland ; but is it not s||ch a coimec- tion, as may render the Synod to some extent partaker of her sins? The relation which you hold to the Es- tablished Church of Scotland is different and distinct from that fellowship and communion which you may maintain with all the Churches of Christ. That Church has been divided in twain, and you have chosen as the stem to which you shall remain united that portion which continues in connection with the State, in pie- ferenceto that portion which has sacrified the benefits of a State alliance, for the sake of those principles which you have declared your determination, at all hazards, to maintain. While, therefore, you state that you are not called upon to come to a decision, to practical effects on these principles, it would appear that, by resolving to remain in the peculiar relation which you formerly held to the Establishment, you have in truth decided I 1 ■' f » 'I i I' 10 that she shall henceforth be regarded as your mother Church. But if the Established Church of Scotland has abandoned the special trust committed to her care, —if she has submitted to a vital and radical change upon her ancient coustitution,<— if she has yielded to the usurpations of the civil power encroaching both upon the liberties of the Christian people, and upon the powers and privileges of the spiritual rulers, — if, in a word, she has fallen from the great fundamental truth, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only King and Head of his Church, and that He hath therein appointed a government in the hands of Church officers distinct from the Civil Magistrate, then is it your duty to retain your special connection with her unaltered ? Is it not rather your duty, as the faithful subjects of the only King of Zion, — is it not your duty, as one branch of the Church of Christ towards another, to which you have borne a very intimate relationship, and which has fallen into grevious sin, to lift up a practical protest against her lamentable defection ? While you retain your former connection with the Established Church of Scotland, — more especially at a time when those of her members who agree with you in sentiment have been forced to seperate from her — must you not be held as countenancinff her in the sin which she has committed, •—as acknowledging that she is essentially and substan- tially unchanged, and as regarding her errors as of a venial and secondary, and not as of a vital and funda- mental nature ? This view is strengthened when it is considered that, in point of fact, the grounds on which the Synod main- tains and avows its connection with the Established Church of Scotland, must involve the very points of dif- ference between the Established and the Free Church, and can involve none other. For the Free Church has not altered or modified any one of the principles which were held by her members while they belonged to the Establishment. Whereas an alteration has been effect- ed upon the constitution of the Established Church, the Free Church maintains the ancient faith, and adheres to those Standards which were framed by the founders oi 11 m r mother Scotland her carff I change ied to the oth upon ipon the -if, in a tal truth, ,nd Head pointed a s distinct f to retain Is it not the only )ranch of hich you irhich has il protest ou retain Church of ose of her lave been e held as ommitted, d substan- >s as of a nd funda- lered that, nod main- Established )int8 of dif- e Church, Ihurch has plea which iged to the «en effect- Ihurch, the adheres to founders oi Scottish Presbytery. She claims, therefore, though now, not for the first time, disestablished, to be the true and venerable Church of our fathers, the legitimate de- scendant and representative of the Church of Knox, and Melville, and Henderson. Her distinctive principles are those for which the worthies of former generations con- tended, and for which the blood of our martyrs was shed. With the views which the Synod have expressed in their resolutions, she must be regarded as the parent from whom you have sprung, the Church from which many of you received ordination, to which such of you promised all dutiful obedience, and whose unity and peace against error and schism, you promised to main- tain, notwithstanding of whatsoever trouble or persecu- tion might arise. In these circumstances, how can the maintenance of a connection, — a public and peculiar connection with the Established Church of ScoUand, — be interpreted otherwise than as signifying the abandon- ment of those principles, which are, nevertheless, de- clared to be " essential to the well-being of the Church," and << indispensable to a right and salutary alliance be- tween the Church and the State," and an approval of the present constitution of the Established Church which the resolutions virtually repudiate, and condemn. The Committee would draw your attention to this apparent and, as they would venture to think, real in- consistency ; not because they doubt the sincerity or tiie steadfastness of the Synod, but because such an in- consistency places them in a false position in the eyes of all Christendom, and more especially in the eyes of their own people ; and because the maintenance of their connection with the Establishment neutralizes the good- ly testimony which the Synod have borne to those scrip- tural principles which they hold in common with the Free Church. It seems impossible to doubt that the continuance of the preaent public and official connec- tion with the Established Church of Scotland, will be held as a proof of the Synod's special preference for, and approval of her ; or if not, that it will be regarded as a sacrifice of divine truth to interest or expediency, , silent but a significant surrender of those noble priu- 12 iii ' i ■ ^: ■:-^: pies which have been the life and the glory of the Pres- byterian Church of Scotland. . There are other reasons which the Committee con- ceive should lead to a cessation of the connection of the Synod with the Established Church of Scotland, but to which they do not deem it needful for the present to advert. They would merely remark, that while the subsisting relation to the Ecclesiastical Establishment in Scotland continues, they can anticipate nothing but bitter contention and strife among the Presbyterians in Canada; and they would anxiously and afftictionately represent to the Synod, that the true and only way for them to dischaige the " imperious obligation laid upon them of seeking the peace and well-being of the Presbyterian Church in Canada," is to follow out the views express- ed in their own resolutions, and abandon their conneC' tion with the Established Church of Scotland, whose violated constitution they can no longer respect, and "whose sinful subserviency to the secular powers they must deplore and condemn. What the consequences of such a step may be, it |s. not possible for the Committee to anticipate. But it^'ia a satisfaction to know, that, while in the discharge of duty, the people of God are not responsible for conse- quences which are all in the hands of Him who sees the end from the beginning, and who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. The experience, however, which the Free Church has already enjoyed of the goodness and faithfulness of God towards them» may warrant the Committee in assuring their brethren of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, that He never leaves nor forsakes them who put their trust in Him; and that in His righteous providence. He makes even those events, which to human appearance are most ad- verse and un propitious, to fall out rather to the further- ance of the Gospel. Our prayer to God for you is, that He would guide you in the way that is right, — that He would preserve you even from the appearance of evil, — and that He would establish the work of your hands upon you. ^ ^ j^ -u. .; y (Signed) *-. David Welsh, Convener. the Pres- ttee con- ion of the ;Iand, but present to while the iihmentin ; but bitter n Canada; represent ' them to a them of esbyterian s express- lir connec • nd, whose spect, and wers they ly be, it is. But it IS scharge of for conse- ho sees the all things jxperience, ly enjoyed ards them> ir brethren He never t in Him ; aakes even e most ad- he further- 'ould guide Id preserve id that He i you. Jonvener.