( G. p. 65. )

Reasons of Protest by John Foster [an elder in the congre gation of New Perth,] against the Constitution of the Associate Reformed Synod.

The Constitution of the Associate Reformed Synod being published and having come to hand, after diligent perusal of the same, I find myself constrained to protest against it, and I hereby do protest against it for the following reasons, amongst many others that might be given. Viz: for its ambiguity, for its self-inconsistency, and for its opposition to the Testimony of the Reformed church in her Confession, and Standards, and to the Scriptures of truth adduced for the support thereof.

As to the first, Is it not dark and ambiguous where they declare in page 2d, their adherence to the fundamental principles of gospel worship and ecclesiastical government held forth in the Directory for public worship, and the form of Presbyterian church government? Pray, what may be called fundamental? and who is judge? On page 4th also: Nor is it to be construed as a resignation of our right to adjust the circumstances of public worship and ecclesiastical policy to the situation in which Divine Providence may place us. Would it not be proper that we should know what they account circumstantials, and that it should not be left to every one to explain?

Article 2d. is so dark and artfully worded, that the most of people imagine that they still adhere to these covenants as binding upon them, although it is evident the very contrary is their design. How inconsistent is the second article with the first, where they profess an adherence to the system of truth laid down in the Holy Scriptures and exhibited in the Confession, yet in this article, part of three chapters of said Confession are cut off. It is strange to profess to be under the most sacred obligations to avoid unnecessary criticisms on this excellent treatise which would have a native tendency to weaken their attachment to the truths therein contained, and yet to cut off these three articles of said Confession.

Again, what large allowance is here given, even for brethren, members of the Synod, to object against this excellent treatise? and yet article fourth will not admit an objection about the civil establishment of the Presbyterian religion, nor the origin of civil dominion. In article second, what a flow of good words and fair speeches, about the Covenants and

judicial Testimony; and of their bearing pointed testimony against the errors and delusions that prevail in this country. Now, who can reconcile this with their conduct in renouncing the binding obligation of these covenants as covenants, and in laying aside both covenants and judicial testimony as terms of communion? Where, also, is this pointed testimony against that unbounded toleration of all and every kind of religion in America? It is truly affecting, that the same generation that came under formal obligations to adhere to these covenants, should be the very generation that should break them.

I think it strange also, to find, in article third, such professions of regard to the religious denominations in Britain, to which they formerly belonged; and yet, in the formula, page 27, we find they are not to receive a minister from either the Associate or Reformed churches there, however well attested, until they renounce their former engagements by declaring their hearty approbation of the Constitution of this Synod, and their resolution to adhere to it. Is it not strange, if, as this Synod would make us believe, there is no alteration intended only in circumstances, that they will keep these men at a distance only for a mere circumstance, however Associate or Reformed they may otherwise be?

I think that a strange and inconsistent like sentence in article fourth, viz: "they," the Synod, "esteem themselves bound to detach their religious profession from all foreign connections, and to honor the civil powers of America, conscientiously submitting to them in all their lawful operations." What, is there no such thing as conscientiously obeying said powers by any but those who adopt this Constitution? Or must people qualify by renouncing their covenant engagements and ordination vows? Surely the civil powers are more civil than that.

Article sixth makes soundness in the Confession mentioned above, the term of admission to fixed communion. When a member, then, of the Associate Reformed Synod, who resides in New Perth, administers baptism, and at the ordination of his elders, solemnly binds, as in the sight of God, to the Westminster Confession of Faith, without exception, and yet nei. ther believes it himself nor intends that they should, as is evident from his approbation of the Constitution that cuts off part of it, it looks too much like daubing with untempered

mortar.

As to my third reason, viz: its direct opposing and injuring the Testimony of the Reformed church, in her best times since her Reformation from Popery, by cutting off and laying aside

a part of these three chapters of the Confession of FaithMr. Mair, an Associate minister, in a sermon of his entitled the Babbler, asserts that this is babbling with a witness, and while disingenuity and perjury are crimes, they never can be held innocent. I would advise people to peruse carefully the Collection of Confessions, upon that point which is now cut off. I shall mention the particular places where that subject is treated of, where their testimony may be seen, with the word of divine truth adduced for its support. First, the Geneva Confession, page 21st; second, the Confession of the Faith and doctrine believed and professed by the Protestants of Scotland, page 48th, article 24th. Third, the first Book of Discipline, article 3d. Fourth, the second Book of Discipline, chapters 1st and 10th. Compare these with the Westminster Confession, chapter 2, section 4, chapter 23, section 3, and chapter 31, section 2, and try our new Constitution by them. Need I advise any to compare it with the Judicial Act and Testimony, and the answers to Nairn's reasons of dissent ?

I am indeed surprised how any can come forth so barefacedly against the church of the Reformation, and destroy what they themselves had formerly wrought, by this heretical Constitution; for although they may set "Associate Reformed" at the front of it, it places its adherents in the same standing that the sectaries held in Cromwell's time against the Presbyterian party, and in the same place the Indulged held in the second king Charles' time: it also takes the side of Lithington against John Knox.

I think that scripture is but too applicable to the Associate Reformed Synod and its adherents: "And the Lord said unto me, a conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem; they are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah hath broken my covenant which I made with their fathers." (Jer. xi. 9, 10.) And Isaiah, viii. 11, 12, I think may be a warning to such as would not desire to slip in the defection. I think it is dangerous meddling with those that are so given to change. I make no doubt but that the adherents of this Constitution may charge me and others with pride and contention, as the reasons why we oppose the deed of a Reverend Associate Reformed Synod. The scripture says, "by pride cometh contention;" this I had cleared to my satisfaction, by a member of the Associate Reformed Synod, in a note of his sermon, where he

said, "that the pride must be on their side that make the defection." I think the charge can not be justly laid to those who adhere to the church in her standards, in her best reformed times, where they have plain scripture to support them, and stand against a new Constitution that does not give one text of scripture to support the change. This generation must be easily seduced who change thus. I heartily pray that the Lord may open the eyes of this Reverend Associate Reformed Synod, that they may see their sin and folly and turn from it; and save from seducers poor unstable souls, and not shun to declare the whole counsel of God; and that poor people may escape the danger of the snares they are surrounded with, and that truth and peace may yet flourish in our day.

This I humbly offer, and request that it may be marked in the records of the Session of the congregation of New Perth.

(H. p. 66. )

[The document intended for insertion in this place, has been mislaid.]

( I. p. 70. )

To the Rev. the Moderator of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, to be communicated:

With the greatest cheerfulness, I embrace the first opportunity of transmitting to you, the following minute of the Associate Reformed Synod.

"Agreed, that Mr. Logan write an affectionate letter to the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, with a copy of our minute, appointing a committee to draw up notes, upon the Confession of Faith, &c. and inviting them to a friendly com. mnuication with said committee, in order that by the blessing of God a foundation may be laid for our happy union."

The minute referred to, is as follows; "Whereas, we have declared in our second article of the Constitution, that public and explicit covenanting with God is a moral duty, under the gospel dispensation, to which we are resolved to attend as he shall be pleased to direct: and that we will avail ourselves of every call, to bear a pointed testimony against the errors and delusions which prevail in this country; and whereas we are bound to satisfy the just demands of the people committed to our care, by carrying these resolutions into execution;

the Synod therefore resolve, that a committee be appointed to prepare short notes for illustrating the Confession of Faith, Catechisms larger and shorter, Directory for Worship, and Form of Presbyterial Church Government; and for pointing the truth exhibited in these tests of orthodoxy against the errors of the present time; and also for ascertaining the views the Synod have of the National Covenant of Scotland, and the Solemn League and Covenant of Scotland, England, and Ireland, more fully than has been done in the Constitution; and to prepare the form of a solemn covenant, suited to the circumstances in which God has placed us. Ordered, that Messrs. Telfair, Mason, Smith, and Jamieson, be a committee for the above purpose, and that the different Presbyteries or individuals be requested to make such communications to the said committee as may tend to further the execution of the business to them committed."

The committee meets at New-York sometime in October next, but to my remembrance the precise time was not determined. I may further inform you and the brethren, that if the plan above mentioned is well executed, the Constitution will of course be suspended, and so no longer a bone of contention between the Synod and you; therefore I would beg you would take the matter under your most serious consideration, that if possible we can see eye to eye in the things of God, and strengthen one another's hands in the work of the Lord; all of us may see what direful effects division among church rulers produces, and these are the more dreadful, as they carry along with them their influence to succeeding generations. In the present case I would suggest that it is not the plan to enquire, who is in the wrong, who is in the right? perhaps neither of us can sufficiently vindicate every mode of procedure; if we can agree in the truth in the execution of the above mentioned plan, it would be a desirable event unto many, and might greatly promote the Secession interest in this large continent, and on this account generations yet unborn might praise the Lord. It will easily seem to you, that the Presbytery may either appoint a committee to meet with the committee of Synod, or make what communications they think proper.

I would therefore beseech you, in the bowels of the Lord Jesus, that you interest yourselves in this matter in a proper time; if this plan be well executed, so that you and we can be united, we might still maintain all necessary connection with the Synod in Scotland. In the mean time what injury would the Presbytery sustain, by appointing a committee to