The Eclectic review - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1846 edition. Excerpt: ...succession. This sum was equally divided between the ministers composing the synod of Ulster, and those belonging to the southern association, known by the name of the Synod of Munster. The pernicious fruits of state-pay were now everywhere to be seen throughout the presbyterian body. The life-blood of the system had become tainted with the virus of Arianism; and even where its principles had not found ' a local habitation and a name/ there was little to be seen but the cold, barren wastes of religious formalism. The form indeed remained, but the spirit had departed. The state of religion in Ireland did not escape the observation of the Scottish secession, which had recently sprung into existence. Some of their ablest men visited Ireland, and were eminently useful in their efforts to do good. Whilst free from state-connexion, their labours proved a signal blessing to the country. But the policy of government watched for an opportunity of binding them to the state-chariot, and at length found it. The demon of state-craft slumbers not. By king's letter, bearing date the 7th Jan. 1784, the sum of £1000 per annum was added to the original.grant to the synod of Ulster, and a bait of £500 per annum was thrown out to the seceders. As this grant seemed accompanied with no conditions, it was joyfully accepted. Lord Castlereagh, however, in 180-4, thought proper to present it under a different form, and accompanied with such conditions as placed the body entirely under government control. There was then, at first, considerable hesitation as to its acceptance. But, alas for human infirmity! After a little toying and shying, inter loquitur s, and synodical deliverances, it was again eagerly swallowed. The only exception was, in the case of...