Mr. Robertson, as Convener of the Committee on the Irish
Church, stated that it had been referred to the Committee to prepare a draft of a petition to both Houses of Parliament, and an overture to the General Assembly, on this subject ; but after having met, it occurred to the Committee that, as Parlia- ment was not now sitting they could not petition the Legislature ; and there- fore they had drawn up a declaration of the views of the Synod, and an overture to the General Assembly.
These documents denounced the errors of the Romish Church, and the conduct of the House of Commons and the Ministry with respect to the Irish Church Bill, in very bitter terms. In the overture to the General Assembly, it was said that, whereas- .. . " from the rapid strides which the Roods!' Church is now making, and particularly in Ireland, to the recovery of her former pestilential domination,
our invaluable Protestant institutions and privileges may come to be exposed
to the most imminent hazard, it is humbly overtured by the Very Reverend the Synod of Aberdeen, to the Venerable Assembly of the Church of Scotland, in- dicted to meet in Edinburgh in May neat, that they would take such measures as to them may seen) best adapted to keep alive the Protestant feelings of the country, and to confirm our people in their attachment to their Protestant) faith."
An address of compliment and condolence to the Archbishop of Ar- magh was adopted. There was a great deal of speaking ; the princi- pal orators being Mr. Paull, 1)r. Forbes, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Simp- son, and Mr. Farquharson ; their tone corresponded with the senti- ments of their declaration and overture to the General Assembly. Messrs. Gordon and O'Sullivan, the noted itinerants in favour of the Episcopal Church of Ireland, appeared at Perth on Tuesday even- ing, in terms of a previous intimation. On the motion of Doctor Thomson, ex-Provost Ross took the chair ; and, after prayer, and a description of the purpose of the meeting, wherein the reverend Doctor distinctly stated that one object was to prevent the disorganization of " the Constitution," Mr. Gordon addressed the meeting, describing with great force, and denouncing with unchristian vehemence, the errors of Popery. It was not sufficient, however, for this gentleman to impart information as to the " present workings and doctrines of the Church of Rome," but he ventured an attack upon the Government; which brought down a shower of hisses ; and, during the remainder of the evening, more or less uproar prevailed. Mr. O'Sullivan succeeded; but his assertions and misrepresentations, and, above all, the virulent imputation of every crime which can disfigure the human character as abounding among Catholics, occasioned frequent in- terruptions and marked dissatisfaction. Mr. O'Sullivan stated, that the Catholic Members of Parliament had perjured themselves; and Catholics, even the best of them, " the best-educated gentlemen of Ireland," were a perfidious set, and unworthy of credit or trust. Dens's Theology was also introduced ; and Mr. Macghee was lauded in no measured terms for his great discovery,—which was, moreover, charac- terized as being marvellous and providential. He said that the tithe a-ar began after Catholic Emancipation was granted ; and at the same time, and from the same motive, Voluntaryism was established in Scotland. This statement called forth an immense turmoil. which continued till the conclusion of the business ; when Mr. O'Sullivan at last declared that he was unable to proceed, but implored the meeting to form themselves into an Associstion to assist in the preservation of Protestantism. Dr. Thomson then moved the thanks of the meet- ing to the agitators; which produced great confusion and noise. He then moved that an Association be formed; which was received in the same manner. And, lastly, the Doctor moved the thanks of the meet- ing to the Chairman. The Chairman seemed particularly glad to make his escape, for he scarcely made his bow when be disappeared as if by magic. The confusion and uproar increased, amidst loud cries for appointing anew Chairman ; but Dr. Thomson having planted himself in the vacant seat, seemed determined on preventing any further pro- ceedings. The meeting then slowly dispersed, but no Association was formed.—Perth Advertiser.
Previous page
