As it respects ecclesiastical relations, we testify against these former brethren for having wittingly, perseveringly, and presumptuously fostered schism in the visible church, manifestly for carnal ends, during many years.  It is notorious that five Synods are in organic fellowship, while hardly two of them will hold ministerial or sacramental communion!  What a picture does this state of things in the professing church of Christ present to the infidel; how hardening to the self-righteous and the openly profane!  And although conventional regulations be lightly looked upon by many, not being based upon express words of scripture; yet when framed and engaged to, according to the general rules of scripture, much sin is the result of violating them, and trampling them under foot, as has often been done by this body of people.  This has been the case in Presbyteries, subordinate Synods, and especially in the general Synod.  Subordinate Synods have been dissolved by the action of the general Synod after they had ceased to be; and without consulting the Presbyteries, who alone were competent to decree or dissolve the delegation form of the general Synod, that court dissolved itself, after having many years trampled upon the law of Presbyteries fixing the ratio of delegation.  Against such reckless, disorderly procedure we testify as being the cause or occasion of much sin against Zion’s King, and much suffering to his precious people.

Finally—­We solemnly enter our protestation against this church, as having taken the lead of most others in razing the very foundation stone of the covenanted structure.  All the evils that have befallen the professed friends of a work of reformation on both sides of the Atlantic are traceable to a setting aside the footsteps of the flock from being terms of ecclesiastical communion.  It is now more than ten years since this important matter was expressly submitted to the Old Light Synod’s consideration, and during the subsequent period, in various forms, the same has been pressed, but without effect; except as manifesting more fully their obduracy.  They refuse still to return, Ephraim-like, going on frowardly in the way of their own heart.

That uninspired history ought to be incorporated among the terms of communion in the Church of Christ, is a proposition which we firmly believe, on the evidence both of reason and Scripture, although denied, condemned, and rejected by all pretenders to reformation attainments.  That history and argument are so rejected by all parties affecting to be reformed churches, will appear from the following citations from their own authoritative judicial declarations:  “Authentic history and sound argument are always to be highly valued; but they should not be incorporated with the confession of the Church’s faith.”  “The Declaratory part is, the Church’s standing Testimony.”—­Ref.  Prin.  Exhibited, preface—­edition,