PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF «THE ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN ASSITION" ROWLAND HUNTER, 72, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD. 1834. INTRODUCTION. THE ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN ASSOCIATION believing that much misapprehension exists with regard to the history and opinions of the body of Protestant Dissenters which they represent, consider it their duty to place before the public a succinct statement of the matters on which the present topics of literary, and unfortunately of legal, controversy particularly turn; and to show that, so far from counteracting the design of their forefathers, they are, in the application now made of Presbyterian Endowments, acting in the direct spirit and intent of those foundations, and in the only way consistent with the true principle of Protestant Dissent. Reverencing the truly Christian virtues of their ancestors,-humbly desiring to follow the noble example left for their imitation,— and perfectly resigned to quit even the endowments consecrated by such associations, if they can only be held subject to restrictions upon the sacred right and duty of free inquiry,-they commit the result to the respected authorities with whom the legal determination must rest, and to the sympathy of the enlightened friends of religious liberty in every denomination of Christians. CONTENTS. SUPPOSED leading principle of the English Presbyterians Interference by the Independents with the endowments of Principle involved in the interference, and its importance.. History of Presbyterian Dissent from the Established Church. Accession of James.-Hampton Court Conference, 1604.— Opposition to Prelacy in the reign of Charles I... Establishment of the Scotch Presbyterian system of Church Rise of the Independents, and their tolerant principles Attempts at Comprehension.-Savoy Conference, 1661.... Act of Uniformity, 1662, and ejection of the Nonconform- ing Ministers.-Formation of Presbyterian Congregations, Acts passed against the Ejected Clergy Revolution of 1688 and the Toleration Act. 13, 14 Union of Nonconformists.-Doctrinal opinions and liberal views of the Presbyterians at the date of the Toleration Presbyterian Fund.-Congregational Board.-Pinners' Hall Lecture.-Disputes between the Presbyterians and Inde- |