The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 13
[introduction]
Business was commenced by James Colthurst reading a short series of propositions which he had published in a Cork paper, and upon which he made many instructive comments; after which the resolutions prepared by the "Resolution Committee," appointed on the previous evening, came on for consideration. It was not intended that these resolutions should take the form of a creed or fixed form of belief; but as many new and progressive ideas had been thrown out by the various speakers, it was felt to be important that these sentiments, diffused through the body of the proceedings, should be summarised and presented to the public in a concise and logical manner. The discussion of such resolutions was also looked forward to as a golden opportunity for the expression of individual opinion and for mutual edification. But the result was a failure, as far as the discussion of principles or the elimination of truth was concerned. One of the members of committee busied himself previous to their meeting with a series of resolutions, which there was not time to discuss in committee. J. M. Spear proposed that the resolutions of last year, as suggested by him, should be taken as a basis, but the flight of time called the committee from their labours before a more definite result could be arrived at. When the time came for this committee to report to the Convention, J. Burns, as chairman, was called upon to read the resolutions he penned. He said he had much pleasure in doing so, as he believed them to be true, and could enter heartily into their discussion. Ho said a few preliminary observations were necessary. As a body of reformers they rejected many opinions, dogmas, and modes of action sanctioned at present by the religious world, and it was for them to throw out some suggestions as to what they did believe, what was their rule of faith, and how they intended to act in the accomplishment of their mission. Many ideas had been thrown out by the various speakers, and these ideas ought to indicate something, and such indications it was the business of the resolutions to pourtray. It would first be necessary, however, to search them narrowly and see if they were on the side of truth, and if the action based upon them would be beneficent and elevating to humanity. He then read the following series of propositions :—