The Watchtower & The Masons

IDEAS DONT COME OUT A VACUUM 23 natural eloquence, and students flocked from all over the British Isles to be dazzled by him. It appears the young minds of the students were not as discerning as the average Presbyterians. For instance, when Hutcheson substituted for his father at his father's church, the congregation got up and all walked out during his sermon. One of the elders meeting his father said, "We a' feel muckle wae for your mishap...your silly son, Frank, has fashed a' the congregation wi' his idle cackle; for he has been babbling this oor aboot a gude and benevolent God, and that the souls of the heathens themsels will gang to heeven...not a word does the daft boy ken, speer, nor say aboot the gude auld, comfortable doctrines of election, reprobation, original sin, and faith."

So generations of young susceptible minds were led into heresy by the staff of this university. This theological training explains why Ulster County churches were Arian in view for many years, and how the New-Light movement was able to steadily progress, and ultimately take over control of the Synod of Ulster, Ireland.

Several other factors happened to occur during this century, to excerbate the deterioration of orthodox belief in Ulster. The Established Church of Ireland and the Episcopal churches sank into apathy and heresy during this period too.

For instance, the Right Reverend Dr. Robert Clayton who was bishop of Killala, of Cork, and Ross , and Clogher went so far as to publish an attack on the trinity with his long titled Essay on Spirit, wherein the doctrine of the Trinity is considered in the light of reason...and the doctrine of the Trinity as maintained by the Egyptians....Platonists,..."

The Synod of Ulster degenerated for several generations into heretical views of salvation and Christ. Published sermons during this time period showed little understanding

by Ulster's ministry for the Christian doctrine of salvation.

In 1755, the Lord raised up an effective minister Mr. Clark, whose pamphlets called attention to errors of the Synod of Ulster. His last and not least pamphlet was entitled "New Light set in a Clear Light." Now that the New Light had been exposed, the momentum began slowly to shift.

High winds on Sept. 2,1756 destroyed ripening grain and