MEMORIAL WITH THE OPINIONS OF EMINENT COUNSEL IN REGARD TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FREE AND REMARKS ON OUR PRESENT STATE AND PROSPECTS. BY JAMES BEGG, D.D. EDINBURGH: JOHNSTONE, HUNTER, & CO. 1874. 110. j. 417. PREFACE. THE object of this publication is to demonstrate that the principle of National Religion is embedded in the Constitution of the Free Church of Scotland. In consequence of the new Voluntary agitation which has arisen amongst us, it is necessary to vindicate the consistency of those who resist this agitation, and claim to represent the principles of 1843. True Free Churchmen are, from their very profession, bound to be the strenuous advocates of national religion; they are bound to resist all proved abuses; but they never will be found resisting measures of necessary reform in the Established Church, agreeing with so-called "Liberationists," or sympathising with the atheistic maxim that civil government has only to do with "the outward and secular affairs" of nations. But how can men who accept of office in our Free Churches be kept to the maintenance of their professed principles? This is a question of the most serious import, and yet is little considered. * |