Leading Ecclesiastical Cases Decided in the Court of Session, 1849-1874 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 Excerpt: ...not an extension of the Secession that took place at the union, but a fusion of both bodies into one; the effect and result of which was, that both the original Churches lost their identity, and an entirely new body, the United Presbyterian Church, was the result. J The case of this date was advised. Lord Justice-clerk (hope).--In giving my judgment in this case, I most fully intend, because I am most desirous, to avoid a single word which, may appear to reflect on, or even to approach to an indication of opinion upon, any of the views, either on matters of doctrine or ecclesiastical polity, entertained by either of the parties in this cause. If I have occasion to advert to the difference, or alleged difference, of opinion between them, it will be simply to the matter as a question of fact which comes before the Court, and on which its deliverance may require to be given. If I have to state that either party has grounds to object to the conduct or opinions of the other, it is only in reference to the point of fact--which entertains opinions which may reasonably be contended to be peculiar to the body to which all at one time belonged, or which has adopted a course to which those entertaining these opinions are entitled, as a consequence of their own views, to object. Least of all will the parties hear from me the slightest disposition to treat as immaterial or insubstantial any peculiar doctrines or differences of tenets to which, or to certain modes of expressing which, respectable bodies of Christians have attached importance, and which they have themselves described as material. A court of law, when necessarily called upon to decide a question of property in consequence of a difference of opinion among the members of a religious dissenting body, must fee...