PREFACE TO VOLUME I.

N OTWITHSTANDING a very general opinion that it is undesirable to add unduly to the number of published biographical books, there was a universal feeling, not only among the personal friends of Dr. Begg, but among a large portion of the general community of our country, that a "Life" of him should be written. Application was made to me to undertake the work. With a sincere desire to aid thus in perpetuating the memory of my friend, yet with much reluctance, arising from an appreciation of the difficulties of the task, I assented to the proposal, and now I am very glad that "half of my heavy task is done."

I have not had any aid from journal or diary, and very little from correspondence, to "make Dr. Begg his own biographer." So far as I know, Dr. Begg never kept any journal, and although he wrote innumerable notes in reply to innumerable inquiries, he wrote very few letters; nor did he preserve the notes or letters which he received. I do not know that the paucity of material of this kind is very much to be regretted, as it is a very imperfect idea that can be formed of a man's actual life from his own daily retrospect recorded during the last quarter of an hour in each day.

The first four chapters of this volume consist of an auto-biographical fragment. The reader will see that it is very diffuse, and that its author designed his Memoirs to be on a large scale - to be, in fact, a "History of His Life and Times." The chapters immediately following (V.-XI.) are a sort of running comment upon these, and it will probably be considered that they also are chargeable with undue diffuseness. My only apology is that I thought it right to accommodate my part of the work to the portion executed by my friend, and of which mine was designed to be a continuation.

In addition to the chapters which Dr. Begg had prepared for the press, he had had copied a considerable number of papers designed to be incorporated with his autobiography. These I have inserted at their proper places.

I have now to make a few additions and corrections:-

1. In connection with the monument of Dr. and Mrs. Begg of New Monkland (end chap. I), I have had forwarded to me two letters from a bank agent at Airdrie, from which it appears that one of Dr. Begg's sons, Mr. William Begg, deposited with him a sum of money to provide for the maintenance in perpetuity of his grandparents' monument.

2. I have through inadvertence spoken of the Dean of Faculty, who had so much to do with the Auchterarder and other cases, as Mr. Charles Hope. It should have been Mr. John Hope.

3. I have with some difficulty procured a copy of the "Anti-Patronage Library," spoken of in chap. XXI. I find that it was not published until 1842. The letter on that subject is therefore misplaced. The "Library" contains an abridgment of Dr. Begg's pamphlet on patronage, published in 1839.

4. To avoid periphrasis, I have spoken throughout of the subject of the memoir as Dr. Begg. This was occasionally somewhat awkward. But I thought it, upon the whole, better to designate him by the title by which he was so generally known. In point of fact, he did not acquire that title till a time subsequent to that to which the present volume relates.

I have only further to express my best thanks to many friends who have rendered me valuable aid, and in particular to several gentlemen to whom I took the liberty of making application without having any proper right, on the ground of friendship, to make it. In every case such applications have been kindly and favourably responded to.

And now I present the first instalment of my work to the public, with the promise that, if God spare me in life and health, the second portion of it shall follow without very long delay.

I have no right to deprecate criticism, as my task was voluntarily undertaken; and I am painfully conscious of many defects and imperfections in my execution of it.

PREFACE TO VOLUME II.

I HAVE to express regret for the long interval that has l ensued between the publication of the former and that of the present volume of this book. It is due chiefly to comparative incapacity for work on my part, in consequence of painful bereavement.

I have no right to deprecate criticism, as I voluntarily undertook the task of preparing the biography of my friend. But I may say that the book is materially different from what I expected that it would be. It is more ecclesiastical and less personal than I hoped to be able to make it. But, far as it is from accordance with my
ideal, I hope it may be acceptable to many of Dr. Begg's friends now, and may in the future be regarded as an honest narrative of important transactions.

In detailing proceedings in which the subject and the author of the Memoirs were closely associated, it was impossible on the author's part to avoid frequent references to himself and his own action. I hope these references will not be deemed to indicate offensive egotism.

CONTENTS

Volume I.

[I.] BIRTH AND EARLY DAYS.

[II.] COLLEGE LIFE IN GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH.

[III.] MY LICENSE, ORDINATION, AND EXPERIENCE AS AN ASSISTANT AT NORTH LEITH, AND A MINISTER OF CHAPELS AT DUMFRIES AND EDINBURGH.

[IV.] TRANSLATION TO PAISLEY — MINISTER OF A CITY CHARGE.

[V.] DR. BEGG'S FAMILY — HIS CONNECTION WITH GREENOCK.

[VI.] SCOTTISH PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS.

[VII.] GLASGOW UNIVERSITY.

[VIII.] GLASGOW DIVINITY HALLS.

[IX.] LICENSE AS A PREACHER — ASSISTANT AT NORTH LEITH — CHARACTER OF HIS PREACHING.

[X.] CHAPELS OF EASE — CALL TO MAXWELLTOWN — MINISTRY THERE.

[XI.] LADY GLENORCHY'S CHAPEL, EDINBURGH.

[XII.] TRANSLATION TO PAISLEY AND MINISTRY THERE.

[XIII.] PAISLEY MINISTRY CONTINUED — CHURCH EXTENSION.

[XIV.] FIRST SPEECH IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[XV.] THE YEAR 1833.

[XVI.] THE YEAR 1834.

[XVII.] PRESENTATION TO THE PARISH OF LIBERTON.

[XVIII.] MINISTRY AT LIBERTON.

[XIX.] CHURCH CONTROVERSIES.

[XX.] CHURCH EXTENSION MOVEMENT.

[XXI.] NON-INTRUSION CONTROVERSY.

[XXII.] THE BEGINNING OF THE END.

Volume II.

[XXIII.] THE DISRUPTION — NEWINGTON FREE CHURCH.

[XXIV.] FIRST FREE CHURCH ASSEMBLY — DEPUTATIONS TO ENGLAND — EXTRA WORK.

[XXV.] ORGANISING OF THE FREE CHURCH — AND OF THE NEWINGTON CONGREGATION.

[XXVI.] INVESTMENT OF CHURCH PROPERTY — SABBATH-SCHOOLS — IRISH MARRIAGES - NEWINGTON CONGREGATION — ROMANISM — PSALMODY.

[XXVII.] THE YEAR 1845 — REFUSAL OF SITES — MAYNOOTH — UNIVERSITY TESTS — TOUR IN THE HIGHLANDS — POOR-LAWS — INVERNESS ASSEMBLY — DEATH OF MRS. BEGG.

[XXVIII.] EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE — VISIT TO CANADA — KNOX MONUMENT — QUOAD SACRA CHURCHES — SECOND MARRIAGE.

[XXIX.] SOCIAL QUESTIONS — FREE CHURCH EDUCATION SCHEME — GOVERNMENT EDUCATION SCHEME — QUOAD SACRA CHURCHES — COMMITTEE ON SITES — DEATH OF DR. CHALMERS — CALL TO DUMFRIES — NEWINGTON CHURCH — BECOMES DOCTOR OF DIVINITY.

[XXX.] NATIONAL EDUCATION — HOME MISSIONS — CONGREGATIONAL SUPPLEMENTS — ANTI-VOLUNTARYISM — REFUSAL OF SITES BILL.

[XXXI.] INNOVATIONS — HOME MISSIONS — HOUSES FOR THE WORKING CLASSES — AN IMPOSTOR — CHURCH PROPERTY — WASTE LANDS — BEAUTY OF EDINBURGH — CHURCH FINANCE — EMMIGRATION.

[XXXII.] A CHARTER WITH EIGHT POINTS — HOUSE ACCOMMODATION IN TOWN AND COUNTRY CRIME AND PAUPERISM — HOME RULE — NATIONAL EDUCATION — ABERDEEN COLLEGE — PROVINCE OF CHURCH COURTS — CHURCH ACCOMMODATION — PAPAL AGGRESSION — CULTIVATION OF WASTE LANDS.

[XXXIII.] PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS — HIGHLAND DESTITUTION — PAPAL AGGRESSION — LAPSED MASSES — EDINBURGH IRISH MISSION — THE "BULWARK."

[XXXIV.] SUSTENTATION FUND — "RATING" PRINCIPLE — PROTESTANT APATHY — UNIVERSITY TESTS — HANDBOOK OF POPERY — FACTIOUS OPPOSITION — CORDIALITY OF LEADING OPPONENTS — UNION WITH ORIGINAL SECEDERS — PURITANISM — LEGREE — PROBATIONERS.

[XXXV.] REFORMATION SOCIETY — MODEL LODGING-HOUSES CLAIM OF RIGHTS — EARLY CLOSING — IMPRISONMENT OF MISS CUNNINGHAM — PAINS AND PRAYER.

[XXXVI.] MINISTERIAL TRAINING — ROMANIST CHAPLAINS — THE "ROCK" — ABERDEEN COLLEGE — PASTORAL DILIGENCE.

[XXXVII.] A CRITICAL PERIOD IN THE FREE CHURCH — RELATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT — VIEWS OF POPERY.

[XXXVIII.] PROTESTANT INSTITUTE — SABBATH OBSERVANCE — REPRESENTATION IN THE ASSEMBLY — NATIONAL EDUCATION — WORKING CLASSES — SATURDAY EVENING CONCERTS.

[XXXIX.] FORTY-SHILLING FREEHOLDS — PREACHING COMPETITIONS — BEGINNING OF THE UNION MOVEMENT — CHURCH EXTENSION AND THE SUSTENTATION FUND — EFFICIENCY OF THE MINISTRY — SOCIAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION — THRIFT — INDIAN GOVERNMENT EDUCATION.

[XL.] COMMERCIAL MORALITY — ROMISH SCHOOL-BOOKS — BOTHY SYSTEM — INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC — ROMANIST SCHOOLS — HIGHLANDS AND HIGHLANDERS — EQUAL DIVIDEND — INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC — FORBES MACKENZIE ACT — CARDROSS CASE — SABBATH OBSERVANCE — SOCIAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION — GOOD HOUSES.

[XLI.] ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATION — THIN END OF THE WEDGE — THEOLOGICAL CURRICULUM — GLASGOW COLLEGE CASE — LEVELLING UP OR LEVELLING DOWN — OPIUM QUESTION REVIVALS — "PEGGING AT IT."

[XLII.] CARDROSS CASE — FATAL ACCIDENT — TERCENTENARY OF THE REFORMATION — CROWDING IN HOUSES — PRISON CHAPLAINS — BOTHY SYSTEM — SYRIAN MASSACRE — UNIVERSITY REFORM.

[XLIII.] CARDROSS CASE — CHURCH EXTENSION — NATIONAL EDUCATION — CAUSEWAYSIDE MISSION — AUSTRALIAN UNION — EDUCATIONAL REFORM — HIGHLANDS — PROTESTANT INSTITUTE — MISSIONARY CONFERENCE — FALL OF HOUSE IN HIGH STREET — DEATH OF DR. CUNNINGHAM.

[XLIV.] SYMPATHY WITH A BEREAVED FAMILY — SUPPLY OF MINISTERS — DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER — NATIONAL EDUCATION — ROMISH AGGRESSION — NORMAL SCHOOL — DR. CANDLISH — HOUSE ACCOMMODATION — BOTANIC GARDENS — READING SERMONS — FAREWELL TO EMIGRANT SON — CARDROSS CASE.

[XLV.] SABBATH OBSERVANCE — ROMANIST PRISONERS — INNOVATIONS IN WORSHIP — ATTACK IN HOUSE OF COMMONS — READING SERMONS — EQUAL DIVIDEND — ANTI-ROMISH AGITATION — SABBATH DESECRATION — PROTESTANT INSTITUTE — PRESBYTERIANISM.

[XLVI.] SOCIAL IMPROVEMENT — PORTRAIT — SHORTER CATECHISM — DR. JOHN FORBES — NEWSPAPER ATTACK — PUBLIC-HOUSE LICENSES — CONSECRATION OF CEMETERIES — CRIMINALS — BARBARISM OF SCOTLAND.

[XLVII.] MODERATORSHIP OF ASSEMBLY — SERIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT — MODERATORSHIP.

[XLVIII.] WORKING MEN'S HOUSES — "FORM OF PROCESS" — TOTAL ABSTINENCE — HYMNS — CONVERSION OF THE JEWS — CITY IMPROVEMENTS — SUPPLY OF MINISTERS.

[XLIX.] SUPPLY OF PROBATIONERS — INTEMPERANCE — OFFICES AND OATHS BILL — SABBATH PROTECTION — GLASGOW CASE — CHAMBERS STREET.

[L.] SABBATH CABS - CONDITION OF THE POOR — MAYNOOTH ENDOWMENT — NEWINGTON SCHOOL — DISESTABLISHMENT OF IRISH CHURCH — SITE OF EDINBURGH INFIRMARY.

[LI.] CHARGE OF INCONSISTENCY, AND OF DESIRE TO RETURN TO THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH — PUBLIC SCHOOLS BILL — HYMN QUESTION — POSTURES IN WORSHIP — ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY — PRESENTATION OF PORTRAIT.

[LII.] NATIONAL EDUCATION — HYMNS — SIR JAMES SIMPSON — ELECTION OF MINISTERS SUSTENTATION FUND — FRANCO-GERMAN WAR — MR. BELL OF NEWCASTLE — MR. GLADSTONE AND THE POPE.

[LIII.] NATIONAL EDUCATION — PATRONAGE ABOLITION — PSALMODY — FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

[LIV.] ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS — NATIONAL EDUCATION — EDINBURGH NEWSPAPERS — KNOX MONUMENT.

[LV.] DR. GUTHRIE'S DEATH — TRANSFERENCE OF FREE CHURCH SCHOOLS — DISESTABLISHMENT.

[LVI.] UNION CONTROVERSY.

[LVII.] VISIT TO AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, CEYLON, AND INDIA — VOYAGING EXPERIENCES — PATRONAGE ABOLITION ACT — HOUSE ACCOMMODATION — GIFT OF MONEY — PRESBYTERIAN RECONSTRUCTION.

[LVIII.] EDINBURGH SCHOOL BOARD — FAILURE OF HEALTH — ROBERTSON SMITH CASE — JUBILEE CELEBRATION — COVENANT COMMEMORATION — INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC — STROME-FERRY RIOTS — THE END.

[APPENDIX.] REMINISCENCES by Rev. Alexander Gregory, Anstruther.