A Vindication of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland

Excerpt from A Vindication of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: From Various Charges Preferred Against Her on the Subject of Civil Government

It is true, Sir, we have no strong claim on the attention, the indul gence, or the consideration of our countrymen. As a church we occupy but a small space in the list of modern denominations, and but an inferior rank in the scale of civil distinctions. We are very sensible to the de fects with which she is chargeable in her constitution and administra tion, - in her partial declension from that elevated piety and high-toned morality, that were once more conspicuous in her members, and in her occasional conformity to the doubtful maxims and questionable amuse ments that prevail, unchecked, in all departments of irreligious society. Neither are we disposed to deny that, in our lives, as individuals, are improprieties over which we ought, in the sight of God, sincerely to mourn, and from which we ought, with increased vigilance, habitually to abstain. But, while we would not obtrude ourselves on the notice of our fellow men, we think ourselves entitled to justice, whenever they, of their own accord, are pleased to take notice of us. If they will pronounce judgment on us, in the plenitude of their numerical strength and col lective wisdom, they should surely first allow us a fair hearing, examine with care the evidence produced in Our favour, as well as the vulgar clamour which has so long resounded against us, and come to a judicious decision, warranted by a candid review of the whole case, no less than consonant to the dictates of discriminating judgment and impartial feel ing. N o doubt, so long as we are doomed only to mere neglect, or even to silent contempt, we are bound to exercise continual patience under these partial evils, rather than proclaim those good qualities, or those virtuous actions, or those just principles, that entitle us to some measure of esteem, affection, and approbation. But the moment that we are made the subjects of spontaneous reflection in historical narration, - in private circles, or in public assemblies, in ephemeral pamphlets, or standard _publications,-a - that moment we are warranted to demand the exercise of impartial justice, in reference at once to our general charac ter, our peculiar views, our judicial determinations, and our political de portment and never is any individual warranted, however superior to us he may think himself in personal accomplishments, and ecclesiastical connexions, to load us with the odium of obnoxious tenets, which we do not hold, or of mischievous practices 'which we do not pursue, how ever narrow the bounds of our depressed communion, or small our claims on public consideration.

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