political offence. As this kingdom is pre-eminently the land of freedom, in which no slave can breathe, so it is an asylum for the political exile from every country in the world. 474. Conclusion.-The doubts which I entertained as to the propriety of delivering a popular course of lectures on the Government, Constitution, and Laws of Scotland have long ago been dissipated; and I am glad to think that so many of my former fellow-townsmen have taken a real and hearty interest in the subjects upon which I have spoken in this hall. Let me hope that our investigations have endeared to you the inheritance of freedom and just laws which we have received from our ancestors; and that the time is not far distant when our glorious Constitution may, advantageously to the nation, be more than ever identified with the national life, and when the laws of the whole British Kingdom will not only be made accessible, but, by means of codification on a scientific basis, be also made easily intelligible to all Her Majesty's subjects. The codification of our laws-of our legal rights and duties, and of the means by which they can be enforced-is a subject of paramount importance, and ought to be undertaken by the legislature without delay. As the most effectual means for obtaining this and other necessary reforms, the people of Scotland would, I believe, act wisely by insisting upon the appointment of a Secretary of State for Scotland to assist the Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department in the management of our national affairs. Such an official as here suggested must be appointed, or the Lord Advocate, with an adequate salary, should be induced to devote himself almost exclusively to the public business of Scotland. Appellate jurisdiction of the House of Lords- Must either be surrendered or judicial peers created Army, Royal Militia of Charles II., and rudiments of regular Nature of militia service 146 251 121, 196 196 197 Beggars and idle men Berwick finally lost Acceptance of movables Blasphemy punished by death Blasphemy and profanity Its effect, and enumeration of recent enactments Bankrupt and fraudulent alienations Beggars, strong, and vagabonds, employed in common Bills, Speedy execution on foreign and inland Black-mail, taking, punished by death and loss of 308 177 134 185 106 180 Bribery and corruption in House of Commons, prevention of 241 Cessio bonorum Cheques, crossed Christianity introduced Church, The- Its wealth and contributions to national civilization Remodelled on principles of feudal system Its coercive and voluntary jurisdiction largely in- creased Pope head of Scottish Vacant benefices must not be obtained or purchased Church discipline, heresy Many reformers suffered death, and Knox long in Early reforms contemplated and first covenant signed Popery condemned by General Assembly, civil war, 123 152 153 154 154 155 156 156 157 157 159 160 160 161 161 162 Protestant religion established by law established in 1592 King James VI. and his clergy Episcopacy held unscriptural, and Presbyterianism James VI. bent on establishing Episcopacy. Church, The-continued. Confession of Faith, &c. acy restoration of Stuart dynasty Episcopacy again established, and Presbyterian clergy PAGE 163 The Commonwealth opposed to ecclesiastical suprem- 163 163 Laws against nonconformists 164 James VII. and his grants of indulgence 165 Revolution of 1688 165 Concluding remarks on progress of Reformation 165 202 Confession of Faith as to civil magistrate and condi- tion of Church's endowments 203 Laws against nonconformity to Episcopal Church, &c., Church, Free-the causes which led to the erection of the Colliers and salters released from servitude Confirmation-one inventory only required for personalty 232 |