Reid A Cameronian Apostle Preface
James Dodson
v.
PREFACE.
THE Author of this book is encouraged by the friendly reception given to his brief notices of Macmillan in the Kirk above Dee Water, to hope that this more lengthy account of that remarkable man may interest some. He has tried, as far as possible, to make the work interesting to the general reader, and, at the same time, strictly accurate and faithful as a record of facts.
The controversy, which cost Macmillan his place and emoluments as a parish minister, is not dead, or even sleeping. Recent movements in ecclesiastical circles prove that “spiritual independence” is still a living principle in many earnest minds.
The author wishes to give cordial acknowledgments to the following kind friends (among many others) who have generously and unselfishly helped him in his self-imposed task:—Rev. J. H. Thomson, Hightae; Rev. M. Hutchison, New Cumnock; Rev. George Laurie, Castle Douglas; Rev. John Torrance, Glasgow; Rev. James Kennedy, New College, Edinburgh; William Macmath, Esq., F.S.A., Edinburgh; James M‘Kerrow, Esq., Boreland of Southwick; Adam Rae, Esq., Castle Douglas; J. H. Maxwell, Esq., of the Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser; James Barbour, Esq., F.S.A., Dumfries; Rev. John Reid, of Minnigaff; Rev. Walter W. Coats, B.D., of Girthon; Dr. Goold, Edinburgh; Thomas Binnie, Esq., Glasgow; Rev. T. Colvin,
vi. Preface.
of Kirkmabreck; and last, not least, Dr. John Grieve, a great-great-grandson of Macmillan, who constantly aided the author’s researches.
A list of books and pamphlets, as exhaustive as possible, is subjoined.
BALMAGHIE MANSE,
April, 1896.