Untitled - Electric Scotland

66 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP TAIT [CH. HI.
The Rev. A, C. Tait to Mr. John Tait.
"BALLIOL COLLEGE, Feb. 9, 1838.
"Mv DEAR JOHN, Poor Sandford s death is a most sad and
striking thing. It is specially striking to me, seeing that I wrote
to him on the subject of the Moral Philosophy Chair about ten
days ago, and had an answer from Ramsay, he being
in bed.
Ramsay declared there was nothing to prevent a clergyman of
the Church of England holding a Chair. The Principal expressed
a different opinion. Now, here is the point. I should like of
all things to succeed poor Sandford, but I will on no account
make any declaration whatsoever that will compromise my duty
to the Church whose minister I am, and to whose doctrine I am
sincerely attached. I have again looked hurriedly at the Confession
of Faith. An assent to all its articles as matters of my belief
I cannot see how I can give. Two doctrines in particular-
that of God having foreordained a portion of His creatures to
damnation, and that the Elect can be infallibly assured of their
salvation in this life are no parts of my creed ; therefore to say
that they were would be a lie, and however such a statement
may be gulped by men in general, I could not gulp it. A mere
acquiescence in the articles as the formulae of the Church of
Scotland, a declaration that I recognise that Church as the Estab
lished and lawful Church in Scotland, and that I have no objec
tion to its worship, would be very well. The Principal, to whom
I wrote on the subject of the Moral Philosophy Chair, sent me
a declaration which is far too strong to be made by any clergy
man of the Church of England. Must the articles of necessity
be signed ? What is the interpretation put by the imposing body
on the signature ? Is there a declaration which must of necessity
be made? Might one sign under public protest? These are
questions which I put to you as a lawyer. I am exceedingly anxious
on the subject, and should like the situation very much, provided
it can be consistently held by a clergyman continuing to act as
such. I beg you to sift the matter thoroughly, and to ascertain
exactly the law of the case. I shall in the meantime announce
myself as a candidate conditionally, and mean to write this even
ing to the Principal and others. I shall state my intention of
becoming a candidate if the situation can be held by a man of the Church of England. Your affectionate
clergy
"A. C. T."