"THE FREE CHURCHES"
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Referring to my letter in your issue of the 14th inst. under the above heading, I regret that my -memory played me false on a subsidiary point in reference to the litigation between the newly created combination named the " United Free Church " and some twenty-seven ministers and congregations who protested against the amalgamation.. The controversy was brought before the Scottish Court of Session for argument ; it did not dismiss the case, but, upheld: the contention of the small protesting minority, who were also again sucu-ssful (as I correctly stated) when the.- suit was
brought before the House of Lords sitting on the Final Court of Appeal.
But the slight error as to the result of the litigation in the Scottish court in no way affects, much less invalidates, the purpose of my letter, which was to show that all religious bodjes holding property under doctrinal trusts are subject to State control in regard to the legal interpretation of the doctrines they embody if and when challenged.—I am, Sir, &c., T. MARTIN TILBY.
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