262
BLACKWOOD'S
EDINBURGH MAGAZINE.
CONTENTS.
EDINBURGH:
WILLIAM BLACKWOOD & SONS, 45, GEORGE STREET;
AND 37, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON.
To whom all communications (post paid) must be addressed.
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PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH.263
BLACKWOOD'S
EDINBURGH MAGAZINE.
THE SCOTTISH MARRIAGE AND REGISTRATION BILLS.
About two years ago, we found itnecessary to draw the attention of ourreaders to certain alterations whichour Whig rulers, or at least a sectionof them, proposed to make in the existinglaw of marriage, as applicableto Scotland. We stated our viewsmoderately, not denying that in somepoints it might be possible to effect asalutary change; but utterly deprecatingthe enforcement of a bill whichwas so constructed as to uproot anddestroy the ancient consuetudinal lawof the kingdom, to strike a heavy andmalignant blow at morality and religion,and which, moreover, was regardedby the people of Scotland withfeelings o