James Morison , D.D.

From The Book of Eminent Scotsmen by Joseph Irving

Morison, Rev. Robert (1781-1855)

Secession and E.U. Clergyman. Called to Bathgate Associate charge, 1812; engaging in defence of alleged heretical views expressed by his son, Mr. Morison is summoned before the Church courts, but failing to attend the committee appointed to investigate the charges, the Synod declared him to be no longer a member, when he passed with his congregation to the E.U. Body.

Morison James, D.D.

Son of preceding. Professor of Theology to Evangelical Union. Ordained minister of Clerk’s Lane Associate charge, Kilmarnock, 1841; suspended from office by Presbytery on a charge of heresy, concerning the atonement, March, 1841. This sentence was confirmed by the Synod to which he appealed; and, refusing to submit, was declared to be no longer connected with the Secession Church. A majority of his people adhered to him, and an arrangement was made by which they were allowed to retain possession of the fabric. The immediate cause of  Dr. Morison’s ejection was the publication of a tract The way of Salvation; or the question answered, What must I do to be Saved? which  was suppressed, but still led to an irritating atonement controversy; founds the sect known as the Evangelical Union, in which he becomes Professor of Theology, and is translated to the church of the body, Dundas Street, Glasgow. Author of many religious treatises.

From Chambers Scottish Biographical Dictionary

James Morison (1816-1893)

Clergyman, born in Bathgate. Educated at Edinburgh University, he became minister of Kilmarnock in 1840, but the following year was suspended by the United Secession Church for preaching universal atonement, and in 1843, with three other ministers, he founded the Evangelical Union of Congregational Churches, its system being a modified Independency.