He was virtually the founder of the Scottish Reformation Society, and also of the Protestant Institute, within the walls of which there is an excellent portrait of the doctor by Mr Norman Mac beath, R-.S.A. lie is the author of a popular work " Happy Homes for Working People," and through his in fluence and untiring exertions for many years, much has been done in Scot land to improve the dwellings, and ameliorate the social condition af the working class. There can be no doubt that by his labours outside the pulpit and outside the routine of ordinary ministerial work he has rendered great and important service to the country at large. In all ecclesiastical questions connected with the church of which he was a member, Dr Begg took a very prominent part. In church polity he was a conservative of the conserva tives — although in politics an extreme liberal — and as a rule occupied the position of recognised leader of the op position. Through his indomitable enei'gy, perseverance, and great popu larity he secured a large following, and manfully contended for the mainten ance, in their strictest integrity, of the principles upon which he and his col leagues had left the establishment, and also for the forms connected with public worship which many regard as " non essential," but which are hallowed by immemorial usage. In his church neither hymns nor organ were per mitted, and the congregation main tained the old posture of standing dur ing prayer, and sitting during the service of praise. Dr Begg has fought many hard battles in the Church Courts against all changes and innovations in connection with the church service. His last great struggle was upon the instrumental music question at the re-, cent session of Assembly of the Free Church. Though then defeated lie was not disheartened for no sooner was the session over than he bet himself energetically to work to recruit ,his forces, to "agitate and organise, and otherwise to prepare for a i*enewal of the struggle at the next sitting of the Supreme Court of the church; Through his death the party in opposition upon this question have sustained a serious loss — a loss that to all appearance is irretrievable. 