Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Morison, James (1762-1809)
MORISON, JAMES (1762–1809), theologian, born at Perth on 13 Dec. 1762, was son of a bookseller and postmaster there. He likewise became a bookseller, first at Leith and afterwards at Perth. In religion he was for some time a member of the Society of Glassites, from whom he seceded and founded a distinct sect, of which he became the minister. He frequently preached and lectured, much to the neglect of his business. His oratorical gifts are said to have been considerable. He died at Perth on 20 Feb. 1809. On 13 Dec. 1778 he married a daughter (d. 1789) of Thomas Mitchel, writer, of Perth, and on 20 Dec. 1790 he married again. He left a large family.
Of Morison's writings may be mentioned: 1. 'New Theological Dictionary,' 8vo, Edinburgh, 1807. 2. 'An Introductory Key to the first four Books of Moses, being an Attempt to analyse these Books . . . and . . . to shew that the great Design of the Things recorded therein was the Sufferings of Christ and the following Glory,' 8vo, Perth, 1810, which had been previously circulated in numbers. He also published some controversial pamphlets and an appendix to Bishop Newton's 'Dissertations on the Prophecies,' 1795.
[Gent. Mag. 1809, pt. i. p. 379.]