Brown's Annals of the Disruption

Brown’s Annals of the Disruption

 


 

In this section of the web-site, we have the text of this book as originally published, with a few changes in regard to format alone. These have to do with minor matters such as the formatting of the footnotes, the recording of numbers, and the use of italics.

It was not felt necessary to include the indexes which Brown has at the close of his book, but the chapter headings are recorded in two forms – both being linked to the chapters themselves. The first listing is by chapter headings alone, the second gives the main themes dealt with in the chapter, as Brown gives them.

We now give the opening blurb as given in Brown’s Annals, and below this, there is the table of Contents. You can go straight to the Contents or to the Contents Extended by clicking whichever of these you wish.


 

ANNALS

of

THE DISRUPTION;

with

 

EXTRACTS FROM THE NARRATIVES

of

MINISTERS WHO LEFT THE SCOTTISH ESTABLISHMENT

in

1843

by the

REV. THOMAS BROWN, D.D., F.R.S.E.

Edinburgh.

NEW EDITION

MACNIVEN & WALLACE, 138 PRINCES STREET

1892.

 

 


PREFACE

 

The object of these Annals is to recall the circumstances of the Disruption as described by the men who took part in the struggle. The general and more public aspects of the event have been admirably brought out by Dr. Buchanan in the History of the Ten Yearsʼ Conflict, and by Dr. Hanna in his Memoirs of Dr. Chalmers. But there are other important objects which may be served by giving more in detail the experience of individual ministers in their separate parishes. Fortunately we have from various parts of the country narratives written immediately after the event, and portions of these may now be made available to tell in their own words what it was that led the men of the Disruption to separate from the State, and what difficulties were encountered by the Church in taking up her new position.

The proposal that such narratives should be prepared seems to have originated with Mr. Craig of Rothesay, who went to Edinburgh in the spring of 1845 to bring the subject before the leading men of the Free Church. During the following autumn it was taken up by the General Assembly which met at Inverness, and a Committee was appointed, with Dr. Lorimer of Glasgow, as convener, charged with the duty of carrying out the proposal. In answer to their earnest appeals thirty-seven narratives were sent in describing the experience of different ministers – those which in the following pages are referred to as “Disr. Mss. 1-37″ It was soon found, however, that there were practical difficulties in the way, little further progress was made, and after a time the subject fell into abeyance.

In 1864 it was resumed and zealously prosecuted in a different form by Dr. Parker of Lesmahagow, then of Glasgow. The papers collected or prepared by him will be quoted as the “Parker Mss.,” under the names of the different ministers and Presbyteries from whom he obtained returns.

At various times the General Assembly expressed a desire that some portions of these Disruption narratives should be published, but delay was caused by the lamented death of Dr. Parker and by other circumstances which the Committee had great reason to regret. One convener was laid aside by ill health, and another was called to the colonial field.

At last, in 1876 – three years after the present convener was appointed – it was felt that a beginning must be made, and the first part of these Annals was published. The result was, that additional narratives began to come in, and the work has been carried out in the form in which it is now submitted to the Church.

It would have been greatly to the advantage of the Convener if the whole materials had been before him from the first. All that could be done was to turn the new contributions to the best account that the case admitted of as the publication went on.

In preparing this work, one great difficulty has been to avoid the sameness of so many narratives detailing similar occurrences in different localities. This has made it necessary to omit much which would otherwise have been well deserving of notice; but if there be any of the outgoing ministers who may feel that the part which they took in the sacrifices of 1843 has been overlooked, the Convener can at least say that in no case has this been done more completely than in his own.

The plan has more than once been changed as the work went on under different conveners. At one time it was intended to have been a list of the ministers, all the facts of the Disruption being grouped round their personal history. At another time it was to have been a series of district histories, all the incidents being told in connection with the locality in which they occurred. For this latter plan there were not sufficient materials – many districts of Scotland would have appeared blank, no returns having been sent in. But the great objection to both methods was the sameness which would have been almost unavoidable.

The plan adopted, therefore, was to take a series of different subjects, each presenting a separate phase of the experience through which our Church passed in Disruption times, and to group together such facts and incidents as might cast light on that portion of the history.

The extracts – of which to a large extent the work consists – are given simply in the words of the authors. In some cases where the narrative was prolix, it has been to some extent condensed, and in a few instances the privilege of an Editor has been exercised in correcting minor defects of style, &c, such as an author would himself put right in going to press. This has been sparingly done, and in all cases with scrupulous care, to preserve the meaning of the writer.

A brief narrative is given for the purpose of connecting the different statements, and reminding the reader of how the great change was brought about. It will serve, at least, to show in what light the passing ecclesiastical events of the day were viewed in a country manse by one who entered on the duties of his parish in the midst of the Ten Yearsʼ Conflict. At all the great turning-points of the struggle it seemed – and the subsequent experience of forty years has only deepened the conviction – that the Church did what she simply could not help doing, if she were to remain faithful to Christ her Head, and to the people under her care.

The Convener desires to express his obligations to many friends who have greatly aided him in his work. His thanks are specially due to two members of the Committee – Mr. William Dickson and Mr. David Dickson – and to his friend and relative, the late Dr. Alexander Wood, for the interest which they have taken, and the advice and assistance they have given.

It is with no desire to provoke controversy that these Annals have been prepared, but rather in the full belief that if the facts as they actually took place were better known, the hostility of adversaries would be to a great extent disarmed, and the attachment of friends confirmed and strengthened. It is true that when men are describing sacrifices and sufferings – their own or othersʼ – there is a difficulty in avoiding a certain amount of feeling. It is not every one who can dismiss such matters as one of the sufferers does in speaking of trials overcome: “The facts which might be mentioned are of so very delicate a character that they cannot be stated, and must be left to the disclosures of that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed.” If, however, we are to have a truthful view of Disruption times, such circumstances cannot be wholly suppressed; and, surely, they may now be spoken of all the more calmly and frankly when the keen feelings of former days have to so great an extent passed away.

When the subject was first entered on in 1845, the desire of the Church was to record “the wonderful goodness of God at a most trying season,” and to illustrate “the reality, nearness, and condescension of His providence,” “as subservient to the purposes of His grace, and the interests of His kingdom.” It is hoped that these Annals, imperfect as they are, may be found to contribute to this great end, and may serve in some measure to show to the “generations to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works which He hath done.” Amidst all the elements of human imperfection which mingled in the great movement of 1843, it is impossible not to recognise the signal tokens of Godʼs goodness to His servants in a day of trial, interposing to uphold and guide them for His own glory in the path of duty. And now that it has been given to the Free Church to gather into her communion so much of what constitutes the strength of Scotland – the intelligence, the faith, and energy of her people – the younger generation, who have risen into the place of their Disruption Fathers, may well take encouragement to hold fast the noble heritage of Christian truth and sacred principle for which their Church has once more, as in the days of old, been honoured to contend.

The subjoined minute states the authority under which this publication appears.

THOMAS BROWN, Convener of Committee.

16 Carlton Street, Edinburgh, March, 1884.

 

Extract Minute of the Committee of the General Assembly of the Free Church on the Records of Disruption Ministers, 17th May, 1876.

The Committee agreed to authorise the publication of the Annals of the Disruption, prepared by the Convener, and cordially to recommend the same to the members of the Church. In doing so, they think it right to state that, all the materials in their possession having been placed at the disposal of the Convener, he holds himself alone responsible for the selection and arrangement of the various extracts, as well as for the narrative that is given and the expressions of opinion which that narrative contains.

 


CONTENTS

 

Part 1

THE DISRUPTION – HOW IT WAS BROUGHT ABOUT – THE IMMEDIATE RESULTS

 

Chapter 1 Free Church Principles an Inheritance

Chapter 2 Religious Revival a Preparation

Chapter 3 Non-Intrusion Conflict

Chapter 4 Struggle for Spiritual Independence

Chapter 5 The Convocation

Chapter 6 Appeal to the Country

Chapter 7 Close of the Struggle

Chapter 8 Making Ready

Chapter 9 The Disruption

Chapter 10 The Free Assembly

Chapter 11 Farewell Service in the Parish Church

Chapter 12 First Service in the Free Church Congregation

Chapter 13 The Preaching of Churches Vacant

Chapter 14 The Licensed Preachers

Chapter 15 Leaving the Manse

Chapter 16 The Ministersʼ Reasons for Going Out

Chapter 17 Reasons for Going Out given by the People

Chapter 18 A Confirmation

Chapter 19 The Dwellings to which Ministers Retired

Chapter 20 The Advancement of Religion

 

Part 2

THE REBUILDING – THE SACRIFICES

 

Chapter 21 The Situation in June, 1848

Chapter 22 Temporary Places of Worship

Chapter 23 Church Building

Chapter 24 The Sustentation Fund

Chapter 25 The Schools

Chapter 26 The New College

Chapter 27 Manses

Chapter 28 Trials of the People

Chapter 29 Hard Work

Chapter 30 Trials of Ministers

 

Part 3

DIFFICULTIES OF THE POSITION – PROGRESS

 

Chapter 31 Refusal of Sites

Chapter 32 Friends

Chapter 33 Prejudices Removed

Chapter 34 Quoad Sacra Churches

Chapter 35 The Missionaries

Chapter 36 Pledges Unfulfilled

Chapter 37 Disruption in England

Chapter 38 London Reminiscences,

Chapter 39 Ireland and America

Chapter 40 The Continent

Chapter 41 The Colonies

Chapter 42 External Progress

Chapter 43 The Disruption in Glenisla

Chapter 44 Social Standing of Free Church Ministers

Chapter 45 The Funds

 

PART 4

THE EFFECT OF THE DISRUPTION ON THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF SCOTLAND

 

Chapter 46 Dangers in 1843

Chapter 47 Churchʼs Testimony for Christʼs Headship

Chapter 48 The Call to Work

Chapter 49 The General Assembly of 1844

Chapter 50 The Whole Members of the Church Invited

Chapter 51 The Highlands

Chapter 52 “The Men”

Chapter 53 The Ladiesʼ Associations

Chapter 54 St. Kilda

Chapter 55 Rural Districts

Chapter 56 Sabbath Observance

Chapter 57 Temperance

Chapter 58 Sabbath Schools

Chapter 59 Unions

Chapter 60 The Larger Cities – Home-Mission Work

Chapter 61 Results of the Disruption – Spiritual Fruit

Chapter 62 Longing Desires for Revival

Chapter 63 Revivals

Chapter 64 Final

 

Appendices

Appendix 1

Pre-Disruption Ministers

Appendix 2

List of Disruption Manuscripts

Appendix 3

Amount of Funds raised by the Free Church from the Disruption to 1873-74

 


CONTENTS – EXTENDED

 

Part 1

THE DISRUPTION – HOW IT WAS BROUGHT ABOUT – THE IMMEDIATE RESULTS

 

Chapter 1  Free Church Principles an Inheritance

The Disruption and its Results

Descendants of Persecuted Fore-fathers

Personal Hardships

Choosing a Watchword

Testimony of Mr. MʼCheyne

 

Chapter 2  Religious Revival a Preparation

Evangelical Religion revived

Spiritual Life in Scotch Manses

And among the People

Strathbogie

Lawers and Lochtayside

Mr. Milne of Perth

The Cause of Christ at Stake

Mr. MʼCheyneʼs Labours

Rev. George Davidson

Mr. Mackenzie, of Farr

Dr. A. Bonar

Public Attention roused

Mr. Thomson of Muckhart

 

Chapter 3  Non-Intrusion Conflict

Leading Events

“Resolution” of the Church in 1834

Auchterarder Vacancy

Case of Marnoch, Strathbogie

Moderate Party in the Presbytery

Decision of the Assemblyʼs Commission in 1839

Solemn Protest of the Strathbogie People

Touching and Impressive Scene

The Principle of Non-Intrusion

 

Chapter 4  Struggle for Spiritual Independence

Church Establishment Principle

True Cause of the Disruption

Decision of the Judges

Spiritual Independence of the Church proclaimed

Sacredness of this Principle in Scotland

“The Church the Creature of the State”

Memorable Debate

Dr. Chalmersʼs “Resolution” triumphantly passed

Collision Inevitable

Summons issued against the Presbytery of Dunkeld

That Presbytery rebuked and threatened

“Interdict” in Strathbogie

Effect on the whole District

Extends Southward

Dr. Duncan of Ruthwell

Narrative by Mr. Wood, of Elie

Strange Time in Scotland

Parish of Stewarton assailed

Attempts at Conciliation

Danger of a Compromise

The “Claim of Right” prepared

Disregarded at first

Final decision of the Auchterarder Case

Course taken by the Moderate Party

Signs of a Fatal Crisis

 

Chapter 5  The Convocation

Welcome Suggestion thrown out

Important Meeting of 1842

Determination to stand firm

Convocation Resolutions passed

Scheme for a Sustentation Fund

Formal and Solemn Address to Government

Parting Scene

Impressions

“The Rubicon crossed”

 

Chapter 6  Appeal to the Country.

Ministers pledged to Resign

Disheartening Prospects

General Hostility from Newspapers

Excitement throughout Parishes

Dr. MʼDonald welcomed at Dornoch

Sir James Grahamʼs Letter

Open-air Night-meetings

Mr. Wood of Elie in Dumfriesshire

Meeting at Fintry

People ordered Home by a Factor

Mr. MʼCheyneʼs Visit there

 

Chapter 7  Close of the Struggle.

Appeal rejected by Parliament

Evangelical Ministers unanimous

Individual Testimonies

Mr. MʼCheyneʼs Remark on the Parliamentary Debate

Popular Sympathy manifested

The “Moderate” Party precipitate Events

Stewarton Case

Quoad Sacra Members ejected from Church Courts

Parting Scenes

 

Chapter 8  Making Ready

Plans Matured

Second “Watchword”

Local Associations formed

The Day approaches

Linlithgow Presbytery the first to flinch

Dr. MʼFarlaneʼs Manifesto

Dr. Cumming, of London, prognosticates unfavourably

Other Estimates

Conference of the Evangelical Party

Tanfield Hall prepared

 

Chapter 9  The Disruption

Its Decisive Day arrives

Opening Scene at Holyrood

Ominous Occurrence there

Dr. Welshʼs Sermon before the Lord Commissioner

General Assembly in St. Andrewʼs Church

The “Solemn Protest”

Subsequent Departure thence of the Evangelical Majority

Enforced Line of Procession

The Moderate Party perplexed

Personal Reminiscences of the Day

Lord Jeffrey

In Tanfield Hall

Singular Incident

First Sederunt of the Free Assembly

Tidings awaited throughout Scotland

 

Chapter 10  The Free Assembly.

Deed of Demission

Number of Names affixed to it

Unbroken Ranks

The Cause of Missions made prominent

Adherence of Missionaries counted on

The National Impression

 

Chapter 11  Farewell Service in the Parish Church.

Country Ministers

No Farewell Sermons

Simple References to the Event

Brief Leave-taking

Assemblage at Woodside, Aberdeen

Rev. Dr. Griersonʼs Experience

Dr. Ross of Lochbroom

Pulpit Statements in general

 

Chapter 12  First Service in the Free Church Congregation

Scenes which took place

Roslin

Stevenston

Dr. Chalmers at Morningside

Innerwick

Monkton

Moy

Ruthwell

Ayr

Kilsyth

Aberdeen

Greenock

Errol

Kintore

Rothesay

Interposition of Providence at Rosehall

 

Chapter 13  The Preaching of Churches Vacant

Empty Parish Churches

Langton

Bolton

Island of Lewis

Shieldaig

Poolewe

Killearnan

Skirling

Watten

Hugh Miller at Resolis

The “Peace” of the “Moderates” 

 

Chapter 14  The Licensed Preachers

Numerous Adherence of Probationers and Students

Rise of this Movement

Convocation of Probationers

Encouraging to the Free Church

Personal Sacrifices thus made

Enlarged Field for their Employment

 

Chapter 15  Leaving the Manse

Few Details left regarding this

Some Special Cases

Durness

Latheron

Errol

Bolton

Eastwood

Lochbroom

Painful “Flittings”

Ministersʼ Wives under Trial

Letter from a True Helpmate

Various Instances of the Husbandʼs Courage being thus cheered

 

Chapter 16  The Ministersʼ Reasons for Going Out

Rev. Mr. Stewart of Aberdeen

Dr. Bonar of Larbert

Other such Testimonies

A Mental Struggle undergone by many

Christʼs Headship the Main Ground

Individual Addresses to Parishioners

Rev. Dr. MʼCoshʼs Pamphlet

Mr. Taylor of Flisk

Mr. Wood of Elie

Mr. Gregory of Anstruther

Letter from an Aged Minister

Mr. Anderson of Kippen, his remarkable “One Reason for going out” 

 

Chapter 17  Reasons for Going Out given by the People.

Extensive Support by the Laity

Dislike of “Moderatism”

Spread of Serious Religion in the Church

Earnestness generally found on the Evangelical Side

Prompt Intelligence among the Humbler Ranks

Ecclesiastical Independence well understood

Cases of Perplexity

Rural Incidents in illustration

Working menʼs Logic

Johnstone, Renfrewshire

A Fife Womanʼs Subscription to the Free Church

Dundee “Betty”

Dr. Chalmers on the Peopleʼs Liberality

 

Chapter 18  A Confirmation

The Establishmentʼs General Assembly Puzzled

No Answer to the “Protest

Settled Erastianism

Quoad Sacra Ministers left out

These and other Circumstances tend to show the Soundness of Disruption Procedure

 

Chapter 19  The Dwellings to which Ministers Retired.

Want of House Accommodation

Trials cheerfully borne

Instances of Hardships

Manse Sites refused

Conspicuous Case at Farr

The Two Mackenzies of Tongue

Mr. Baird, of Cockburnspath

Mr. MʼVean, of Iona

Berriedale

Ruthwell Manse

Painful Circumstances at Lairg

 

Chapter 20  The Advancement of Religion

New Responsibility felt

Impression among the People

Fresh Impulse

Prayerful Spirit deepened

More Earnest Preaching

The Establishment and the Free Church contrasted

Pastoral Work Advanced

Various Instances

“Revivals”

Luss

Ayr

Flisk

“Awakening” in Skye

Wide Increase of Evangelism

Disruption Sacrifices not in vain

Future Good betokened

 

Part 2

THE REBUILDING – THE SACRIFICES

 

Chapter 21  The Situation in June, 1848

First Difficulties of the Free Church

Magnitude of Undertaking

Serious Opposition

Prospective View

 

Chapter 22  Temporary Places of Worship

Old Chapels, &c, obtained

Meeting-houses lent by Dissenters

Barns used

Other Curious Expedients

Communion at Helmsdale

Temporary Erections

Open-air Worship

Site-refusing

Illustrative Notices

Highland Tent-preaching

Consequent Hardships

Wide Sowing of the Gospel Seed

 

Chapter 23  Church Building

General Plan for New Churches

The Building Committee

Contributions to the Fund

Difficulty as to Sites

Lord Aberdeenʼs Kindness

Establishment Opposition

Case of Methlic

Refusals of Building materials

Janet Fraserʼs Gift of a Site

Mrs. Gardyneʼs Case

Aristocratic Hostility

Liberal Friends

Heartiness of the People

Favourable Circumstances

The Committeeʼs Reports, 1843-46

Retrospective Interest of the Transition Period

 

Chapter 24  The Sustentation Fund

Originality of this Scheme

By whom first conceived

Its Main Principles

How organised

Dr. Chalmersʼs Account of its Success

Self-denial among Ministers

Slow Increase of the “Equal Dividend”

“Power of Littles”

Dr. R. Buchananʼs Management

Instances of Liberality

General Results

Indirect Benefits

Its apparent Stability

 

Chapter 25   The Schools

Elementary Schools set up

Dr. Chalmersʼs Statement at Tanfield

Privations of Outed Teachers

Tribute of Admiration paid to them

School-building Proposal

Mr. Macdonaldʼs Laborious Tour

Amusing Incident

His visit to London

Statement in the Assembly, 1844

The Moderatorʼs Thanks to Mr. Macdonald

The Church in earnest for Education

Note 

 

Chapter 26  The New College

Divinity Hall proposed

Memorable Appeal by Dr. Candlish

A Free Church College opened in Edinburgh

Mr. Macdonaldʼs Offer

He raises £10,000

His Bold Suggestion

Dr. Candlishʼs Humorous Comment

New College erected

Its Gratifying Success

Two Sister Colleges established

 

Chapter 27  Manses

The Manse-building Scheme

Its Importance

Migratory Residence of Ministers

Privations endured

Rev. E. Findlater

Rev. A.W. Milroy

Rev. Mr. Garioch

Dr. Guthrie requested to undertake the Scheme

He accepts his Commission

Hearty Response of the People

One Painful Circumstance

 

Chapter 28  Trials of the People

Bitter Feeling on the part of Adversaries

Cases of Intimidation

Treatment of Paupers

Penalty for Conscientious Worship

Family Divisions

Wish to exclude Free Church Members from Burial in Parish Churchyards

A “Reign of Terror” set up

 

Chapter 29  Hard Work

The Toil required of Ministers

Unequal Distribution

Gospel Preaching welcomed

Odd Circumstances occur

Cases of Health impaired and Life endangered

Martyr Spirit needed

 

Chapter 30  Trials of Ministers

Anxieties in Manses

Examples

Pressure of Private Appeals

Generous and Chivalrous Spirit

Indignities endured

Suffering undergone in Country Charges

Solemn and Touching Scenes

Dying Testimonies

 

Part 3

DIFFICULTIES OF THE POSITION – PROGRESS

 

Chapter 31  Refusal of Sites

Difficulties at First

Private Appeals unavailing

House of Commons Committee

Case of Ballater

Duthil, Strathspey

Kilmuir, Skye

Paible, North Uist

Donald Matheson

Rev. Norman MʼLeod

Eig

Coll

Torosay

Mull

Strontian, Floating Church

Landlordsʼ Reasons

Canonbie

Wanlockhead

Suffering and Death

Disturbances at Resolis

 

Chapter 32  Friends

Kilsyth Weavers

Farm Overseers

Mr. Morton

Mr. Cumming, Factor, Braemar

Mr. Inglis, Farmer, Lochlee

Mr. Walker, Kilcalmonell

Mr. Lockhart, of Laggan, Ballantrae

Messrs. Ross, Bryden, Cathcart, Ochiltree

Mr. Stewart, Braco

Miss Donald

Marchioness of Breadalbane, and Lady Hannah Tharp

Countess of Effingham, Unst

Edinburgh Laymen

Glasgow Laymen

Heritors

Cluny Macpherson

George Lyon of Glenogil

Mr. Rigg of Tarvit

Marquis of Breadalbane

 

Chapter 33  Prejudices Removed

Lord Aberdeen and Sir J. Graham

Mr. Sym of Edinburgh, and Mr. Craig of Sprouston

Collessie, Mr. Macfarlaneʼs Letter

St. Cyrus

Callander, Mr. MʼLaren

Kilwinning

Torosay

Heritors at Latheron

Portpatrick, General Hunter Blair 

 

Chapter 34  Quoad Sacra Churches

Lord Aberdeen and Sir J. Graham

Mr. Sym of Edinburgh, and Mr. Craig of Sprouston

Collessie, Mr. Macfarlaneʼs Letter

St. Cyrus

Callander, Mr. MʼLaren

Kilwinning

Torosay

Heritors at Latheron

Portpatrick, General Hunter Blair 

 

Chapter 35  The Missionaries

Strong Inducements to prefer the Establishment

The Whole Staff Unanimous

Dr. Duffʼs Reasons

The Missionaries are expelled from the Premises at Calcutta and Bombay

Dr. Smyttan

Generous Aid

New Premises, Increased Success

The Aberdeen Ladies and the Scientific Apparatus

Nagpore

South Africa

Conversions at Calcutta

Funds

 

Chapter 36  Pledges Unfulfilled

The Trial it was to go out     Cases of those who drew back     Unhappy Effect on the People

 

Chapter 37  Disruption in England

The London Presbytery broken up

Dr. Candlish at Cambridge

Dr. N. Paterson and Mr. Buchan of Hamilton

Manchester

 

Chapter 38  London Reminiscences,

London Presbytery, Contest for Minute-Book

Churches kept

Exeter Hall

Back Parlour in Berners Street

James Nisbet

Mr. Buntingʼs Narrative

Baptist Noel

Wesleyans the Chief Supporters

Dr. Bunting

Independents, Baptists

Manchester

Southampton

Oxford, the Vice-Chancellor interviewed

Cambridge

Birmingham

Rev. J.A. James

Money raised

 

Chapter 39  Ireland and America

Irish Deputation at Tanfield

Assembly at Belfast

Warm Support through the Country

Dr. Cunningham and Mr. Ferguson in America

Mr. Ferguson

Dr. Cunningham

Dr. Hodge

Princeton Review

Moses Stuart

Kirwan

The Free Church invited 

 

Chapter 40  The Continent

Interest taken in our Churchʼs Struggles

Mr. Frederick Monod

Dr. Merle DʼAubigné

Disruption in Canton de Vaud

Disruption of the French Protestant Church

Deputiesʼ Meeting at Tanfield

Dr. Stewart at Leghorn

Preaching Stations

Foreign Students at our Colleges

Professor Francis Balogh

 

Chapter 41  The Colonies

Church Question in Canada

Candlish nearly sent out of Scotland

Canadian Disruption

Deputations

Theological Colleges

Dr. Burns goes out

Revival

Disruption in Australia

Mr. Salmon

Gold Discoveries

Dr. Cairns

Dr. Nicolson, Hobart Town

Dr. Burns, Dunedin

Dr. Cairns in Edinburgh

 

Chapter 42  External Progress

Few expected to join at First

Dr. Candlish is hopeful

Ministers and Congregations multiplied

Table showing the advance

 

Chapter 43  The Disruption in Glenisla

Narrative of Events in the Glen                                                              A Strong Free Church formed

 

Chapter 44  Social Standing of Free Church Ministers

Loss of Status dreaded

Lord Cockburn describes the trial

Social Relations modified

Broken Ties

Dr. Guthrie and Lord Medwyn

Experience of Ministers

Marquis of Bute and Mr. Bannatyne

 

Chapter 45  The Funds

Misgivings of Friends

Anticipations of Adversaries 

Estimate by Dr. Chalmers

Table showing the Amount of Money realized

 

PART 4

THE EFFECT OF THE DISRUPTION ON THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF SCOTLAND

 

Chapter 46  Dangers in 1843

Christian Work done by Free Church

Difficulties

Danger of Re-action, of Controversial Spirit, of Boastfulness

Warning by Dr. Candlish

Dr. H. Grey

Rev. A. Gray

 

Chapter 47  Churchʼs Testimony for Christʼs Headship

This runs through her Past History

Disruption Testimony

Dr. James Hamilton

Quarterly Review

Meeting at Dumfries

Glenkens

Larbert

Dr. Angell James

Dr. Hodge

 

Chapter 48  The Call to Work

Dr. Chalmers                                       Mr. Sym                                   Robert Paul, Esq

 

Chapter 49  The General Assembly of 1844

Personal Religion

Dr. Charles Brownʼs Sermon

Dr. Chalmers

Dr. Laird

Rev. Andrew Gray

Dr. Elder, of Rothesay

Dr. Hetherington

Mr. Johnston

F. Monod

Deputations sent out

Dr. Thomson, Paisley

 

Chapter 50  The Whole Members of the Church Invited

Purer Communion in Free Church

Roslin, Woodside, &c.

Mr. Melville, of Logie

Mr. Thomson, Prestonkirk

Kirk-Session of Dunnichen

Young Menʼs Societies

Appeals by Dr. Chalmers, &c

 

Chapter 51  The Highlands

People adhere generally to Free Church

Kiltearn

Latheron

Preaching Deputations

Breadalbane Yacht

Famine

Dr. Beith

Resolis

Mr. Fraser, of Kirkhill, in Skye

Dr. Begg at Applecross

Mr. MʼBride, Rothesay

Torosay in Mull

 

Chapter 52  “The Men”

Two Parties among “The Men”

Communion at Snizort

“The Menʼs Day” at Duirness

Mr. Findlater

Professor Blackie

Dr. MʼLauchlanʼs View

Mr. Mackenzie of Farr

 

Chapter 53  The Ladiesʼ Associations.

Supply of Gaelic Preachers deficient

Ladiesʼ Associations formed

Student-Teachers

Favourable Educational Results

Nearly One Hundred go forward to the Ministry of the Free Church

Contributions raised

Blessing to the People

 

Chapter 54  St. Kilda

Its neglected State

Dr. MʼDonald of Urquhartʼs Visit

Church and Manse built

People join the Free Church

Deprived of Church and refused a Site

Remain firm

After Ten Years get use of the Church

Minister settled

 

Chapter 55  Rural Districts

The Moderates

Dr. Ramsay Davidson

Mr. Hutchison, of Uddingston

“Zaccheus”

Open-air Preaching

Mr. Cormick, of Kirriemuir

Muirkirk

Northern Parish

Favourable Results

 

Chapter 56  Sabbath Observance

The Cause zealously taken up

Parish Ministers

Sir A. Agnew

Railway System

Principal Fairbairn

Post-Office

Appeals by Mr. Nixon and Dr. Chalmers

 

Chapter 57  Temperance

Intemperance the Great Obstacle

Committee appointed

House of Commons appealed to

Kirk-Sessions enjoined

 

Chapter 58  Sabbath Schools

At once taken up in 1843

Statistics

Mr. William Dickson appointed Convener

Ministers enjoined

A New Departure in 1869

Valuable Reports

Liberal Donors

New Yearʼs Contributions

Encouraging Success

 

Chapter 59  Unions

Old Light Burgher Synod in 1839

United Original Seceders in 1852

The Reformed Presbyterians in 1876

Testimony to Free Church Principles

 

Chapter 60  The Larger Cities – Home-Mission Work

Dr. Chalmers at the West Port

Small Beginnings

Mr. Tasker

Great Success

Other Cases in Edinburgh

The Wynds, Glasgow

Mr. MʼColl

Wonderful Results 

 

Chapter 61  Results of the Disruption – Spiritual Fruit

Men impressed

DʼAubigné

Mr. Wood, of Elie

Larbert

Kenmore

Kirkbean

Dunnichen

Keith

Dr. John Bruce, of Edinburgh

Huntly

Mr. Taylor, of Flisk

Cases of Conversion

Dinwoodie Green

Jedburgh

Professor Miller

Mr. Rattray, Glenisla

Case in Breadalbane

 

Chapter 62  Longing Desires for Revival

Mr. Glen of Benholm.

Statement by Mr. Sym

Elders at Kirkbean

Experience of Mr. Glen, of Benholm

His Trials

New Church opened

Course of Sermons on Revivals

Discouragements

Longing Desires

 

Chapter 63  Revivals

Ferryden in 1846

Revival in Ireland (1859)

Awakening in Scotland

Professor James Buchanan

Carnwath

Flisk

Deskford

Mr. Brownlow North

West Port

Pleasance

Finnieston

Latheron

Ferryden in 1860

Permanence of the Results

Dr. Robert Buchananʼs Estimate

 

Chapter 64  Final

The Disruption the Lordʼs Doing                                         Some of its Results and Lessons

 

Appendices

 

Appendix 1

Pre-Disruption Ministers, Surviving and Deceased,

Appendix 2

List of Disruption Manuscripts

Appendix 3

Amount of Funds raised by the Free Church from the Disruption to 1873-74