History of the Church of Scotland to 1841 - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1842. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... chapter X. rscs rsx Kxjco or The Second Secession Till The Assembly Of 1S41. aembly had committed a deed distinctly subversive of tho first principles of the Presbyterian constitution, which had always hitherto been the very citadel of freedom civil and religious. The subject was discussed with great anxiety in many of the Synods and Presbyteries; overtures were framed for the purpose of obtaining a repeal of the Assembly's decision, and the restoration of Mr Gillespie to his charge; and numerous pamphlets were written both against and in defence of the new development of Moderate ecclesiastical polity. Great exertions were also made by the orthodox party to procure a return to next Assembly of a.sufficient number of true Presbyterians to reverse the recent despotic and unconstitutional measure; and not less strenuous were the Moderates on their part to retain their ascendency and confirm their new position. 1753.--When the Assembly met in 1753, it speedily appeared that the struggle was to bo of a very arduous and doubtful character. A comparative trial of strength arose on tho question respecting the election of a legal agent for the Church, and in this Dr Cuming, the recognised Moderato leader, was defeated. But this defeat seems to have had the effect of leading to a greater degree of union in that party, and a more determined effort to secure their predominance. Tho case of Mr Gillespie came next under consideration; and tho question proposed for the vote was, whether he should be restored to the exercise of his office as a minister of this Church or not. It was decided in the negative by a majority of three. Next day an attempt was made to procure the remission of the subject to tho Commission, with power to that court to restore Mr Gillespie, if ho should...