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Preface to the American
Edition
The period of church history
embraced in the following volume is one of intense interest, especially to
the Presbyterian reader. Scotland was the great theatre of the events here
recorded; a country distinguished, from early times, for its attachment to
the truth, and the singular heroism of its inhabitants in braving
persecution for conscience sake. In no other period can we find a more
illustrious exemplification of the true genius of Presbyterianism. Its
intelligence, its abhorrence of ecclesiastical despotism, its zeal in the
diffusion of knowledge, its spirituality of worship, in opposition to a
religion of forms and ceremonies, its ardent love for truth, and its
unflinching fortitude in adhering to principle in the face of danger and
death, have all been illustrated in a manner the most impressive, in the
history of our Scottish forefathers. The enemies with which it then
contended were at once powerful and malignant. First with Popery, whose
distinguishing trait is hostility to pure and undefiled religion, and then
with its congener, Prelacy, sustained by the civil power, and abetted by a
world that lieth in sin, it entered the lists, and with its sole reliance on
the unfailing promises of God, it contended manfully, and although often in
the fires it was not consumed, and although often in the deep waters, it was
not overwhelmed. The faith of God’s saints was most sorely tried, but like
gold in the crucible, it stood the test and came forth purged of its dross.
The record of those sufferings should never be regarded with indifference by
those to whom this faith has been transmitted; nor should the memories of
those men be forgotten who stood in the fore-front of the battle, that by
their blood they might secure to remote generations the rights of Christian
freedom and conscience, as a noble inheritance. To have such an ancestry is
no common honour; to be partakers with them of a like precious faith, is a
distinction more than regal.
The ancient enemies of Presbyterianism are not yet extinct. Popery and
Prelacy have one common sentiment of dislike to the polity and faith which
constitute its character, and in the recent revival of these powers, that
dislike is daily assuming a less equivocal form. The present age is full of
portents, and it would not be at all surprising if in these latter days
Presbyterians should again be called to maintain their principles at the
hazard of life. Against such a contingency they should be fully armed. To a
cordial love for God’s truth let there be added courage, and that they may
derive strength from the force of example, and catch the spirit of the noble
army of martyrs, let them carefully peruse these annals of past persecution.
Editor, of the Board of Publication.
Volume 1 |
Volume 2 |
