|
The disruption of the
Church of Scotland, the simultaneous secession of four hundred and
seventy of her ministers, and of a still larger proportion of her
members; the sacrifice by the clergy of an abundant and secure income;
the cheerful assumption by the people of the burden of sustaining their
own Church, and of creating all the necessary appliances for that
purpose, presented an example of fidelity, of self-denial, and of
energy, which has few parallels in history. This spectacle has fixed the
attention of the Protestant world, and is exerting an influence, the
results of which it is difficult to foresee or estimate.
When the Free Church withdrew from the Establishment, it had every thing
to do, and to do at once. 1. Churches were to be erected in every
parish. 2. Provision was to be made for the support of the ministry. 3.
All the missionary and other benevolent operations of the Church were to
be taken up and carried on. 4. Parochial schools were to be established.
5. Manses were to be provided for the pastors. 6. A college was to be
organized and sustained.
Download
An Earnest Appeal to the Free Church of
Scotland on the Subjects of Economics here (pdf) |
