The Cyclopædia of Religious Denominations, Written by Members of the Respective Bodies

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 edition. Excerpt: ...but they even ventured to interfere with the freedom of the pulpit, and the sermon of Mr. Erskine was selected for the experiment. Mr. Erskine, as moderator of the previous Synod, preached in Perth, at the opening of the Synod of Stirling andPerth, 10th Oct. 1732. His text was Psalm cxviii. 22: --The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. The sermon was a noble protest against prevalent defection and error--a bold and magnanimous appeal for the rights of the Christian people, and the purity and freedom of the Christian pulpits. The majority of the Synod condemned him, and proudly doomed him to a formal censure. The preacher would not submit, but openly vindicated his sentiments. The case was carried to the Assembly, and Erskine stood forth, surrounded by his three friends, Wilson of Perth, Moncrieff of Abernethy, and Fisher of Kinclaven. The principal culprit alone was heard, and his fellow-pro testers were bluntly refused. His dignified self-vindication only euraged the Court, which now refused to be ashamed, and he was again sentenced to be rebuked, in order to terminate the process. The termination of the process was very different from the Assembly's anticipations. The rebuke, however, was administered. St. Giles mimicked the Vatican. The Reformer protested, but the protest was refused, and indignantly thrown upon the table. It was found there inadvertently among the papers, was read by him who accidentally found it, and the Assembly was immediately made aware of the awful discovery. At eleven o'clock that night the four brethren received a peremptory citation to appear at the bar to-morrow. They were summarily dealt with, and handed over to the mercies of the...