Scottish Church From The Earli PDF Download

PREFACE "This volume is the result of an effort to fill up a blank in the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland. Monograms exist on periods and persons introduced throughout it; and also brief sketches of the period, in works on Scottish Church History, preparatory to the history of more recent and more prominent events, but no work exists whose sole object is to present the reader with a consecutive and connected view of the period embraced. This was to be regretted, considering the importance of the events recorded, and their influence upon the future state of the Church in Scotland. Inferences, not borne out by historical facts, were drawn from assumptions regarding the early Church, by parties of various, and even of contending views, and antiquity was cited in support of conclusions which in reality derived no aid from its testimony. The author has endeavored to collect his facts from the most trustworthy sources, linking them in a continuous narrative. Although these sources are few, yet, when the straggling rays are gathered together, it is wonderful how much light they afford. Although has been earnestly studied throughout, the writer having but one object in view, the discovery of truth in questions of national interest. In pursuing the history of the Scottish Church, it was impossible to exclude a reference to the civil history of the country during the same period. It will be found, in consequence, that a sketch of the civil history of Scotland, brief, but it is hoped sufficiently comprehensive, accompanies that of the Church; while some questions are discussed connected with topography and the names of persons and tribes, which may add interest to the volume in the eyes of a growing class of readers. The sources whence information has been sought in preparing this work, will be found on referring to the work itself. They come down to the most recent contributions made by writers of authority. The references might be more extensive, for there are few works on the subject which have not been consulted with some care; but the works cited are those whose authority stands highest on the various points discussed. Edinburgh, Oct. 1864."