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The Bulwark Magazine of the Scottish Society

April - June 2011 // 75p

April - June 2011 1 The Bulwark Magazine of the Society The Magdalen Chapel 41 , , EH1 1JR Tel: 013 1220 1450 Email: [email protected] www.scottishreformationsociety.org.uk Registered charity: SC007755

Chairman Committee Members »» Rev Dr S James Millar »» Mr Norman Fleming Vice-chairman »» Mr John Smart »» Rev Maurice Roberts

Secretary »» Rev Kenneth Macdonald »» Rev Douglas Somerset »» Rev John J Murray Treasurer »» Rev Andrew Coghill »» Mr James Dickson

cO-OPEraTIOn OBJEcTS OF ThE SOcIETy In pursuance of its objects, the Society may co- (a) To propagate the evangelical Protestant faith and those principles held in common by operate with Churches and with other Societies those Churches and organisations adhering to whose objects are in harmony with its own. the reformation;

(b) To diffuse sound and Scriptural teaching on Magazine Editor: Rev Douglas Somerset the distinctive tenets of and All literary contributions, books for review and Roman Catholicism; papers, should be sent to: (c) To carry on missionary work among The Magdalen Chapel adherents of the latter faith with a view to winning them to the doctrines of grace and to 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh the fellowship of the true ; EH1 1JR (d) To produce and distribute evangelistic, religious and other literature in connection with The views expressed in articles are those of the promotion of the Protestant religion; the contributor and may not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Committee of the (e) To promote the associating together of men and women, and especially young people, Society. Scriptural references are from the A.V. for systematic Bible Study and holding of except where stated otherwise. meetings for the above specified purposes.

DESIGNED & PRINTED BY:

www.visionsolutionsni.co.uk Tel: 028 9073 1841 2 The Bulwark 1847-1927 John Forbes Moncrieff

Forbes Moncrieff was for many years that he was brought up in the Church of Treasurer of the Scottish Reformation and that he subsequently joined Society. A short obituary of him appeared the Free Church, perhaps as a result of his in the Original Secession Magazine for conversion. In 1872 he started writing a 1927-8, from which the following facts and series of ‘Addresses to the Young’ which the photograph are taken. he continued for fifty years. It seems that he went into the United John Forbes Moncrieff Free Church in 1900 was born in Perth on 5th but in 1912 he started July 1847. He belonged worshipping with the to the family of the Original Secession Moncrieffs of Culfargie congregation at Victoria which produced the Terrace, Edinburgh. This illustrious minister was the congregation Alexander Moncrieff, to which David Hay one of the founders of Fleming belonged. The the Secession Church in minister, John Sturrock, 1733. Forbes Moncrieff was Secretary of the was educated in Scottish Reformation Edinburgh and then joined Society from 1889- the merchant navy for a 1921. short while. Thereafter he became a chartered Forbes Moncrieff accountant which was himself was involved his employment for the in numerous religious rest of his life. He was societies, such as the married in 1872 and Waldensian Missions’ had two sons and two Aid Society, the Italian daughters. Evangelisation Society, and the Edinburgh Christian Sabbath We are not told about his conversion nor Society. He was a Vice President of the Knox about his early ecclesiastical connection Club and was for many years the Treasurer but we are inclined to think, from the of the Scottish Reformation Society. In opening paragraph of the following article, addition to his addresses for the young,

April - June 2011 3 he wrote numerous pieces commenting whom he came in contact. As a cabman, he on the contemporary church situation. was a public servant and therefore obliged Probably the most substantial of these was to take people wherever they ordered, but if Our Giving (3rd ed., London, 1911), running it was the theatre then they were sure to get to 183 pages and discussing such subjects a text of scripture, at the very least, when as the duty of giving, how much we ought they disembarked, and these reproofs were to give, and right and wrong motives for blessed to not a few. He liked to display giving. a text of Scripture in his cab which led to several complaints and to difficulties over Another pamphlet, Spurious Charity, the renewal of his licence. Then, as now, the originally published by the Scottish Word of God was regarded with anxiety by Reformation Society the civil authorities. and reprinted in On one occasion 1962, criticises the his passenger was liberalism of his a Roman priest, and day, particularly in when leaving the its tolerant attitude cab, Peter said to towards Romanism. him, ‘Glorious news, One quotation that he sir—Behold the gives from Sturrock bridegroom cometh, has a contemporary go ye out to meet ring: ‘So long as there him’; news which are such things as Peter had reason to truth and error, it will believe was blessing be utterly impossible to his fare. to vindicate the conduct of men who, Though partially while professing to blind for several Perth, Scotland hold and teach the truth God has years before his death, Forbes revealed in his Word, deliberately Moncrieff contributed to the do what they can to encourage a system Original Secession Magazine to within the which they declare to be anti-christian and last month of his life. He died on 7th March full of deadly error and superstition.’ 1927. The following article is taken from the Free Presbyterian Magazine, August 1936. It Perhaps his most interesting pamphlet was is an extract from one of his pamphlets, but his account of Peter Jackson, The Missionary the pamphlet, unfortunately, is unspecified. Cabman, published about 1892. Jackson Judging by the opening sentence, a likely (1811-91) was a well known Edinburgh candidate is Why I left a large church and figure, somewhat along the lines of Robert joined a very small one/ by a member of the Flockhart with whom he was friendly. He original Secession Church, 8pp., published faithfully witnessed to and reproved all with in 1916.

4 The Bulwark What is Wrong with the Churches? J. Forbes Moncrieff

WHEN I first belonged to the larger Church, and for many years afterwards, the services were simple and Presbyterian. The Word of God was expounded and the gospel was faithfully proclaimed. The teaching was neither one-sided nor apologetic, as it so often is nowadays. The singing was led by a precentor, without the interference of an organ, and it never was heartier. There was a choir, it is true, but it was not needed, and then, as now, the members of it would, to my mind, have done better service if they had sat in their own pews. There were no attractions for worldly people. It was enough that we went to church to worship God.

April - June 2011 5 But now a great change has taken place. music being often of a very questionable A few congregations continue in the good character, anthems sung by choirs, and old ways; but it is to be feared very few. even solos during divine service. The fact is Nowadays when a city congregation calls that gradually merely musical people in the a minister one of the principal aims seems churches became a law to themselves, and too often to be to get a man who will attract now do pretty much as they please, and the crowd and get good collections. The ministers and sessions, even where they desire with too many apparently is not so have any desire to interfere, are in many much for a godly and faithful man who will cases, practically not allowed to do so. preach the gospel, as for a smart, shrewd, energetic man who will keep going all So much being made of music in the varied organisations which churches (quite apart from congregations have come true praise) it is not to be to think necessary. In a wondered at that, in an word, they want a man ... The desire age when it is considered who will, as the Americans necessary to do so much say, “make things hum”. with too many “to please the young apparently is not so people”, what are called Beginning with small things “Services of Praise”, which and slight innovations, much for a godly are really just concerts the larger Presbyterian and faithful man on the Lord’s Day, have Churches have gone on who will preach the become common. Some from bad to worse, and congregations actually there is no saying how gospel ... employ paid singers, much further they may and still call themselves go. To the introduction Presbyterian. It is when we of organs can be traced see how far astray music many of the evils which have followed. may lead people that the wisdom of our Beginning with small harmoniums, the godly forefathers in resisting the beginnings desire soon grew for more elaborate and of evil is seen, as well as the wisdom of expensive instruments, with much initial those less popular Churches which have expense and heavy annual outlay for refused to yield to the general clamour for upkeep and for organists’ salaries. The what, disguised by many fine sounding use of these instruments was responsible names, is simply a means of self-pleasing for the employment of many organists and in connection with what should be a wholly choirmasters who were musically efficient God-pleasing service. but spiritually quite unfitted to be engaged in any work connected with the Christian Even apart from those disgraceful cases Church. This soon led to the introduction where choirs and other bodies connected of all sorts of evils – voluntaries and much with churches indulge in dances, whist display of skill, the sacredness of the drives, dramatic and other worldly

6 The Bulwark performances, how sad it is to see so many congregations countenancing all manner of more than questionable entertainments.

Those sweet singers who first introduced the singing of solos, etc., at religious services, and the various bodies of professing Christian people who have accustomed the present generation to the playing of bands and the sing-song music hall style of service, may perhaps have meant well, but a grave responsibility rests upon them. There is such foolish and harmful talk about the plainness of church buildings, the “baldness” and dullness of services, the poorness of the music, the need for more “elasticity and brightness”, and so on. This might be expected from those who have no true appreciation of purely spiritual worship; but it is sometimes indulged in by those who ought to know better.

‘The blind leading the blind’ by Pieter Brueghel

With many people the worship of God seems to be associated with what is sentimental or ceremonial. They must have comfortable, even luxurious churches, popular preachers, and all the various self-pleasing adjuncts which are now looked upon as indispensable. It does not seem to occur to such that, the heart of man being deceitful, self-pleasing tends always to take the place of God-glorifying, and the temptation to yield to it requires to be constantly resisted.

The general wearing of university hoods of various colours may be considered a small matter, a mere conceit; but it is symptomatic, and is a very distinct departure from the simplicity which might be expected in a Presbyterian Church.

Perhaps a more serious matter is the evident hankering which so many seem to have after formalism in services and prayer. Some ministers go

April - June 2011 7 ... No distinction is made by many preachers between believers and unbelievers; and the consolations, promises and encouragements intended only for God’s people are offered freely to all indiscriminately ...

8 The Bulwark the length of reading prayers, while others, nor the ability to detect and oppose the especially those of a certain cult, show by preaching of erroneous doctrine. the studied style and elaborate wording of their prayers that this is of more importance Few things are more serious than the extent ... No distinction is made to them than the free and simple outpouring to which the ministers of the Churches of the heart to God, and many would have been influenced by this destructive by many preachers between almost seem studiously to avoid using the criticism. Not many openly avow their language of the Bible. agreement with these modern Jehoiakims, believers and unbelievers; but it is feared there are not a few who hold and the consolations, promises As to what might be looked upon as the erroneous views, though they are discreet larger principles of the churches, there is so enough to keep them to themselves. It is and encouragements intended much that is treated as an open question, not only by what a minister preaches that so much regarding which the testimony you can judge, but sometimes by what only for God’s people of some of the Churches is vague and he does not preach. Some of the darker uncertain, and so much disposition to and sterner aspects of religion are seldom are offered freely to sacrifice principles for the sake of large or never referred to in these days, when all indiscriminately ... combinations, that it does not seem that teaching about them is greatly needed; yet these have the same place as formerly. the people love to have it so, and no fault is found, as it is much more comfortable to While the testimony of some of the smaller hear only what pleases all. Churches remains definite and distinct, that cannot he said of some of the larger In many quarters the necessity for Churches which have drifted far from their “conversion” would appear to be doubted, moorings. That may, to some extent, be due if not denied, while the use of the word is to their size; or rather to the large measure strictly avoided. No distinction is made of encouragement they have given to those by many preachers between believers to enter their ministry and membership who and unbelievers; and the consolations, sooner or later were bound to weaken their promises and encouragements intended spiritual force. Hence perhaps the modern only for God’s people are offered freely to hankering after social and other less directly all indiscriminately. If the advice of some of spiritual work. our military chaplains is to be followed, it is to be feared that things will not be better, The destructive criticism of the Bible, but rather worse, in the future. It is time that which in recent times has done so much a protest was made against “the modern to weaken the faith and paralyse the pulpit habit of throwing out suggestions of energies of both pastors and people, has doubts, left-handed innuendo, against the not been exposed and denounced in the authority of Holy Scripture”. larger Churches as it ought to have been, and many preachers have become very A writer says: “If an examination in Scriptural bold, encouraged possibly by the fact that knowledge was conducted to-day amongst the people seem to have neither the desire millions of Church members I firmly believe

April - June 2011 9 the result would be a perfect disgrace to I believe that one cause of the demoralisation, a so-called Christian country.” Is it possible or rather the despiritualisation, of the that this is true? There was a day, in Churches has been the incessant stream of Scotland at least, not so very long ago when gossip about ministers and church doings erroneous doctrine, or one-sided doctrine, in the semi-religious papers of the day, not would have been detected and exposed to speak of the influence for evil of so many by the people. Nowadays, however, the of the daily secular papers, which intrude hearers are either unable to discriminate or their counsels and their criticism on things unwilling to interfere, and so things go on religious, so persistently and so banefully. from bad to worse, and the state of matters grows more and more like that described The practice of advertising church services and foretold by the prophets. Scarcely a and preachers has become very common, word is heard from the more popular pulpits and is found to be a convenience by those on the great evils of Popery and Ritualism, who go to hear this preacher or that, but Sabbath-breaking, and other anti-Christian much might be said against it. influences which threaten to be the death of true religion in our once favoured land. By starting adjuncts and agencies of a more than questionable nature – or rather by not It is noticeable that, with the lessening resisting and preventing the starting of such regard for the sanctity of the Sabbath, by individual members – the Churches there has been an increasing have, it is to be feared, while desire among Presbyterians greatly increasing their bustle to keep other days, such as ... true progress and carnal activity, at the Christmas, Good Friday, and towards God same time seriously injured Easter. It was not a good their true life and spirituality. sign when, several years will only be ago, the larger Presbyterian made when All manner of things are now Churches abolished the Fast carried on in connection days. These days became they ... go back with the churches – social, largely just public holidays, to the Scripture musical, literary, athletic, and the Churches accepted ... military, etc., some of them the situation, and, with a few entirely unsuitable to be exceptions, abolished them – connected with a professing retaining only a short service Christian Church. The preparatory to the Communion on a week- element of self-pleasing bulks largely in day evening and on Saturday afternoon. most of them. There are P.S.A.’s (Pleasant The latter is by some Churches now given ‘Sunday’ afternoons), P.S.E.’s (Pleasant up, and the thanksgiving service on the ‘Sunday’ Evenings) and P.S.H.’s (Pleasant Monday following has in some cases been ‘Sunday’ Hours), lectures on poets, converted into a social meeting. novelists, and all sorts of unsuitable subjects; Sabbath concerts and social hours, flower

10 The Bulwark services, gift services, lantern with the view of interesting them in and inducing them to services, harvest festivals, join the Church. This I consider is putting things in the wrong fancy fairs, dramatic recitals, order, and does a serious injury not only to the Church, kinderspiels, cantatas, but also to the persons themselves, who may be fatally entertainments more or less misled. There is also a good deal said about the loneliness questionable, dances, clubs of young men and women in lodgings. I know well from of various experience what kinds, guilds, that means, and competitions, can testify that treats, reading- the loneliness is rooms with most useful. So papers of a far from it being very mixed necessary for kind, Sabbath the Church to supper parties put itself about and smokes, unduly to provide etc., etc. social functions Things are not and such like yet quite so to entertain the bad as they lonely lodgers are in America, on the Sabbath but they are bad enough. day, she would do well to recognise the fact that one of the great needs of the young people of to-day is just more No doubt a good deal can time to be alone. be said, in the way of special pleading, by their advocates I may not live to see it, but there may yet come a great on behalf of the multifarious spiritual awakening, when God’s people in the various and various agencies of Churches will realise the evil of a formal and sensuous the modern Church, but service, and will insist upon returning to the simpler I cannot help feeling that and purer worship of their godly ancestors. When this they have done much to happens perhaps the small but faithful Churches will be invite and utilise the help remembered. The sins of the past must be thoroughly as “Christian workers” of a and sufficiently repented of, before God’s blessing can be “mixed multitude”, who, to expected on this sport-and-pleasure-mad generation. say the least of it, chill the spiritual atmosphere. There The delusion entertained by many is that, by the are those in the present day introduction of novelties and innovations, the Churches who advocate the giving are progressing; whereas true progress towards God will of Christian work to young only be made when they, in humility, confession of guilt people and others who are and penitence, go back to the Scripture, back to the not members of the Church, Sanctuary, back to the Sabbath, back to the Saviour.

April - June 2011 11 Monument at Drumclog 12 The Bulwark Tribute to Mrs Elizabeth Whitley (1915-2010) Rev A Sinclair Horne

It is not very often that one meets a person Mrs Whitley was also one of the speakers whose interest in the wide-ranging aspects in part of a television series which was of church life touched a great number of recorded in the Magdalen Chapel. The series other lives. One lady who filled that role was entitled The Spirit of Scotland and Mrs was Mrs Elizabeth Whitley who died on Whitley’s contribution, which dealt mainly 11th September 2010 aged 94. with the historical aspects of the Church in Scotland, was regarded as being the best of Mrs Whitley was a wonderful lady and a the series. Her deep concern about church great helpmeet to her husband Very Rev affairs was not her sole interest. She was Dr Harry Whitley, minister of the Kirk of St Honorary Vice-President of the Scottish Giles in Edinburgh; and it was my privilege Covenanter Memorials Association from its to meet them both early on in my work as foundation in 1966 until 2005 and anything Secretary of the Society. St Giles moved Covenanter was of great interest to her. She their church-office to 19 George IV Bridge, was also active in political life, journalism, next door to the Society’s office atN o. 17. and many other fields. Very soon after this move in 1960, Mrs Whitley approached the Committee of the Mrs Whitley and her husband had five Society regarding the publication of her children and there were several calls book, Plain Mr Knox, in a paperback edition. from the family to the Society for help This entailed quite a lot of contact with Mrs with Sunday school lessons on historical Whitley and I enjoyed our conversations persons. When Dr Whitley retired they on various aspects of church life. Some moved to Southwick in Kirkcudbrightshire years later she asked once again if the where they found interest in cattle and Society would publish and have printed poultry throughout their retirement. In all what was her best production, namely The aspects of her life, Mrs Elizabeth Whitley Two Kingdoms. This was duly printed in was a ‘mother in Israel’, combining a loving, both hardback and paperback with great caring attitude with a strong commitment success. to the Protestant heritage.

April - June 2011 13 Prince William of Orange

14 The Bulwark Defending the reformation in (1829-40) John Smith

The resurgence of Romanism during the nephew, the Duke of Monmouth, gave early 19th century caused great concern James the perfect excuse to recruit a to most Scots. Countless public meetings standing army of over 30,000 men, largely were held, petitions were signed and a drawn from the Irish peasantry, with which to movement began which ultimately led to intimidate the population. Judge Jeffries ‘of the formation of the Scottish Reformation the Bloody Assize’ was dispatched to mete Society in 1850. In order to understand our out ‘justice’ to the regime’s opponents. His forefathers’ anxiety, we must first outline insatiable lust for cruelty was obvious from events between 1685 and 1688, during the rows of corpses left hanging along the the ill-fated reign of James II, the last of the roadsides. James also attempted to crush Stuart monarchs. the Scottish with a policy of murder and intimidation, still remembered The as ‘the killing times’. Most of the people hoped that James would soon die and the By the time of James’s accession to the throne would pass to Mary, his Protestant Throne, less than 5% of the population was daughter. Roman Catholic. However the new king was a fanatical Romanist whose closest But in June, 1688, the birth of a male advisors were Jesuits. The king immediately heir, James, Prince of Wales, brought the set in place a policy which he hoped would prospect of an enduring Roman Catholic culminate in the forcible reconversion of dynasty. Leading English politicians decided England and Scotland. James believed that drastic action was required and they in the Divine Right of Kings and dissolved invited William of Orange, the Dutch prince Parliament when it refused to do his who was married to Mary, to assume the bidding. He illegally appointed Romanists Throne. On 5th November, 1688, William as army officers, magistrates, university landed at Torbay with an army and soon professors, Privy Councillors and even to afterwards James fled to the Continent. livings in the . The king These events are remembered as the even established a Jesuit College with 400 Glorious Revolution. James’ supporters students at Savoy Palace. began rebellions in and Scotland but were soon defeated. A failed insurrection led by his Protestant

April - June 2011 15 Duke of Wellington

Under the Revolution Settlement, our forefathers took steps to make sure that no Romanist would ever again sit on the throne. The new Coronation Oath required the monarch publically to renounce the doctrines of Rome. Roman Catholics were barred from holding any public office, joining the army, voting or sitting in the Houses of Parliament, and severe restrictions were placed on the activities of priests and Romanist worship. The Presbyterian doctrine, government and worship of the were also guaranteed.

16 The Bulwark Emancipation proposed the measure, and so, surprisingly, did John Macdonald, the ‘Apostle of the North’. Many Despite these events, supporters of the of the younger ministers followed Chalmers Stuarts had not altogether abandoned lead. As Peter Stewart, a scathing opponent hope of regaining power. Scotland saw of Emancipation, expressed it in a Gaelic Jacobite Rebellions in 1715, 1719 and poem: “He (Chalmers) led the boobies to 1745 while in Ireland, the priests of Rome believe he’d heal the Man of Sin.” held sway over the mass of the population, fostering discontent and rebellion. In 1793 On the other hand, men like Thomas M‘Crie, the Catholic Relief Act granted full toleration Robert Gordon, and Alexander Stewart of to Romanist worship, but the political Cromarty were sure that Rome and her safeguards remained. By the 1820s, a Jesuit agents would take full advantage of charismatic Irish nationalist, Daniel O’ the Government’s mistaken generosity. At Connell, was pressing for ‘Emancipation’, a meeting of the Presbytery of Edinburgh, in other words, for the removal of all political Dr. Gordon said, “Civil power and authority restrictions on Romanists. is a privilege for which Christians, when it is placed in their disposal, The Duke of Wellington, must be accountable, himself an Irish Protestant, and they have no right became Prime Minister to dispose of it, so as to in August 1827. He give professors of a false excluded supporters of religion the means of injuring the true.” James from his cabinet, promising Begg later recalled that “the that there would be ‘No unanimous impression of Surrender’. However, the older ministers and of Wellington was fearful of all the best of the people armed revolution in his was against it.” Chalmers homeland and, to the believed that the alliance horror of many within between the State and the Tory party, a Catholic Thomas Chalmers Protestantism had Emancipation Bill was damaged the cause of the included in the King’s Speech in February, Gospel in Ireland. In an eloquent speech at 1829. Even if it was approved, Romanists a pro-Emancipation meeting in Edinburgh, were still to be excluded from the throne he insisted, “It is not because I hold Popery and from the office of Lord Chancellor. to be innocent that I want removal of these disabilities; but because I hold that, if they In Scotland, Evangelical opinion was were taken out of the way she would be divided on this issue. Andrew Thomson ten times more assailable ... give me the and Thomas Chalmers, perhaps the two circulation of the Bible and I will overthrow most influential Evangelicals, supported the tyranny of Antichrist and establish the

April - June 2011 17 fair and original form of on its gathered twice as many signatures as those ruins.” Chalmers later regretted his support who favoured it. Nevertheless, the Bill was for Emancipation which he described “an passed by Parliament and was granted historic blunder”. Royal assent on 10th April, 1829.

Opposition to Emancipation Although Irish immigrants formed sizeable in Aberdeen and increasing communities in the large industrial towns of the , the The General Session of St. Nicholas Parish, Roman Catholic community in Aberdeen which covered most of the city of Aberdeen, numbered only 2,000 or so. The local met on March 3rd 1829 and by “a great priest, Father Charles Gordon, frequently majority” approved the motion of Rev. John preached anti-Protestant sermons on Bryce (South Church), “that Petitions be Sabbath evenings which were a source forwarded to both Houses of Parliament, of entertainment to non-Roman Catholics, praying that no concession of political particularly University students, as well as power be granted to Roman Catholics.” his own flock. “ and John A few days later, the Seven Incorporated Knox were held up to universal scorn in Trades of Aberdeen, which represented the most delightful broad Scots and with the business community, urged Parliament a vehemence that might have satisfied the ”to weigh well the awful consequences Grand Inquisitor.” Gordon was one of the of the proposed measure and consider best known citizens of Aberdeen, an affable the manifold evils from which this country man whose charitable endeavours and already suffers under Roman Ascendancy.” straightforwardness earned the respect of They warned that the Bill “would be an open even his most resolute opponents. violation of the Treaty of Union and would remove one of the greatest safeguards of In November, 1830 Gordon’s colleague, our glorious Constitution.” Many ministers Father Charles Fraser, delivered a series of across Scotland organised petitions popular lectures defending Roman Catholic against the Bill. At Oldmachar Cathedral, doctrines. Dr. James Kidd (Gilcomston there was allegedly panic signing of a Chapel) challenged him to a public debate. petition because, according to a statement Fraser responded with a letter in , of Joseph Hume, M.P. in the House of stating that “I shall most cheerfully enter the Commons, the minister warned his people lists; not, indeed, in a meeting of the ignorant that “If they did not sign they would lose rabble, nor in the tongue, but their churches”. The fact that the Cathedral in the presence of the professors of the was built in the Middle Ages might have University [and] priests of the Holy Roman been the reason for the minister giving such Church, and, as becomes Theologians, in a warning. Other petitions against the Bill the Latin language.” Dr. Kidd replied, ”You were available for signing at the Trades Hall promulgate your religious tenets in the and at Gilcomston Chapel. Across Scotland, English language, and I call upon you, in those campaigning against Emancipation like manner, to defend them. If you do not

18 The Bulwark accede to my proposal, I shall conclude that that the good of souls, whose food was you are either ashamed or afraid publically the Word of God, was the only object we to defend the Roman Catholic system.” The had in view.” A delegation from the British debate never took place. Reformation Society in London told of the positive reception they had experienced in Aberdeen Reformation Society Ireland and of how thousands of Roman Catholics had gathered to hear them refute Many ministers and laymen in Aberdeen, Romanist doctrine. Further meetings were including many of those who had supported held that autumn in different Established Emancipation, were determined to raise a Churches, and an opportunity was given for witness in defence of Protestantism and the local priests to enter into debate, which on 22nd November, 1830, they formed was again refused. the Aberdeen Reformation Society. The Society’s In January 1832, Committee a crowded public included two meeting was held Professors, two in Trinity Chapel, Advocates, and to petition against several landed the increase gentlemen as well of the annual as Rev. James Government grant Foote (East to Maynooth as well Church). On 9th as the proposed December, the new national Society’s first education system public meeting in Ireland. St. was held in Mr. Patrick’s College, Foote’s church. Maynooth was a Provost Patrick seminary which Bannerman, who educated men for was a member of the priesthood and Dr Kidd the committee, was called since 1795 had received to the chair. Rev. John Murray (North assistance from the Government. Patrick Church) is reported to have said that “it Bannerman objected to Parliament paying was our duty to watch over that faith which for “the dissemination of error and the had been delivered to us, and to enlighten propagation of idolatry”, particularly in view those of our fellow men who had fallen into of the impending withdrawal of funding from error.” Mr. Murray hoped “that everything Christian schools which included Scripture which would be advanced today would be readings in their curriculum. Rev. David done in the spirit of charity, that we would Simpson (Trinity Chapel) asked, “Is it not speak of Catholics as brethren, and show deeply to be deplored that when the various

April - June 2011 19 schools in Ireland are very successfully lectures on Romanism between 1835 and communicating Religious Education in 1837. spite of all the efforts of the Romish hierarchy – at In 1839, their colleagues a period when there was a in Aberdeen followed their prospect of emancipating ... how important lead and organised a series that unhappy country from it is that the of fourteen weekly lectures, the chains of ignorance and on the errors of Popery. The superstition in which it has witness of anti-Evangelical Aberdeen been so long confined – a the Scottish Herald claimed that the Government should throw Reformation ministers, by attacking the weight of its influence Romanism, were playing into into the scale of Popery?” Society is the hands of the Tory Party’s All schools were also to be maintained and efforts to regain influence. subject to the supervision extended ... The Herald claimed that of the local clergy, most of “fierce denunciations of whom were Roman priests. the Popish , and These issues remained Popish ceremonies, have contentious throughout the 1830s and were weakened rather than strengthened the addressed at numerous other meetings in cause of Protestantism.” On the other Aberdeen. hand, the Conservative Aberdeen Constitutional In the 1830s, Romanism justified the lectures: extended her influence “The Church of Rome is throughout the United everywhere proclaiming Kingdom. In Aberdeen, the success of her the Royal Commission labours to regain her on Religious Instruction lost dominion over our (1837) discovered that islands. The journals St. Peter’s Chapel in in her interest are filled Aberdeen had received with accounts of the between 30 and 40 multitude and splendour new members annually of the new buildings over the past five raised for her worship years. In , the and her Directories, increase of the Roman year after year, set forth Catholic population the number of converts was phenomenal due to her faith.” to Irish immigration. The ministers of Priest Gordon The first discourse was Glasgow gave two series of given by Rev. John Murray

20 The Bulwark on “The importance of protesting and testifying against Popery”. The sharp-witted Priest Gordon announced that he would respond each week from his own pulpit, and he did so with considerable skill in argument as well as comic effect. “It is na’ my custom to indulge in personalities,” he said, “but fourteen ministers against ae’ auld man. Is na’ that cowardly?” Gordon claimed, “Mr. Murray would, if he could, consign all the Catholics to fire and brimstone”.R ev. John Murray was popularly known as ‘Brimstone Johnny’ because of his solemn preaching on hell.

The fifth lecture, on “Romish Corruptions in Worship”, was given by Rev. Gavin Parker (Bon-Accord Chapel). By way of reply, the priest attempted to demonstrate the absurdity of accusing Roman Catholics of idolatry. “Weel, sirs, they tell you we adore eemages”, said he, “gin ony o’ ye thinks that, jist ask the youngest skellach in the chapel an’ he’ll laugh at ye. Come here, Johnnie” (to one of the altar boys). “Do we adore eemages, Johnnie?” The lad, nervous of the crowded chapel, was struck dumb. “Come awa, man”, said Gordon. “Tell them, do we adore eemages?” Thinking that Priest Gordon was looking for a positive response, he blurted out “Aye, div we!” It was hardly what the priest was looking for but he saw the funny side. “Eh, man, ye hae deen for me noo! Gae wa’ back tae yer seat; a’m thinkin’ ye had best gang awa’ tae ma frien’ Dr. Kidd an’ tell him that!”

The fourteen ministers, including some who had supported Roman Catholic Emancipation, demonstrated complete unanimity in their view of Romanism, and the whole episode was spoken of in Aberdeen for many years.

During the 1830s and 40s, Aberdeen experienced some of its greatest days of Gospel power; it is striking that at the same time, the Protestant Churches maintained an unambiguous witness against Rome. Today, by contrast, Scotland is a spiritual wasteland and most Evangelicals are grossly ignorant of the soul destroying teachings of Romanism. Sadly, one minister of the Free Church recently commented that the visit of Benedict XVI to Scotland was “a good thing” and greeted him as “a fellow Christian”. How important it is that the witness of the Scottish Reformation Society is maintained and extended!

April - June 2011 21 Dr. John Kennedy on

Dr. John Kennedy (1819-84) was minister of Dingwall Free Church, Ross-shire. In the opinion of many, he was the greatest preacher the Highlands had ever known. He was truly “mighty in the Scriptures” and had a profound knowledge of the human heart. He viewed Popery with horror and had a pastor’s sympathy for those deceived by it.

Towards the end of his life, owing to poor health, Dr. Kennedy spent some months in Italy. From Rome, he wrote to Alexander MacDonald, his Catechist in Dingwall.

22 The Bulwark “This is our last day in this wonderful do not expect to see it rejected by her. idolatrous and ungodly city ... I had Purgatory is the gold mine of the Church previously no right conception of the of Rome, and while she exists she will monstrous deceit and blasphemy of carefully preserve it.1 the horrid system of Popery. The utter deceitfulness of Popish worship—its utter Who that looks at it in the light of Scripture emptiness of all that would meet the crave can fail to recognise in this doctrine one of of conscience—is such that, combined the features of Antichrist, the Man of Sin. with the profligacy of the priesthood, the Where, considering its direct opposition to people are driven into utter infidelity. The God’s Holy Word, its dishonouring of Christ only religion they know is that which is crucified, the proud pretensions it implies— represented by Popery, and how can we and its end, which is to make merchandise wonder if they say “if that is religion, we of souls—could it find its proper place but choose to be without it.” in the Antichristian system?

If this was the case among Roman Let me speak a word of warning to Catholics in 1883, how much more so Protestants in conclusion. Think not that today! the name of Protestant will protect you from the delusions of Popery. The seeds The following extract is from the closing of this doctrine of Purgatory are in your section of a lecture on the Doctrine of heart. How distasteful to a careless mind Purgatory, delivered at Inverness. (JS) is the thought that death must come, and that it must fix one’s eternal state. You It may appear to some a strange thing that a would fain have the state of your soul still doctrine so unreasonable, so unscriptural, longer unfixed. How pleasant to such a should have ever been held by the Church mind is this doctrine. How common it is, of Rome, and should continue to be taught too, to find individuals solicitous about in the midst of Reformation light. their friends after death who cared not for their souls while they lived. How common How it came to find a place among its it is for surviving friends to express a doctrines is easily understood. It was confident assurance of the safety of the adopted with many others from the crude dead, however much such a hope was delusions of heathenism, and having forbidden by the life of that individual. And once found a place in the Popish creed, if the thought that the departed friend is it became too useful a contributor to the happy be a pleasant one, how much would funds of the church to be soon set aside. one do in order to secure this feeling to his While the revenue of the Church of Rome mind? Ah, my friends there is more Popery depends upon it to such an extent, we in our hearts than we are aware. Satan,

1 Kennedy is referring to Rome’s practice of charging for masses to deliver souls from purgatory. Latimer used to call it ‘purgatory pick-purse’.

April - June 2011 23 who knew it well, drew in Popery a copy but a fellow sinner, and were he even sent of the human heart. There is something in by God he cannot deliver his own soul, far that system to fit all the views and feelings less yours. “Salvation is of the Lord.” “My of the fallen soul. Hence arises its power. safety cometh from the Lord who made No wonder it is so prevalent. I only wonder heaven and earth.” Thus spake David. All it makes no more progress. I would advise shall perish who have not a right to join with you, if you would acquaint yourself with him in this expression of his confidence. Popery, to study your own heart; and in order to protection, trust none but the Lord, How sad it is to think of those who receive and no teacher but His blessed Spirit. this lying doctrine. Think of how they are by it to put off securing an interest in Christ, the If there be any present who believe in the only Saviour. Think of their dying, with their doctrine of purgatory, let me affectionately trust on an arm of flesh. Think of the naked urge you to listen, as before spirit, that was cheated with God, to these words: “It is the hope of a temporary appointed unto men once sojourn in purgatorial fire, to die, but after this the ... it is now awakened to realise an judgment.” No space, no eternity of woe before it— place, no intermediate state appointed finding itself in a fire that can lies between death and unto man once never be quenched. Oh, of judgment. “As the tree falleth how many millions has this so must it lie.” As one dies so to die, but already been the dismal must he be for ever, if under after this the end. How many millions of guilt, for ever unpardoned. judgement ... deluded victims are being If without a good hope, for prepared for the selfsame ever in despair. Oh, let me fatal disappointment. Oh, affectionately urge you to thou mother of harlots, there weigh well your own state is more effectual prayer as a sinner; let no one intercept you from against thee in the shrieks of the millions God’s Word, that you may know what it thou hast delivered over to the great says regarding your state by nature. If murderer who retains thee for the work you knew yourself, you would be sure of slaying souls, than there is to shield to acknowledge that it is vain to expect thee from destruction in all the devotions salvation except through the Lord Jesus of which thy polluted altars and thy dark Christ, that it is dangerous to look to any cloisters are the scenes. The millions other than to Him alone. Christ must be thou hast ruined curse thee in the pit. The all in all. His righteousness is your only thousands thou hast martyred cry by their ground of hope as a guilty sinner, and blood for thy destruction. They shall be His strength your only help. Oh, beware heard, and thou shalt yet be laid low. of reposing your trust in man. The power of the Church will give way. Your priest is

24 The Bulwark News and comments

Beatification of John Paul II who deified his brother Titus. When one reads of Roman emperors declaring On 1st May the present Pope ‘beatified’ that their predecessors were now gods, the previous one. We are not exactly sure one feels that surely this was a piece of what this means, though doubtless we nonsense which no one at the time could could discover from Wikipedia, have believed but which those but we know that it implies that in high government politely Roman Catholics may now use acquiesced in, in order to keep John Paul II as an ‘intercessor’ their jobs. But perhaps this is in their prayers. to underestimate the capacity of mankind to swallow absurd The analogy has been made superstitions. Perhaps some between the present Pope of the Romans really did believe beatifying his predecessor and that that soul which wasn’t even some of the Roman emperors able to keep its own corpse from of old who ‘deified’ their decomposing, unless hastily predecessors, such as Domitian Domitian embalmed, was nevertheless so

April - June 2011 25 powerful as to influence the lives of multitudes and the affairs of nations. And perhaps some Roman Catholics really do believe that John Paul II is now so nearly omniscient and omnipresent that he can indeed hear and understand their prayers and secure help for them. For many who go by the name of Roman Catholic, however, it must seem just another politico-religious manoeuvre in the endless power-struggle that is Romanism.

We are thankful that the Royal Wedding and the death of Osama Bin Laden relegated the ‘beatification’ to something like the oblivion that it deserved.

Plans to repeal the Act of Settlement dropped Titus

The newspapers report that plans to repeal the English Act of Settlement of 1701 have been dropped, for the time being. The Act of Settlement prohibits Roman Catholics, or those married to Roman Catholics, from ascending the throne of England and Wales. When the matter was being privately discussed recently, the Church of England made the point that Roman Catholics are required by canon law to bring up their children as Roman Catholics, and the likely effect of allowing the monarch to marry a Roman Catholic would be to have Roman Catholic king or queen at the next generation. As a Roman Catholic, this person would be ultimately answerable to the sovereign head of another state, namely the Pope as Head of the Vatican, and yet would also be the ‘Supreme Governor’ of the Church of England.

The present writer does not think that the Church of England should have a ‘Supreme Governor’, but in any case, that part of the argument is unnecessary, and could be replaced by a much stronger argument. It is obviously unacceptable that any person in a position of public responsibility in Britain should be ‘ultimately answerable to the sovereign head of another nation’. This applies whether the person is the monarch, the Prime minister, a judge, or even a police officer. All these people ought obviously to be loyal to their own country, not to some foreign ruler. The problem is not with the Act of Settlement; the problem is with the claims of the Pope to be a Head of State and to rule over the consciences of people in other nations. It would be a good thing if the Pope’s pretensions of being a Head of State could be ended, and it would be a better thing if the millions of people who subject their consciences to him could escape and subject their consciences to the Lord Jesus Christ instead.

26 The Bulwark Writing Competition 2011

Entrants are asked to choose from a If appropriate, the winning essays from selection of three questions in their age the older age groups will also be printed group. Every entrant will receive a £10 book in the Bulwark. The closing date is 31st token (this may be changed to a book) if they July 2011. Entries should be sent to Rev are judged to have completed the project David Campbell, F. P. Manse, N. Tolsta, Isle or question. There will be an additional two of Lewis, HS2 0NH, and must include the prizes awarded to the winner and runner- entrant’s name, full postal address, and up in each section and all participants will age. receive a certificate.

April - June 2011 27 Monarchy Project of the on 24th August (12 years and under) 1560 which repudiated the jurisdiction of Winner £20, Runner-up £15 the Pope in Scotland.

Design a logo for the Scottish Reformation OR Society marking the 450th Anniversary of Give a short history of the Magdalen Chapel the Scottish Reformation. from its first use to the present day.

OR Knox Prize Essay Produce a pictorial map of the main (16 - 18 years) events and battles in Scotland during the (1200 – 1500 words) Reformation years 1559-60. Winner £35, Runner-up £30

OR Give a short biography of Produce an illustrated timeline for the detailing the main events of his life and his Scottish Reformation years 1559-60. contribution to the Reformation.

OR Hamilton Memorial Essay Write a book review assessing John Knox’s (12 years and under) History of the Reformation. (300 words) Winner £20, Runner-up £15 OR Summarise any three of the writings of Explain why no one was executed for their John Knox other than his History of the religion by the Scottish Reformers in 1560. Reformation.

OR Give an account of the Queen Regent Mary’s Melville Essay intentions against the Reformers in Perth in (18 - 25 years) May 1559 and explain what happened. (2500 – 3000 words) Winner £50, Runner-up £40 OR What happened in the first General What did the Scottish Reformation under Assembly of the Scottish Reformed Church John Knox contribute to “the emergence on 20th December 1560? of liberty in the modern world”? OR “Knox parted company with Calvin … when he Magdalen Chapel Essay held that God’s with his people (13 - 15 years) gave them the direct right to rebel against (600 - 800 words) ungodly magistrates …” Discuss. Winner £25, Runner-up £20 OR Give a short biography of three persons Compare the 1560 with (other than John Knox) who were members the Westminster Confession of 1647. Is of the first General Assembly of the Church there anything in the Scots Confession of Scotland on 20th December 1560. which is not covered in the Westminster Confession? OR Explain the context and the terms of the Act

28 The Bulwark Society News

Annual General Meeting Church of Rome. The Society would wish The 2011 Annual General Meeting of the to be more active in all these fields. Society is due to be held in Edinburgh on Saturday 1st October (DV) at As far as the academic world is concerned, Hall, Pilrig. The AGM will be at 10.30 am the recent venture of the Historical and the public meeting will begin at 11.30 Journal has disclosed the weakness of am. The speakers are Rev Trevor Kirkland Protestantism in this area. The Reformers on ‘The Development of the Authorised and Covenanters are freely misrepresented Version’ and Rev Maurice Roberts on and maligned in Scottish academic circles ‘The Influence of the Word on the Scottish and hardly a voice is raised in their defence. Reformation’. While the titanic conflicts in which academics imagine that they are engaged may be a SRS Leaflet source of amusement to onlookers, they The Society has produced a new glossy are not entirely without significance. The leaflet to advertise its work. Any supporter prevailing false views of the Reformation who is in a position to display or to distribute are what is taught in the universities; and these leaflets should contact Rev John J when the media want historical comment Murray for copies on (0141) 620 3983. they summon a professional historian, probably an enemy of the truth, and he, ‘out New Academic of the abundance of his heart’, expresses Series of publications his ill-feelings towards John Knox and The Society has decided to launch an the Covenanters. His ‘expert’ views are Academic Series of publications. The first then broadcast to tens of thousands of two items in the series (DV) will be The people, confirming them in their prejudice Theology of Samuel Rutherford, a collection against Protestantism. It is as a first step to of articles edited by Matthew Vogan, and redressing this situation that the Academic John Spottiswoode: Jacobean Churchman Series is being started. and Statesman by Rev Wayne Pearce. Magdalen Chapel Perhaps a word is in order on the idea Stained Glass behind this series. The purpose of the Society is to oppose Romanism in Scotland The Magdalen and, more broadly, to promote Reformed Chapel has what Protestantism. Obviously this should is believed to be involve work in several different directions: the only pre- addressing, for instance, children, the R e f o r m a t i o n general public, the political world, the stained glass in academic world, and the various branches Scotland which of the Christian Church in Scotland, not is still in situ. This to mention those sadly bewitched by the glass is shortly

April - June 2011 29 to be analysed (DV) as part of a project able to identify repairs/replacements to studying historic stained glass in Scotland. the windows carried out over the last 470 The project is led by Mr K. Robin Murdoch, years or so. It would be surprising if they FSA Scot, who has kindly supplied us with have survived totally unscathed over that a brief account of the intended research: period of time! In the very near future the historic window glass in the Magdalen Chapel will be Subscription increase for 2012 analysed to determine its composition. The Society has reluctantly decided to This is part of a pilot project, in conjunction increase the Bulwark and membership with Historic Scotland and The National subscriptions for 2012. Subscription to the Museums of Scotland to date window Bulwark will be £8 while membership (which glass in Scotland. It follows on from includes a Bulwark subscription) will be £15. meaningful research into the subject by The Society has drastically cut its expenditure English Heritage over the last few years. in the last two years but the maintenance Although we know the likely date of the of the Magdalen Chapel is not something chapel glass, the 1540s, its analysis will on which it is easy or wise to economise. help to establish glass composition in The Chapel is a building of considerable Scotland at that particular time. Beyond historical interest to Protestants. The new- reasonable doubt the chapel glass will have look Bulwark, too, is more expensive to been imported from France or the Low produce than the old one. Countries since glass from raw materials was not made in Scotland prior to c1610. Recent Society Publications Until recently it was only possible to analyse Preacher to the Remnant: the Story of small shards by means of SEM (Scanning James Renwick by Maurice Grant (280pp, Electron Microscope). This is a piece of hardback, reduced to £15 inc. p&p). bulky lab equipment totally unsuited to in- A thoroughly-researched biography of situ window pane testing since it requires the godly Covenanting preacher James small slivers of glass to be removed for Renwick. testing. Scottish Reformation Society Historical The Magdalen Chapel windows will be Journal, vol.1, (ed.) Douglas Somerset analysed by means of a portable XRF (X-Ray (273pp, paperback, £9.95; hardback fluorescence) machine, an entirely non- £17.95, both inc. p&p). Contains articles destructive process. Closely resembling on Scottish Church history: a portable hairdryer, this device works by John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, bombarding in-situ panes with X-Rays and Thomas Boston, sampling reflected energy levels which Alexander Dyce Davidson, relate to the elements/oxides contained Angus of the Hills, James MacGregor, within the glass. David Hay Fleming, Giving Out the Line, Mistress Rutherford in Ulster. While this analysis might not tell us much more about the chapel itself, the information Both items are obtainable from the it will provide on glass composition in the Magdalen Chapel. 1540s will be invaluable. We may also be

30 The Bulwark Branch News

Aberdeen Branch Meetings are on Fridays in the Dunbar St Hall, Old Aberdeen, AB24 1UU at 7.30 pm (DV).

28th October, ‘The Scottish Communion Season’, Rev George Hutton (Inverness)

28th November, ‘John Erskine of Dun’, Charles Webster (Broughty Ferry)

23rd March 2012, ‘Alexander Cruden’, Rev John Macleod (Portmahomack)

Formation of Skye Branch Rev AS Wayne Pearce, the APC minister in Portree, is hoping to form a Skye Branch of the Society. The intention is to hold an inaugural meeting in the autumn (DV). Anyone interested should contact Dr Pearce on (01470) 582 421.

April - June 2011 31 CONTENTS

John Forbes Moncrieff 3

What is Wrong with the Churches? 5 J Forbes Moncrieff

Tribute to Mrs Whitley 12 Rev A Sinclair Horne

Aberdeen Reformation Society 15 John A Smith

Purgatory 22 Dr J Kennedy

News and Comments 25

Writing Competition 27

Society and Branch News 29

Membership & Bulwark Subscriptions

All correspondence regarding Membership and Bulwark subscriptions should be sent to the Membership Secretary, Mrs Deborah Coghill, Leurbost Manse, Lochs, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9NS.

The subscription remains at £5 per annum for membership of the Society and £5 per annum for the Bulwark. Membership forms can be obtained from the Membership Secretary, or the Magdalen Chapel, or downloaded from the internet:

www.scottishreformationsociety.org.uk/downloads/SRS_Membership_Form.pdf

32 The Bulwark