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Jan – Mar 2016

Jan – Mar 2016

The Bulwark Magazine of the Scottish Society

Jan - march 2016 // £2

January - March 2016 1 The Bulwark Problems confronting the church Magazine of the Society The Magdalen Chapel 41 , , EH1 1JR Tel: 0131 220 1450 3 Email: [email protected] www.scottishreformationsociety.org Registered charity: SC007755

Chairman Committee Members »» Rev Dr S James Millar WIDESPREAD IGNORANCE: »» Rev Maurice Roberts Vice-chairman »» Rev Kenneth Macdonald »» Rev John J Murray THE CAUSE AND »» Mr James Dickson Secretary »» Mr Allan McCulloch »» Rev Douglas Somerset THE CURE »» Rev Alasdair Macleod Treasurer »» Mr Matthew Vogan »» Rev Andrew Coghill John J Murray This is the third of a series of articles by Mr Murray on the subject ‘Problems confronting the Church’. 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; We are living in a day of gross ignorance and reveal who He is and what He has done. Magazine Editor: Rev Douglas Somerset (b) To diffuse sound and Scriptural teaching on a lack of discernment regarding spiritual That communication came at first through All literary contributions, books for review and the distinctive tenets of and matters. The God of the Bible has largely the prophets in the Old Testament and Roman Catholicism; papers, should be sent to: disappeared from view in our society. The then in due time through the incarnate Bible is a closed book to many. The Ten Christ (Heb. 1:1-2). John declares: ‘No The Magdalen Chapel (c) To carry on missionary work among Commandments have been removed from man hath seen God at any time; the only 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh adherents of the latter faith with a view to the walls of our classrooms. The name of begotten Son who is in the bosom of the EH1 1JR winning them to the doctrines of grace and to the fellowship of the true ; Christ is more familiar to many simply as a Father, he hath declared him’ (John 1:18). profanity. Few are able to discern between The Lord Jesus Christ revealed the truth The views expressed in articles are those of (d) To produce and distribute evangelistic, right and wrong. to his disciples and as apostles they were the contributor and may not necessarily reflect religious and other literature in connection with divinely inspired to write the Scriptures of those of the Editor or the Committee of the the promotion of the Protestant religion; In order to account for the extent of the the . Society. Scriptural references are from the A.V. ignorance in the professing Christian (e) To promote the associating together of men except where stated otherwise. community and in our country today we It was the revelation of God in Christ, and women, and especially young people, for systematic Bible Study and holding of need to examine how this has come about. preserved in Scripture by the apostles, Unattributed material is by the Editor. meetings for the above specified purposes. which became the substance of what I. The source of true knowledge was confessed by the early Church. The apostles framed the Christian faith in

DESIGNED & PRINTED BY: The only true knowledge of God comes doctrinal terms. The first Christians knew www.peppercollective.com from the Bible. He has been pleased to that their faith was absolutely true, that it Tel:028 9851 2233

2 The Bulwark January - March 2016 3 could brook no rivals, and so they sought became known as ‘the Dark Ages’, spoke of ‘the Scottish peasant as the most defend every part of Scripture. This led to no compromises. To be a Christian was although the Biblical truth was preserved remarkable man in Europe’. He traced the doctrine of the verbal inspiration of the to believe what the apostles believed and among groups, such as the . the dignity, intellect, and character of the Bible being set aside. With the authority of taught. Apostolic succession was not typical Scottish peasant up to that time as the Scriptures gone, leaders began to set a matter of ecclesiastical power but of largely flowing from the memorization of aside the doctrines that were offensive to doctrine. Paul said to Timothy: ‘And the II. The Reformation restored the Shorter . the natural man. The Confession of Faith, things that thou hast heard of me among true knowledge founded on Scripture, had to be modified many witnesses, the same commit thou so that it would be more acceptable to to faithful men who will be able to teach When in the early sixteenth century the III. The ‘downgrade’ obscured people. The view that ‘the Bible merely others also’ (2 Tim 2:2). The Church was light of the Gospel began to break into the true knowledge contains the Word of God’ allowed for a learning and teaching fellowship in darkness, the Reformers were confronted the development of ‘a broad Church’. which the passing on of what was learned with much ignorance. The truth re-discovered at the Reformation Confessions of faith and were by some to others becomes a regular was constrained to take up catechizing became the confession of the Church for regarded as outdated. In counselling aspect of her life. One aspect of imparting because of the ignorance he discovered a century or two. was seen, youth workers in , the American Scriptural knowledge took the form of among the people in Germany: ‘I have in the words of Owen Chadwick, as ‘an evangelist D.L. Moody (1837-99) ‘urged catechizing. been impelled to cast this catechism or unchanging Gospel handed down by pen them to have done with colourless Christian doctrine into this simple form by and mouth from generation to generation, catechisms and tedious verse learning, The term catechizing is derived from the lamentable deficiency in the means of mother to child, teacher to taught, pulpit to and to act on the belief that children should the Greek word kateche, which means instruction which I witnessed lately in my pew...that which has been believed in every trust Christ as a Friend.’ Around that ‘to sound over or through’, ‘to instruct’. visitation. God help us! What deplorable century, by all Christians, men and women.’ time, Alexander Moody Stuart warned: Catechizing was regarded as indispensable things I have seen!’ ‘Our children may lose the one treasure for instruction in the faith in the early A change, called ‘the downgrade’, took we are bound to bequeath them; and for Church. By the fourth and fifth centuries In Scotland prior to the Reformation the place in the latter half of the nineteenth long years they may wander “through dry it had developed extensively. One of its people were in gross darkness. The century when Higher Criticism and places seeking rest and finding none”, chief exponents was Augustine, and in his Scriptures were hidden in a dead language, liberal theology began to undermine the before they recover their hold of the word Catechizing of the Uninstructed, he details . The Gospel was obscured under authority of the Bible in men’s minds. A of life, and regain their footing on the rock the several steps in the process of wise superstitious ceremonies. Most of the recent address by Rev. Iain Murray, ‘How of eternal truth.’ catechising. In the early centuries of the clergy were ignorant of Biblical truth. The Scotland Lost Its Hold on the Bible’, Christian Church various arose people were taught to pray to departed reveals the sad decline of the Church in and Councils were called to defend and saints, and indulgences were sold in Scotland. He refers to an address by Dr IV. The situation today define the doctrines of the New Testament. order to deliver souls from . Horatius Bonar to the General Assembly were formulated. Orthodoxy was When a spiritual change took place, the of the Free in 1883, The professing Christian Church in Scotland vindicated and condemned. Those Reformers with their creeds, confessions, warning of the future: ‘Man is now thinking today is reaping the consequences of who denied the Scripture truths were by and catechisms provided people with out a Bible for himself; framing a religion in all that has gone on before. There has definition not Christian. the historical continuity from the doctrine harmony with the development of liberal been no trial for heresy in the Church of of the early Church. The writings which thought; constructing a worship on the Scotland for over a hundred years, yet Although that rich provision of creeds, flowed from the Reformers’ pens all principles of taste and culture; shaping a many of her ministers continue to deny confessions, and catechisms was such a directed people back to the doctrines god to suit the expanding aspirations of some of the most cardinal doctrines of the benefit in the establishing of the Church, of the Bible. The re-discovery of the the age…The extent of the mischief no faith, such as the infallibility of Scripture, a change was to come about. By the doctrines of the New Testament affected one can calculate’. the substitutionary atonement, the sixth century, the Church began to drift the Christians in the pew. Attention was Christ, and hell. This away from the faith and descended into given to family religion and instruction in It was in that decade that theologians was highlighted recently in the recording ritualism and formalism. This led to what the home. Professor J.A. Froude of Oxford began to argue that there was no need to of a sermon by the Rev. Scott McKenna

4 The Bulwark January - March 2016 5 of Mayfield Church of Scotland, Edinburgh Where sin is not seen in the light of 2. The re-introduction of catechising the Church’, said: ‘The Primitive Church and a subsequent public debate. No the holiness of God, grace is no longer Principal John MacLeod in his Scottish considered herself as the common mother action is taken against such men because grace. God’s love is redefined so Theology describes how the powerful of all baptized children, and exercised a liberal-minded clergy are in the positions that it is no longer holy. In those who preaching of the seventeenth century corresponding care over them, that they of power. Many professing Christians sit would claim to be evangelical, their produced a people who were very might be trained up as a generation to under the ministry of such men without knowledge is very often confined to a theologically minded, and goes on to serve the Lord.’ We are in what Dr Moody any true discernment. A former leader of vague understanding of the work of remark that ‘this was none the less the Stuart described as the ‘dry places’ and another denomination, Bishop Richard Jesus Christ. Without true Scriptural case as the outcome of the catechetical we need to regain our footing on the rock Holloway, has said ‘the only way to be knowledge, the Church is bereft of method of instruction that was current’. of eternal truth. moral is to reject the Bible and the very what defines the Church as the people Up until about fifty years ago, one could notion of moral absolutes. As for Scripture of God – bereft of the means of belief, guarantee that the rising generation 3. The of Church discipline it must be abandoned as authoritative worship, sustenance, proclamation, and had instruction in the basic truths of In the eyes of our Reformed forebears, the moral guidance for it no longer conforms service. Once it has lost its discipline Christianity. There was instruction in the exercise of discipline was regarded as a to our experience of truth and value.’ in the Word of God, it finds its subject home, in the Sabbath school and even in mark of the true Church of Christ. Discipline matter anywhere – Eastern spirituality, the day schools. A change came about covered both the doctrine and the conduct It is not only the liberal denominations that feminism, environmental concerns. So- when rote learning was phased out in the of members of the Church. In the present have been affected. Evangelical churches called Christian faith becomes privatized. schools, the Shorter Catechism went out climate the practice of discipline is non- have undergone a change. David Wells, of fashion in the Sabbath School, and existent or extremely rare. Can a Church the author of many titles on the present Bible stories and ‘Children’s addresses’ that fails to exercise discipline continue to declension, says in No Place for Truth, ‘I V. The Remedy replaced sound instruction. be regarded as a true Church of Christ? have watched with growing disbelief as the One thing is certain, that without a recovery evangelical Church has cheerfully plunged 1. The recovery of true preaching Even people who have grown up in a of functional Church discipline the Church Christian environment in the last generation will continue to slide into moral dissolution into astounding theological illiteracy’. He ‘The ignorance of basic Scripture’, or two are sadly ignorant of such matters and relativism, as we are witnessing in points out that ‘the abdication of Biblical according to Dr Oliver Barclay, ‘is so as the Trinity, theology, original our national Church. J. Carl Lancey has faith is one of the hallmarks of our age’. disturbing in our day that Christian sin, the necessity of the atonement, the said: ‘The Church today is suffering from It has been hastened on by the spread of preaching that does not remedy the lack nature of the new birth and the necessity an infection which has been allowed to post-modernism. Yet, as he points out, is irresponsible’. Ten-minute homilies of holy living. At the Reformation time fester... As an infection weakens the body once the faith is severed from Biblical are of no use. The average sermon in in Scotland, without knowledge of the by destroying its defensive mechanisms, authority, Christianity becomes essentially evangelical churches today is sadly main topics covered by the Catechism so the Church has been weakened by this plastic: a malleable and changeable belief lacking in doctrinal content. Carl Trueman, no one was to be admitted to the Lord’s ugly sore. The Church has lost its power system that just begs for transformation in speaking of the need to make sure that Table. Now many are given admission and effectiveness in serving as a vehicle into some other shape and substance. the doctrinal preaching of the Gospel to the sealing ordinances of the Church for social, moral and spiritual change’. ‘It In this way all religious truth claims get passes from the pulpit to the pew, says: with what is at best a vague knowledge has been remarked’, said John L. Dagg, transformed into matters of personal ‘The history of the Church is peppered of these things. Dr Samuel Miller, who ‘that when discipline leaves a Church, with examples of churches which enjoyed choice and opinion. claimed that ‘children are the hope of Christ goes with it’. powerful, faithful preaching for many Some Church leaders today seem bent years and yet which all but collapsed into on rescuing God from a bad reputation. doctrinal apathy and even heresy on the The traditional God is considered to death of their minister. While a number be vindictive and cruel. Substitutionary of reasons could be given for this, one atonement has been likened to ‘cosmic underlying factor has to be the failure of child abuse’. Sin is merely self-defeating the message to pass effectively from the behaviour or a breach in etiquette. pulpit to the pew.’

6 The Bulwark January - March 2016 7 In August 2015, a ‘Pilgrim Mass’ was held at Particular blessing was supposed to result St Duthac’s in Tain, with from undertaking a pilgrimage to the Holy Roman Catholic Archbishop Mario Conti Land. In the Middle Ages, Muslim attacks presiding. It was followed by a procession on groups of Christian pilgrims led to through the town. Attended by Roman the in which European armies Catholics from near and far, the location attempted to take control of the area. was chosen to commemorate the expert Kings and princes placed their resources restoration of a 1492 ‘Papal Bull’ which is and men at the disposal of the Papacy. owned by the local museum. Signed by After nine Crusades, Palestine was finally Innocent VIII, the ancient document, abandoned to the Muslims. While the kings measuring 14 inches by 9 inches, was of Christendom were virtually bankrupted granted to confirm the special status of by these ill-fated wars, the Vatican’s the Collegiate Church and was written by treasury was full. On returning home, the the Pope’s secretary Alessandro Farnese. fanatical former Crusading knights vented In later life, as Pope Paul III, Farnese was their rage on ‘heretics’ at home, beginning to excommunicate King Henry VIII of centuries of persecution for Protestants. England. The background to the Pilgrim Mass, reported in the Ross-shire Journal, The prominence of relics in Roman Catholic sheds much light on Romanism, both in spirituality is a reflection of the idea that the Middle Ages and today. the power these saints possessed during their lifetime somehow resides in these objects, which have often been broken 1. RELICS AND PILGRIMAGES ANCIENT up into tiny pieces and distributed all over AND MODERN the world. Indeed every Roman Catholic Romanism is a highly ritualistic religion altar (including portable altar stones which teaches its devotees that salvation used by army or hospital chaplains) must is obtained by a combination of faith have a cavity or sepulchre containing an and works. Far from emphasising the ‘authenticated’ relic of a saint, usually a James IV who did much to uniqueness of Christ as the “one Mediator fragment of bone. Many churches also have popularise the shrine at Tain between God and man”, Rome sets great relics on open display including hundreds store by the prayers of hundreds of ‘saints’ of fragments of the ‘true cross’, glass (originally invented as a substitute for the tubes allegedly containing the ‘blood of innumerable heathen gods) and teaches Christ’ or the ‘milk of the Virgin Mary’ which RELICS AND that they have power to intercede between ’liquifies’ at certain times. Others boast of God and sinners. Roman Catholic teaching statues of saints which weep real tears, claims that one of the most effective shed real blood, or move as if they were ways of contacting them is by going on a alive. Romanism insists that the ‘miracles’ PILGRIMAGES pilgrimage to a distant place to see their performed by these often grisly or obviously surviving ‘relics’, usually their bones or fake articles provide evidence that she is some object they wore or touched during the only true Church. A pilgrimage to one IN ROSS-SHIRE their lifetime. The practice of pilgrimage first of these places is often undertaken as a became popular during the 5th century AD, penance for a particularly heinous sin or and was originally focused on the graves of crime, or to obtain miraculous healing for John Smith the early Christian . a sick person.

8 The Bulwark January - March 2016 9 Lourdes Grotto, versions of the Bethlehem high rank and he was educated in Ireland, stable and ‘the Lord’s tomb’ and the rapidly rising to prominence in the Church. ‘holy house of Nazareth and carpenters Such was his holiness that, though courted workshop’ complete with life-size figures by nobles and princes, he refused gifts, of saints, the glass chapel of St. Therese worldly company and banquets. Some of Liseaux (‘the Little Flower’), numerous claim that he served as Bishop of Ross statues of Scottish and other saints as well before being appointed Chief Confessor as one of the largest collection of saints’ of Scotland and Ireland (i.e. confessor of relics outwith the Vatican, most ‘with Christ or preacher, rather than hearer of certificates of authentication’. Various acts confessions) before his death at Armagh in of worship, including masses, Novenas, 1065. His last words were, “What wait I for Rosaries, and an ‘Exposition of the Blessed now but for Thee, O Lord?” Duthac lived Sacrament’ are held there each day. at a time before the Scottish Church had submitted to Papal authority and it may well In October this year the Daily Mail reported be that he was the leading Gaelic preacher that St. Patrick’s Roman of his day and a true ambassador of Christ. in Wishaw, Lanarkshire recently became ‘a Sadly the propagandists of Romanism centre of devotion to St. John Paul II’ after subsequently embroidered his life story - in the Vatican presented the delighted Polish- the interests of promoting idolatry. born priest with a particularly gruesome ‘holy relic’, a piece of cloth dipped in the In 1253, his body was exhumed and late Pope’s blood. Apparently the Vatican brought back to be buried in his native doctors extracted the blood in case the town. A small chapel was erected on the Pope needed a transfusion. This is one of site of his birthplace on the links to display St Duthac’s Collegiate Church the most fearful evidences we have seen his head set in silver, his breast-bone set of Romanists worshipping a substitute in gold, as well as his cup, bell, staff, and or Anti- Christ. The only blood which our shirt. The collection was guarded by a Roman Catholic fellow-sinners need is resident hermit. Tain was also designated II. SCOTTISH RELICS AND PILGRIMAGES elsewhere “Doffin [Duthac] their demigod of that of Christ Himself, which “cleanseth a place of sanctuary, offering the protection In the Middle Ages, Scotland also had Ross”. from all sin”. It was a literal blood that He of the Church to anyone fleeing arrest numerous pilgrimage sites including St. shed, but it is a spiritual application of this or persecution. This safe haven, which Andrews, , Dunfermline, , Although the Reformers quickly got rid of that cleanses the soul. “It is the spirit that must have made the town a magnet for Paisley, Melrose, Scone, , and the old medieval relics, numerous modern quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the undesirables, included an area of around Whithorn, as well as Tain. It is interesting shrines can be found in the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, twelve square miles marked by four stone that at these shrines the relics were usually today. Scotland’s main Roman Catholic and they are life” (John 6:63). ‘girth crosses’. A similar sanctuary existed displayed in underground crypts or small shine is located at the village of Carfin at Applecross on the west coast of Ross- chapels in which ornate decoration and near Motherwell. It was first developed III. DUTHAC AND HIS SHRINE Shire. lighting could be used to create a theatrical as a place of pilgrimage in the 1920s by As early as 1066, King Malcolm Canmore effect and heighten the feeling of anticipation Father Thomas Taylor, priest of the nearby granted Tain special trading privileges, During the Middle Ages, tens of thousands that a miracle was about to happen. So St Church, whose aim making it one of Scotland’s oldest . of pilgrims from the south, including many pilgrims visited the shrines of Scottish was to allow Scottish Roman Catholics This was probably a consequence of the several Scottish kings, made the long saints that contemporary poets mocked to participate in the Lourdes experience cult which was rapidly growing around journey to Easter Ross in the futile hope their superstition: “St Ringan of ane rottin without having to travel to France. Carfin the shadowy figure of one Duthac, who of obtaining Duthac’s blessing. It was stoke, St Duthow borit out of ane block, resembles a miniature religious theme was born there near the end of the tenth claimed that the bones had remarkable St Andrew with his croice in hand” and park and includes a replica of the famous century. Reputedly, his parents were of curative powers and that the saint’s shirt

10 The Bulwark January - March 2016 11 made a wearer invulnerable in battle. A Collegiate Church (regarded as a less Significantly, it was said, “the bones of expensive alternative to a monastery) Duthac are had in greater estimation than was established in 1381 and the relics the holy gospel of God” and decades eventually transferred there. By the before he was officially canonised, fifteenth century, the personnel included a crowds of pilgrims were visiting the Provost, who also acted as vicar of Tain, town. In Gaelic, Tain is known as Baile as well as five other priests who said daily Dhubthaich, i.e., Duthac’s town. In 1333, masses for the souls of the dead, two the Scots were disastrously defeated at deacons, three choristers, and a sacrist. the battle of Halidon Hill in Berwickshire. It seems that these clerics resided in a The Highlanders, led by Hugh, 4th Earl college building adjoining the churchyard. of Ross, fought a valiant rearguard action The church originally had a large porch to allow the survivors to escape. In spite to shelter the queues of pilgrims and of the fact that he was wearing the contained three altars as well as recesses miraculous shirt, the Earl was killed in a within the walls to accommodate the hail of arrows. The English, perhaps with various relics. At in the a hint of irony, had the shirt sent back to Black Isle, several more chaplains were Tain. Understandably, the garment never kept busy praying for the dead relatives regained its reputation, but the rest of the of wealthy donors. In 1380 Euphemia, superstition carried on regardless. Countess of Ross funded the construction of an elaborate new south aisle to house In 1418 Prior James Halderstone of St various altars where masses would be said Andrews petitioned the Pope for the for the souls of her family. This structure still canonisation of Duthac, claiming that stands today, though the main part of the his hero’s life “shone like the morning cathedral was demolished by Cromwell’s star in the midst of a cloud” and that his soldiers and the stones used to build the canonisation was “the wish of the entire Citadel at Inverness. ”. As is the case today, any application for sainthood required IV. A KING’S DELUSION at least three ‘authenticated’ miracles. The Tain shrine reached its height of Several were attributed to Duthac. He popularity during the reign of James IV. allegedly once had red hot coals dumped Throughout his life, the king was plagued in his lap by an angry blacksmith, which he with guilt over his involvement in the death proceeded to carry without being burned. of his father James III. In 1488 various On one particularly dark night, a present noblemen launched an armed rebellion of half a roast ox was sent to him from against James III and persuaded the Dornoch. The spit on which it was carried teenage prince to join them. Following miraculously lit the bearer’s path the whole a battle at Sauchieburn near Stirling, way. And apparently Duthac’s body had the rebels were victorious and the king been found to be incorrupt eight years after was unhorsed and subsequently brutally his death. stabbed to death. Though James IV was a strong, brave, active and intelligent man From 1429 Tain was placed under the (he spoke six languages) and possibly the special protection of the Holy See and ablest of the Stewart kings, his father’s The east window (see p. 17) the townspeople exempted from taxation. death cast a shadow over his reign.

12 The Bulwark January - March 2016 13 Periodically, James became melancholy and a lover of music and good company. and in an ongoing effort to atone for In 1504 he was accompanied by a poet, his sins, he was painstakingly rigorous three falconers, four Italian musicians and a in his religious observances. The king Moorish drummer. Surviving records show permanently wore an iron belt under his payments made at Tain for hiring a troupe clothes as a way of punishing himself, ate of dancers and the Laird of Balnagown’s no meat on Wednesdays or Fridays and harper. And usually, an overnight stay was refused to mount a horse on Sabbath, arranged at Darnaway Castle near Forres, even to go to mass. In addition he was a to enable James to visit one of his several regular visitor to various shrines, including mistresses. The king’s last visit took place Tain at least once each year. He ordered an in August 1513 only a month before his annual sum to be paid to the Church of St. death at the disastrous Battle of Flodden. Duthac for the purpose of saying masses for his dead father’s soul. How sad that V. THE GOSPEL COMES TO TAIN James with his burden of guilt did not take In 1560, Robert Maor Munro, 17th the words of King David to heart, instead of Baron of Foulis, and Sir Nicholas Ross following the vain rituals of Romanism! of Balnagown, Provost of Tain, were the members from Ross-Shire at the Scottish “For thou desird’st not sacrifice, else would Parliament which adopted the Confession I give it thee. Nor wilt thou with burnt of Faith, banned the mass and rejected offering at all delighted be. A broken spirit is Papal authority. The saint’s relics, along with to God a pleasing sacrifice. A broken and a their gold and silver boxes and settings, contrite heart, Lord, Thou wilt not despise” valued at £120 Sterling, were spirited away (Psalm 51:16-17, metrical). to Balnagown Castle for ‘safekeeping’ but never seen again. What a blessing for a In those days the journey to Tain from people to be freed from the false religion the South was long and arduous. On which enslaved them to superstition and one occasion James rode 130 miles from sent them to eternity with a lie in their right Stirling, slept on a table at Elgin in his riding hand! In 1563, Master Donald Munro, later clothes, rose at dawn and set off again, minister of Lemlair, was appointed by the arriving in Tain in time for mass. James IV General Assembly as a Commissioner to usually broke his journey at the shrine of plant kirks in Ross-Shire. St. Nathalan at Cowie, near Stonehaven, always leaving a generous donation. He He was based at the former bishop’s proceeded via with its shrine of residence at Castle Craig from where he Our Lady of Aberdeen at the Bridge of Dee, could travel in his boat to preach in the crossed the ferries at Ardersier and Cromarty various churches around the shores of the and walked the last few miles barefoot, Cromarty Firth. Only a handful of former bareheaded, and alone. Part of the stone- priests in the diocese became Protestants paved old King’s Causeway, originally built and for years there was a severe shortage by the people of Tain when they heard that of ministers. Most parishes, including Tain, their sovereign was on his way, can still be were initially supplied by readers. When seen near Heathmount. James, however, Finlay Manson became minister of Tain in did not spend his whole time in prayer and 1574, he was also made responsible for devotion. Most of the time, he was sociable the parishes of Edderton, Nigg, and Tarbat. The west window showing the adoption of the Confession of Faith in 1560

14 The Bulwark January - March 2016 15 and most of the money which came to the town ended up in the coffers of the Church of Rome. And far from focusing people’s attention on spiritual matters, ritualism becomes an obsession, an end in itself, dulling the minds of its devotees and hiding God rather than revealing Him.

The local Protestants who restored the building in Victorian times sought to commemorate the Reformation. To that end, they renovated the Regent Moray pulpit and installed various monuments. Two tablets at the east end commemorate Patrick Hamilton and . The former had connections with Easter Ross through his appointment as Abbot of Fearn at the age of 14. The revenues enabled him to study on the Continent where he heard the teaching of Luther which he subsequently brought back to his native land and preached to the people. But in 1527, the agents of the Roman Antichrist burned him alive at . Ironically, the young James V had been packed off on a pilgrimage to Tain in case the Front of the seventeenth century Guild loft he was persuaded to spare Hamilton’s life. Thomas Hog, the Covenanting minister of The Regent Moray, a close friend of John Great Price. The old church subsequently VI. SOME CONTRASTS Kiltearn, suffered imprisonment on the Bass Knox, presented St Duthac’s Church with served as the parish church for over two The story of St. Duthac’s church illustrates Rock for opposing the rule of bishops and a magnificent oak pulpit (which is still in hundred and fifty years. But even with some very obvious contrasts between the reintroduction of ritualism to the Scottish existence) in recognition of the zeal for the galleries all around the walls and an upper Romanism and Biblical Christianity. Rome Church. Reformed Faith shown by the people of loft at the west end, the church could only places great emphasis on the supposed Tain. In addition, a large Bible was placed accommodate 720 people. The front of spiritual power of physical blood, bones, The west window of the renovated building in the church which was read aloud in the Trades Loft, which was reserved for the and cloth and claims that people can obtain depicts the adoption of the Confession of public on the two weekly market days, craftsmen of Tain, can still be seen. By the forgiveness of sin and physical healing by Faith by the in 1560 between 10 am and 3 pm, so that people early nineteenth century the population of travelling long distances to bow before while that on the east wall portrays the who came in from the country to buy and the parish had risen to over 2300 and the them and pray to the appropriate saint. foliage of the vine, rose, pomegranate, sell, might hear “the words of eternal life”. building was in poor condition. In 1815, a Not only do pilgrimages promote idolatry apple, and lily, along with Biblical texts: “I The townspeople’s commitment to the new parish church seated for 1,200 (now but besides involve contacting the spirits of am the bread of life”, “I am the true vine”, Reformation was particularly impressive the Duthac Centre) was built. The old the dead. The considerable wealth which “I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of in view of the fact that the end of saints church was restored in the 1860s under the pilgrims brought, and the fame of the the Valleys”, “His fruit was sweet to my and shrines would obviously cause them the supervision of Robert Matheson, a shrine, has led most local historians to taste”. It was dedicated to the memory huge financial loss. Like the merchantman local architect, and is maintained to this regard the Middle Ages as a Golden Age for of the Rev. Angus Mackintosh, minister of in the gospel, the people of Tain gladly day as a public memorial for eminent Tain. But the reality was very different. The Tain from 1797 to 1831, who “preached gave away their riches to gain the Pearl of natives of Ross-shire. people dwelt in gross spiritual darkness with marvellous power on the inexorable

16 The Bulwark January - March 2016 17 Winning Entry for the Magdalen Chapel Prize, 2014-2015

Tablet commemorating Patrick Hamilton Short biographies of and , two of the Scottish Commissioners to the in 1643

Claudia Campbell, New Zealand

Tablet commemorating Thomas Hog demands of the holy law and proclaimed The story of the Tain pilgrimages is Introduction in thrilling terms the terrors of the Lord”. historically interesting although it is a sad although it diminished in numbers after The Westminster Assembly of Divines, Dr. Kennedy wrote: “his holy life, and the indictment on the idolatry and carnality the primary business of the Assembly was authority of his doctrine, and his solemn of the religion which invented them. By which met from July 1643 to February 1649, completed in October 1647. It was not and dignified bearing, invested him with a contrast, the story of the Reformed Faith in was perhaps the most important Assembly formally dissolved by until power before which iniquity hid its face.” Easter Ross is full of the grace and power that the whole history of March 1652. Among the 121 divines, were of a living Saviour. While the ‘relics’ of St has ever known. It was during this six commissioners representing the Church There was a remarkable religious awakening Duthac were a snare to men and women Assembly that the Confession of Faith, and of Scotland, namely, Alexander Henderson, in those days and large crowds came from and an abomination to God, the real saints the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, which , George Gillespie, and as far away as Alness and Golspie to sit of Ross-Shire, who were such bright have become creeds for most Presbyterian Samuel Rutherford (ministers), and Lord under his ministry. If Tain has ever enjoyed witnesses for Christ in this world, are His churches, were drawn up. Summoned as (John) Maitland and Sir a Golden Age, we believe that it was the joy and delight to all eternity. “The righteous a result of the general feeling of a need of (elders). What follows are short biographies days of the Ross-Shire Fathers, when so shall be in everlasting remembrance” reform in the English Church, the Assembly of two of these eminent men: Samuel many tasted of the Saviour’s love. (Psalm 112:6). lasted for five years and six months, Rutherford and George Gillespie.

18 The Bulwark January - March 2016 19 Samuel Rutherford

Samuel Rutherford was born in the parish of Nisbet, a small village near Jedburgh on the , in the year 1600. He was born to parents who were probably farmers, but who had the means to give their son a good education. He went to school at Jedburgh, and was recognised early as a boy of superior talents and ability. In 1617, he entered the where he graduated a Master of Arts four years later. In 1623 he was elected as the Regent of Humanities there; a remarkable achievement for someone so young.

In 1626, after resigning from the title of Samuel Rutherford Regent, Rutherford became seriously religious. It is likely that his conversion appearing before the High Commission took place around this time. Later in his Court on charges of non-conformity and life journey, he lamented that he had left off treason for writing this book. Rutherford was seeking the ‘one thing needful’ until he was forced to remain in Aberdeen for eighteen in his late twenties; “Like a fool as I was, I months, where he was not allowed to suffered my sun to be high in the sky and preach and became known as the ‘banished near afternoon, before ever I took the gate minister’. This time was a great trial to godly by the end.” He devoted himself to the study Rutherford; however, it was during this of theology, and in 1627 was licensed as a period that he wrote many of his beautiful preacher of the gospel and appointed to ‘Letters’. In 1638, the year that the National the parish of , . Covenant was signed, he was permitted to Samuel Rutherford was always an earnest return to Anwoth and in 1639 he reluctantly Presbyterian, as is demonstrated in the fact accepted a position as Professor of Divinity that he was not inducted by Episcopalian at St Mary’s College, St Andrews. ordination even though Episcopalian bishops had strong authority at the time. Samuel Rutherford was sent to be one of six While he was at Anwoth, Rutherford suffered Scottish commissioners to the Westminster trial when he lost his wife of five years as well Assembly in November 1643. He was a as two of his children. resident in for four years, without being permitted to make a single trip The low spiritual state of the government of back to Scotland. Even though Scottish Scotland in the 1630s meant that Rutherford commissioners were not allowed to vote, was not permitted to remain at Anwoth Rutherford made valuable contributions to Henry VII’s Chapel in for long. In 1636, he published a treatise the discussions and deliberations of the where which refuted . In August the Assembly. In answering the arguments made the Assembly first met. same year, he was exiled to Aberdeen after by the Erastian and Independent members

20 The Bulwark January - March 2016 21 of the Assembly, and in helping to prepare summons, Rutherford was on his deathbed. Kenmure’s death in 1634. (Interestingly, clothes. On a later date, when Selden, one the Confession of Faith, he played an active He said to the messengers, “Tell them Samuel Rutherford was also a close friend of the leaders of the doctrine of Erastianism, part. His presence was said to be “very that I have got a summons already from a of Lord and Lady Kenmure and attended was making a speech, Gillespie was seen necessary” by Robert Baillie. Rutherford superior judge and judicatory, and I behove Lord Kenmure’s deathbed.) He was then writing something down on a piece of paper. returned to Scotland in November 1647. to answer my first summons, and ere your taken in by the Earl of Cassilis, and acted Selden triumphantly ended his speech, During his period of absence, he had also day arrives, I will be where few kings and as a tutor to Lord Kennedy, the Earl’s eldest seemingly victorious. But Gillespie rose, and published a number of works, including great folks come.” Indeed, he had, for on son. During this quieter period of his life, gave such a comprehensive refutation, that his famous ‘Lex Rex’, ‘Trial and Triumph of the 29th of March 1661, Samuel Rutherford Gillespie devoted himself to studies. even Selden was astonished. When later his Faith’ and ‘Christ dying and drawing Sinners died and was buried in the churchyard of slip of paper was looked at, it was found that to Himself’. the chapel of Saint Regulus in St Andrews. In 1637, Gillespie published a book entitled all he had written was Da lucem, Domine, Perhaps the following lines, from a poem “A Dispute against the English Popish “Give light, O Lord”. Gillespie is also said In 1651, Rutherford was appointed Rector written by Mrs Cousins based on his last Ceremonies”. This book, a remarkable work to have framed the answer to the Shorter of St Andrews University. Over the years words, most fitly sum up his life: to have come from the pen of a 24-year-old, Catechism question ‘What is God?’ while that followed, bitter divisions surfaced turned public attention towards Gillespie. praying for divine direction in this matter. in the Church. In 1660 Charles II was The King there, in His beauty The Episcopalians, or Prelatics as they restored to the throne, and what followed Without a veil, is seen: were otherwise known, ordered that the Gillespie returned to Scotland in time for his restoration was the cruel persecution It were a well-spent journey,Though seven book should be burnt, but they were unable the General Assembly August 1647, in of the . Rutherford’s ‘Lex Rex’ deaths lay between: to answer it, and as a result their power which the Westminster Confession of Faith was burned, and he himself was thrown The Lamb, with his fair army, diminished. On the 26th April 1638, George was accepted as the doctrinal of out of the University and summoned to Doth on Mount Zion stand Gillespie was appointed to the parish of the Church of Scotland. In 1648 he was appear before the Parliament on the charge And glory, glory dwelleth Wemyss, in the Presbytery of Kirkcaldy, by appointed moderator of the Assembly, but of high treason. By the time he heard these In Immanuel’s land. Presbyterian ordination. He soon rose to by this time he was already declining under eminence. He was a member of the famous an illness which proved to be consumption. General Assembly of 1638, where he was On the 17th December 1648, at the young selected to preach and he was also sent age of thirty-six, he passed away to eternal as one of the commissioners to London glory. He was buried in Kirkcaldy, the place George Gillespie in 1640, in order to negotiate peace with where he was born and where he died. England. In 1642 he was translated to George Gillespie was the son of the Rev. Edinburgh to become a minister there. Conclusion John Gillespie of Kirkcaldy. His birth date Both George Gillespie and Samuel Rutherford is believed to have been the 21st January In September 1643, George Gillespie was were eminent men whose influence in the 1613. Like Samuel Rutherford, he was a boy sent to the Westminster Assembly as one Westminster Assembly was invaluable. They of amazing abilities and in 1629 he entered of the six Scottish commissioners. At age were, along with many of the other divines, the to study thirty, he was by more than twelve years the extremely gifted at refuting false doctrines theology, being sixteen years old. Once he youngest member of the Assembly. He also such as Erastianism and were, in the had completed his course, however, he was had the least experience as a minister, having providence of God, raised up to help ensure unable to receive immediate ordination as a been in office for only five years. But, despite that the Westminster Confession of Faith preacher of the gospel as the Episcopalian all this, Baillie, his fellow commissioner, was free from the influence of this doctrine. government of that time only permitted says of him “there is not one who speaks Both men achieved, through the power of ordination by a bishop. Gillespie was a more rationally, and to the point, than that God, a huge amount in their relatively short Presbyterian and would not accept this kind brave youth has done ever.” It is said that lives. But perhaps most wondrous of all, of ordination. So, he found work with Lord on the day he arrived in London, he made both men are at this moment praising, and Kenmure, who took him in as a domestic an hour-and-a-half long speech refuting ever will praise, Christ, Who is “all the glory George Gillespie chaplain. Gillespie remained here until Independency while still in his travelling of Immanuel’s land.”

22 The Bulwark January - March 2016 23 the remainder went on to their defeat at taken there. Mackail’s burying place sounds the battle of Rullion Green. Mackail was from the description to be very much the site of The Death and Burial captured later that day at the Braid Hills the present Martyrs’ Monument in Greyfriars, and imprisoned in the Tolbooth. Severely so that the Monument acts not only as a of Hew Mackail in 1666 tortured with the boots, he refused to general memorial to the Covenanting martyrs incriminate any of his friends. He was tried but also as a gravestone for a considerable on Tuesday 18th December and sentenced number of godly men. to be hanged the following Saturday, 22nd, at the in the High Street. His Mackail’s eminent Christian conduct in his cousin Matthew Mackail visited Archbishop death, together with his final speech, set Sharp to intercede for him, but without the tone for many subsequent Covenanting success, Sharp not having forgotten martyrdoms. He closed his speech with the Mackail’s sermon of four years earlier. following words: Indeed a letter from the King, discharging any further executions, was kept back by ‘You need neither lament me nor be Sharp until after Mackail’s death. ashamed of me in this condition, for I may make use of that expression of Christ. ‘I go A contemporary account describes to your Father and my Father, to your God Mackail’s death as follows: and my God, to your King and my King, to the blessed apostles and martyrs, and to the ‘The next day being Tuesday, Mr Hew was city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, arraigned before the Justice Court, which to an innumerable company of angels, to the sentenced him to be hanged at the Cross general assembly and church of the firstborn, of Edinburgh on [Saturday] next; and the and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits night before, Mr Matthew went to the of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Magdalen Chapel mortuary table executioner’s, John Dunmore’s house, and Mediator of the new covenant. did drink with him, and gave him six dollars, desiring him not to meddle with Mr Hew’s ‘Again, this is my comfort, to come into The year 2016 marks the 350th anniversary truth and Mackail made no application of it clothes; and the next day the executioner Christ’s hands, and He will present me of the Pentland Rising of 1666, and one of to the present circumstances, but the words did nothing, but put the rope about his blameless and faultless to the Father, and the Covenanting martyrs who died at that were reported to the authorities, and their neck, and a napkin about his face, and ‘then shall I be ever with the Lord. time was Hew Mackail. own consciences immediately identified turned him off the ladder, and Mr Matthew Pharaoh as Charles II, Haman as the Earl of received him, and drew down his feet. ‘And now I leave off to speak any more Born about 1640, Mackail was licensed by the Rothes, and Judas as Archbishop Sharp. A When he was cut down, he was laid into to creatures, and turn my speech to thee, Presbytery of Edinburgh in 1661, but never party of horsemen was at once dispatched his coffin, which Mr Matthew had provided, O Lord! And now I begin my intercourse ordained. In September 1662 he preached to apprehend Mackail. and was carried to Magdalen’s Chapell; with God, which shall never be broken off. a farewell sermon in St Giles’ Church on the and when his grave clothes were put on, Farewell father and mother, friends and text Song 1:7, ‘Tell me, O thou whom my Mackail escaped, and spent the next he was carried to the Gray ’ Church relations; farewell the world and all delights; soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou few years in the Netherlands, returning Yard, and was interred near the east dyke, farewell meat and drink; farewell sun, moon, makest thy flock to rest at noon’, in which he to Scotland in time to join the Pentland a little above the stair, being conveyed by a and stars. Welcome God and Father; declared that ‘the Church and people of God Rising in November 1666. The nine days of great company of honest men.’ welcome sweet Lord Jesus, the Mediator of had been persecuted by a Pharaoh on the marching exhausted him, however, and on the new covenant; welcome blessed Spirit of throne, a Haman in the state, and a Judas 27th November he had to leave the party The Magdalen Chapel was used as a grace, and God of all consolation; welcome in the Church’. This was stated as a general at the bridge over Cramond Water, before mortuary, which explains why the body was glory; welcome eternal life; welcome death.’

24 The Bulwark January - March 2016 25 Why unconverted people can sit happily under a carnal ministry

Rev. Gavin Parker

Gavin Parker was minister of Bon Accord Church, Aberdeen from 1828-1845. An account of his life appeared in the Bulwark, January-March 2012, pp. 1-8. In this extract, taken from The Diary of Rev. Gavin Parker (1848) and dated October 1831, Parker draws attention to some deficiencies that there can be in preaching, even when it appears to be broadly biblical in its general content. St Machar Cathedral where Parker was buried

Reasons why the unconverted do for the exercises of the heart: narratives of faithfulness; much about the pleasures of as the work of God, the sovereignty of most part prefer a carnal ministry. Scripture characters, circumstances in piety; much about the hopes and joys of Divine grace, election, and the operations the life, character, death, resurrection, the good, and about heaven. of the Holy Spirit in the soul, are very much 1. Because their sins are not much ascension, and second coming of Christ; neglected, or treated as if it were prudent mentioned. In a very superficial manner sin events of providence, vicissitudes of life, 7. Because there are scarcely any to keep them in the background. is disposed of, as if it were all swallowed up death, heaven, etc. These, when well told, faithful statements made about the total by Divine mercy. impress for the time, and entertain the inefficiency of the efforts and doings of the 10. Because there is little solemnity or carnal mind. Even some of the peculiar unconverted. The necessity of regeneration, reverence of manner; but a tendency rather 2. Because the character which is common doctrines of Christianity are so exhibited as as a great and complete change produced to levity and fluency, as if the preacher were to all the unconverted is not condemned; to give information rather agreeable, and by the Holy Spirit, is seldom taught. not much impressed with the truth. Frequent notorious sinners may be reviled and what is alarming is seldom alluded to. attempts also are made at a display of warned in some things, but decent, outward 8. Because the unconverted are addressed learning, eloquence, and superiority, professors, who are unregenerated, and 5. Because much is said to soothe the as if they were Christians; and much is calculated to please superficial hearers. without Christ, and without salvation, are unconverted, and to encourage them to hope said to induce them to think themselves let alone, if not approved. that all shall be well, although they should not Christians; they are caused to think it easy 11. Because great charity is professed for feel much, nor do much, about salvation. to seek after God, to believe in Christ, to those present, and for the absent. 3. Because conscience is not disturbed. repent, and to please God. There is but little said to the people to bring 6. Because many things are said which 12. Because though occasional addresses the truth home to themselves; little to alarm savour of piety. High recommendations 9. Because some of the doctrines of the are made to the unconverted, as at the end those who live in sin; little to offend the are occasionally given of piety and of Scriptures, which make known the real of discourses, yet they are so managed carnal mind. persons pronounced pious; much is said character and condition of man as a sinner, as to cause the people to think that only about Christ, especially about His love, are taught very sparingly and with reserve. open transgressors, or persons very 4. Because their discourses are chiefly His compassion, His free grace: much The complete sinfulness and helplessness careless about religious ordinances, remain about outward things; seldom about about the love of God, His promises, His of man, salvation from beginning to end unconverted.

26 The Bulwark January - March 2016 27 Review Anna, Countess Consolidating of the Covenant the Reformation Mary McGrigor, (Birlinn Books, 2008), 244 pages, £9.99 (Paperback) ISBN: 9781841586687 the Assembly of April 1578 Review by Matthew Vogan Saturday 16th April 2016 DV, This book is a biography of Lady Anna escape from execution, he returned to Magdalen Chapel, Mackenzie, daughter of Lord Seaforth, first Scotland in 1685 as the leader of the failed married to the Earl of Balcarres and later after Rebellion, and was finally captured 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR his death to Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of and executed, not as a rebel but simply for Argyll. Lady Anna lived during the tumultuous his earlier refusal to take the Test Act. His The General Assembly of April 1578 was held in the Magdalen Chapel because the times of the Covenanting Revolution and testimony at his death is perhaps one of the usual venue, the Tolbooth, was not available on account of the disturbed state of the the Restoration. She was not a ‘Lady of the most moving parts of the book. The bodies country. It was a formative time in Presbyterian history with the Second Book of Discipline under discussion. The Moderator of the Assembly was . Covenant’ in the same way as the godly of both the 8th Earl and the 9th Earl were wife of the 8th Earl of Argyll (see Donald taken to the Magdalen Chapel after their Beaton’s Ladies of the Covenant). Both her executions. Conference Programme: Booking: husbands were Royalists rather than radical Covenanters, but neither of them could be Lady Anna was a strong figure who suffered 11.15 - 11.30am Introduction and devotions The conference is limited to 40 people on account of space, so prior booking is essential. There is a termed ‘malignants’. They were decided many great griefs during the course along 11.30 - 12.15am “The Background to the Assembly”, fee of £5 to cover the conference expenses. Please Protestants and Presbyterians, and while which Providence guided her life. As an exile TBA send a cheque, payable to the Scottish Reformation weaker than the most resolute in defence in the 1650s she became a governess to 12.30 - 1.15pm Lunch Society, to the Booking Secretary: of the Covenants, from their testimonies Prince William of Orange, later William III. Mrs Deborah Coghill, Free Church Manse, 1.15 - 2.15pm “Public Fasting and Prayer”, they both appear to have had a firm hold She entertained kings and bargained with Outend, Scalpay, Isle of Harris, HS4 3YG. Matthew Vogan on saving knowledge. Lord Balcarres was them. Her piety was much admired by the E: [email protected] a great favourite of Charles II but does not Puritan, Richard Baxter, who dedicated 2.30 - 3.15pm “The Assembly and the Second Book of Discipline”, seem to have been corrupted as a result, several books to her. She suffered a lot Catering: Rev Douglas Somerset and he showed a significant degree of through one of her daughters running away Tea, coffee, and sandwiches will be provided and assurance on his deathbed. He received to become a Romanist nun. Richard Baxter are included in the Conference fee. one polite letter expressing differing opinions sought to help her through this and seek to from Samuel Rutherford but was not among persuade the girl of her errors. Contact: For further information, please contact Rev. John J. Murray. Tel: (0141) 620 3983. his close correspondents. Email: [email protected] While not a religious biography intended The 8th Earl of Argyll was the first of the to bring spiritual benefit, this book is a Covenanting martyrs after the Restoration, fascinating window into the personal lives and his son the 9th Earl of Argyll collided of some of those who lived through the resolutely with James VII & II, while the Covenanting times, particularly the firm latter was still Duke of York, in relation to faith of those not gathered among the the tyrannical Test Act, which he refused Scots Worthies. The book builds upon the to take. This refusal was declared to be Victorian biography of Lady Anna and uses treason, and to the surprise of many, Argyll research such as personal letters to fill out was sentenced to death. After a dramatic the picture in a very illuminating way.

28 The Bulwark January - March 2016 29 Branch News

Aberdeen Branch Meetings are on Fridays at the Church Hall, Craigiebuckler Parish Church, Springfield Road, AB15 8AA, starting at 7.30pm (DV).

26th February “William Chalmers Burns”, Rev. William Macleod (Glasgow)

18th March “William of Orange”, Dr John Smith (Aberdeen)

Inverness Branch Society News Meetings are on Mondays in the Free Presbyterian Church Hall, Chapel Street, Inverness, starting at 7.30 pm (DV).

18th January Forthcoming New publication: “”, Rev. Jack Seaton (Inverness) publication Records of Grace in 15th February Sutherland “The 1859 Revival”, Rev. Maurice Roberts (Inverness)

The sixth volume of the Scottish The Society has just published Records 21st March Reformation Society Historical Journal is of Grace in Sutherland by Rev. Donald “The Family under Attack”, Dr Alan Cairns (Ballymoney) due to be published shortly, DV. Munro. The original edition was published in 1953 and has become very scarce on This issue carries articles on the second-hand book market. This new Lewis Branch and the ‘Miracle’ of Loretto, the John edition, published by kind permission of the Knox House in Edinburgh, the Reformed Free Church of Scotland Communications Meetings are on Fridays in the Nicolson Institute, Presbyterian Church of Scotland and the Committee, has a biographical preface and Stornoway at 7.30 pm (DV). Disruption of 1863, a bibliography of the an index, and is freshly illustrated. writings of Jonathan Ranken Anderson, 22nd January and other topics. The publication has 292 pages and costs “John Hus – Forerunner of the Reformation”, £10.95 pb and £19.95 hb (including p&p). Rev. Alasdair Macleod (Point)

18th March Both publications are available from the Society “The Pentland Rising, 1666”, at [email protected] Rev. David Campbell (Edinburgh)

30 The Bulwark January - March 2016 31 CONTENTS

Widespread Ignorance: the Cause and the Cure 3 John J Murray

Relics and Pilgrimages in Ross-Shire 8 John Smith

Short Biographies of Samuel Rutherford 19 and George Gillespie Claudia Campbell

The Death and Burial of Hew Mackail in 1666 24

Why Unconverted People Can Sit 26 Happily Under a Carnal Ministry Rev. Gavin Parker

Book Review 28

Consolidating the Reformation Conference, April 2016 29

News 30

Membership & Bulwark Subscriptions All correspondence regarding Membership and Bulwark subscriptions should be sent to the Membership Secretary, Mrs Deborah Coghill, Free Church Manse, Outend, Scalpay, Isle of Harris, HS4 3YG. The subscription is £8 per annum for membership of the Society and £12 per annum for the Bulwark. Membership forms can be obtained from the Membership Secretary or downloaded from the website www.scottishreformationsociety.org

Front32 cover: Regent Moray’s pulpit in St Duthac’s Church, Tain. The Bulwark

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