Description
Book SynopsisOne of Scotland’s most popular theologians traces the theological debates and disagreements of the eighteenth century
The eighteenth century saw many changes within the Scottish church. The Kirk was divided by the Patronage Act of 1712 into Moderates (men favoured by the landed gentry) and Evangelicals (men favoured by the people). The Marrow Controversy highlighted theological strife within the Church. Ebenezer Erskine’s Protest against patronage led to the first major rift in the Church of Scotland with the Secession of 1733.
Through all these, Donald Macleod is our reliable guide. Drawing attention to the major characters of the period and gives a faithful account of the theological discussions, including the social, economic, ethnic, and personal factors involved. He also subjects these discussions to theological evaluation. A fascinating look at a crucial period for anyone with an interest in theological history.
Trade ReviewWhat you are thus holding is not only the mature assessment of a crucial era in Scottish church history and theology by one of Scotland’s most important contemporary theologians but his last word.
-- Ligon Duncan (Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary)
Anyone interested in the rich and consequential history of the Scottish church will benefit immensely from this well–written, deeply learned, carefully judicious, and engrossing work. It is superb from start to finish. Surely, this series of volumes is destined to become a standard work in the field of Scottish ecclesiastical history and theology.
-- Kevin DeYoung (Senior Pastor, Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, North Carolina)
This is Scottish Church history and theology as only the late Donald Macleod could tell it. In these to–be–treasured pages his unmatched knowledge of Scotland’s pastor–theologians combines with an obvious love for both them and their theology.
-- Sinclair B. Ferguson (Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi)
Professor Macleod … has a practical purpose, to expound the teaching of the eighteenth century about the experience of grace so as to give insight into the same experience in the twenty–first century.
-- David Bebbington (Professor of History, University of Stirling, Stirling)
