The Scottish Evangelical revival of 1742 (with special reference to Cambuslang)

Fawcett, Arthur (1952) The Scottish Evangelical revival of 1742 (with special reference to Cambuslang). PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The thesis begins by showing the dichotomy apparent In the Revolution Settlement in the Church of Scotland between the new Presbyterians and the more evangelical sons of the Covenants Political events In the early eighteenth century disturbed the uneasy truce, especially the Act of Union of 1707 and the Oath of Abjuration, the Act of Toleration and the Patronage Act of 1712. Theological differences also widened the breach. In particular the controversy in 1720 about the doctrine of The Marrow Finally In 1735, there came the Secession of the Ibur Brethren. Many, especially among the laity, agreed with their point of view on church government, and Joined them a large-scale drift from the established church had begun. The environment of William McCulloch In Galloway Is noted, and also his own disposition he eventually was ordained minister at Gabuslang In 1731, In spite of a dispute with the patron lasting for six years. Conditions In the parish were very unsatisfactory, owing to the sickness of the previous minister, the long-delayed settlement and pressure from a group of extremists. In 1740, almost all his elders were deposed by the presbytery of Hamilton, and many of his congregation were regularly attending the Seceders' meeting In Glasgow. The part played by the Societies for Prayer in Scotland is outlined and an enquiry made into the extent and nature of the people's reading. Also note is taken of such natural calamities as the hurricane of 1739 and the famine of 1739/1740 which served to prepare the ground for the revival, McCulloch, aroused by news of revivals In New England, began. In 1741, to preach on regeneration an the visit of George Whitefield to Glasgow In September 1741, strengthened his purpose. He also published the first religious newspaper. An Scotland In December, 1741, printing news of revivals and the fields Journey. In February 1742, the revival broke out at Cambuslang, and for six months, great crowds flocked to that village from all parts of Scotland. Two great communion seasons were held In that summer, attended by the field and other ministers, and, at the latter In August 1742, at least 30,000 people. The spread of the revival into other parts of Scotland is traced, especially to Kilsyth, Muthill, and the North-East; the irapaot made on Holland is also noted. Criticism of the movement, viz. neglect of ordinary business, stress on visionary experiences, fanaticism, the motive of fear, and spiritual pride, are examined and shown to be greatly exaggerated in the light of the personal testimonies in the McCulloch manuscripts. The enquiry made by James Robe in 1751 revealed that much good was enduring the test of time. Immediate and individual results as revealed in the case-histories, are examined, viz. outward reformation, heightened appreciation of beauty, intellectual awakening, ethical sufficiency, sincere brother Hnesa and a practical altruism. Another major result of the revival was the halting of the popular drift to the Secession, helped to some extent by the virulent opposition of the Seceders the Bselves, The effect of the Moderate policy in settlements is seen to have hindered the revival growth, both with respect to Individual ministers, students and churchesii But some men were Influenced to enter the ministry of the establish, church and some laymen were inspired to Christian service. The revival of 1742 is shown to be linked with the IJisruption of 1843 in the friendship between M'Culloch's grand-daughter and Chalmers. Finally, the revival stimulated the missionary interest embelled in Robert Ulllar book and the Scottish S*P"G.K" and led to a sincere cathocity and co-operation among evangelical Christiana to various denominations. It was the revival leaders began the Concert for Prayer of 1744, taken up and publicised by Jonathan Edwards in America in his Humble Attempt. Fifty years or so later, this book by Edwards was forwarded by John aisle to some Baptist ministers In the English Midlands. It inspired the prayer Call of 1784, Careya Malry Ac and the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society. Similar societies were adumbrated in Scotland under the influence of John Braklne in 1796. Another more personal link between the 1742 revival and world missions is to be found in the work of Claudius Buchanan, the great encourager of missions in India and the grandson of one of the converts at Ganbuslang.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: John Foster
• Keywords: Religious history
• Date of Award: 1952
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1952-72876
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 11 Jun 2019 11:06
• Last Modified: 11 Jun 2019 11:06
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/72876