The Social Life of Scotland in the Eighteenth Century (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1899. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... SOCIAL LIFE OF SCOTLAND IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY CHAPTER VIII RELIGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL LIFE Part I I The end of 1688 saw the beginning of ecclesiastical revolution in Scotland; and the landing of William of Orange in December was the signal for Presbyterian insurrection.1 In the bleak month, when there was bitter frost and deep snow, the country people in the south and west counties gathered in mobs, armed with stakes, pitchforks, and clubs, and attacked the manses where for twenty-six years the Episcopal ministers had lived. During the darkness of the night the voices of assailants demanding entrance rose above the din of smashing windows and battered doors. In many cases the " curates" were dragged from their homes amidst abuse, driven to the kirkyard with cries of "Strip the curate " the black gown (hated badge of " black Prelacy ") was torn from their shoulders; their furniture and their humble store of books were flung into fires kindled in the streets. They were forced to give up the church keys and the "poor-box"; and their families were turned out of doors, exposed to the keen winter blast, 1 Case of present afflicted Clergy truly represented, London, 1690; Account of the Persecution in the Church of Scotland in several Letters, 1t>90; Apology Jor the Clergy of Scotland by A. Monro, D.D.], 1691. VOL. II 1 often without a kindly neighbour to shelter them for the night. As if in grim irony to cast contempt upon Prelatic festivals, many of the most truculent rabblings were arranged for Christmas eve. In Ayrshire and Galloway--the chief seats of the Covenanters--gangs of men were formed and dispersed over several parishes so that they might begin their raids simultaneously, which they did without ruth or mercy. No doubt many stories told of these sc...