Journal: Reformation and Revival
Volume: RAR 13:1 (Winter 2004)
Article: Should We Leave Liberal Denominations?
Author: Andrew T. B. McGowan

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RAR 13:1 (Winter 2004) p. 59

Should We Leave Liberal
Denominations?

Andrew T. B. McGowan

Introduction

As a Church of Scotland minister, I am part of what some A of my Reformed friends call “a mixed denomination,” although my understanding of Scripture is that every denomination is mixed until the Day of Judgment! It is certainly true that my denomination has many members and ministers who are not evangelical and some who are passionately opposed to evangelicalism.1 The Church established by John Knox and others in 1560 has certainly moved a considerable distance from her moorings. What should Reformed Evangelicals do in such a situation? Historically, there have been two options: either we continue to hold to our principles within the denomination until we win or are put out (the Great Ejection of 1663) or we take the decision that it is impossible to remain (the Disruption of 1843).

It seems to me that Secession (or schism) is a very serious matter indeed and that those who call upon fellow Reformed Evangelicals to leave their denominations have often treated the matter too lightly and have sometimes refused to see the complexity of the issues involved. In some cases, these “purists” have even refused to have any further fellowship with those who refused to leave. Those of us who have chosen

RAR 13:1 (Winter 2004) p. 60

to remain within mainstream denominations in order to work for reformation deserve more respect.

In this article I want to explore the issue of Secession, both from a theological and a practical perspective. In order to provide an historical focus for the discussion, I shall use, as a case study, the late Rev. Thomas Boston (1676–1732) and the First Secession (1733). I will argue my case in three parts. First, for reasons which will become apparent later, I want to give a brief outline of the First Secession from the Church of Scotland, which took place in 1733, paying particular attention to the events which led up to the actual crisis. Second, I want to consider the position of Thomas Boston, one of the most significant ministers who ever served the Church of Scotland. Then, third, I intend to ask what lessons can be learned for today.

The First Secession

Andrew Thomson, in his Historical Sketch of the Origin of the Secession Church2 , argues that the Secession of 1733 was the direct result of various decisions which were taken soon after the Revolution-settlement of 1690. In particular, he mentions the pressure put upon the General Assembly by King William to admit into the Church of Scotland “on easy terms” the Episcopalian clergy who had pr...

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