FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

The name a umed by the large body of Presbyterians in Scotland that seceded from the established church in 1843. Under the head Veto in the Dict., we have detailed at some length the causes that led to this important movement, and their results; and it remains for us here only to say that, as might be expected, the Free Church embraces a large body of lay adherents. In 1851, no fewer than.570 churches had been built for the accommodation of its members; 70 more were, at the same time, in the course of being built; and others were projected. It had then, also, 613 ordained clergymen, and 197 congregations without ministers. Very conflicting estimates have been formed of the total numbers of those within the pale of the Free Church; these being exaggerated by its friends, and underrated by its opponents. 1308 [s. 1385]