As well as following the history of patronage in Scotland from the earliest days until the mid 18th century, the book challenges the myths commonly attached to it, eg: that the 1690 abolition was due to popular pressure, that the Patronage Act represented a violation of the Treaty of Union of 1707, and that patrons held back from presenting for 10 – 15 years after 1712. It also shows how many later beliefs concerning famous settlement disputes were mistaken as to their cause or outcome, the underlying political influences being misunderstood or ignored. 

 

The ecclesiastical scene in the first half of the 18th century was tangled by an array of social, religious, political and constitutional complications. Chief of these was the strength of episcopalianism and jacobite loyalty, the issues of conscience for Presbyterians asked to swear a state-imposed oath, the rise in importance of the heritor class, the entry of the legal profession into the courts of the church, and the over-arching power of Lord Milton and the earl of Ilay, who through the judicious use of placements could ensure their wishes ultimately carried the day. 

 

Trapped and weakened by circumstances outwith its control, the book shows how the Kirk in the early 18th century fell into confusion and schism.