Page "History of Scotland" Paragraph 94

The late 18th century saw the beginnings of a fragmentation of the Church of Scotland that had been created in the Reformation.

These fractures were prompted by issues of government and patronage, but reflected a wider division between the Evangelicals and the Moderate Party over fears of fanaticism by the former and the acceptance of Enlightenment ideas by the latter.

The legal right of lay patrons to present clergymen of their choice to local ecclesiastical livings led to minor schisms from the church.

The first in 1733, known as the First Secession and headed by figures including Ebenezer Erskine, led to the creation of a series of secessionist churches.

The second in 1761 lead to the foundation of the independent Relief Church.

These churches gained strength in the Evangelical Revival of the later 18th century.