Excerpt from The Ecclesiastical and Religious Statistics of Scotland: Showing, 1st. The Number of Adherents in Each Denomination, 2d. That There Are More Than Half a Million of the Population Unconnected With Any ChurchIt is not, however, my intention to attempt any solution of social or religious problems, or to point out the way in which the Chris tian Church should deal with them. I take the humbler task Of showing in what relation the different churches Of our country stand to one another, and to the population in the midst of which, and for the good of which, under God, they do or ought to exist and labour.I purpose to show, first, the relative numbers or strength Of the different churches in Scotland, and more particularly of the three leading denominations, that they may realize their true position and responsibility; and second, to show the work which remains to be overtaken by their united efforts in harmonious co-operation with all Evangelical Churches - the vast multitudes lying around in prao tical ungodliness - endangering society and ruining their own souls.I have faith in the power of facts, even in the dry form of statis tics. 'former experience in a similar field of labour encourages me. Without laying claim to any merit beyond that of a careful compiler, I am thankful to record the fact that within a year of the publication of my two pamphlets on the Religious Destitution in Glasgow, three societies were formed for church extension by the leading denominations in the city, and another for the purpose of promoting united action in Christian work.

These societies have done, and are still doing, much good. I trust the present effort, as it relates to a larger field, will lead to greater results. In the meantime I only give an estimate for the whole of Scotland, along with a few samples of statistical returns from different parts of the country, to show a little Of what needs to be done, and what can be done, if such inquiries are undertaken by all the parties who are interested and responsible. It is only by a combined effort of the Established, Free, and United Presbyterian Churches that a complete religious census of Scotland can be secured.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.comThis book is a reproduction of an important historical work.

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