Archibald Bruce

Archibald Bruce (1746–1816), was a Scottish theological writer.

Life[]

Bruce was born at , and, after studying at the University of Glasgow, was ordained, in 1768, minister of the Associate (Anti-burgher) congregation of Whitburn. In 1786 he was appointed professor of divinity by the , and continued to hold that office till 1806. Being dissatisfied with the action of his synod, he left it and formed, along with three others, the '' this led to a sentence of deposition being passed on him by the former body. He died 28 February 1816.

Writings[]

Bruce's major writings were:

• The Kirkiad, or the Golden Age of the Church of Scotland', a satirical poem, 1774.
• Free Thoughts on the Toleration of Popery, 1780.
• Annus Secularis, the centenary of the revolution 1788, a long dissertation on religious festivals.
• Queries, on the commemoration of the revolution, 1797.
• The Catechism modernized, 1791, a cutting satire on lay patronage, and its effects, in the form of a parody on the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism.
• Reflexions on the Freedom of Writing, 1794, à propos of a proclamation against seditious publications, bearing the motto "What Britons dare to think, he dares to tell".
• A poem ridiculing the pretensions of the pope, 1797.
• Lectures to Students, 1797.
• Life of James Hog of Carnock, 1798.
• Dissertation on the Supremacy of the Civil Power in Matters of Religion, 1798.
• Poems, serious and amusing, by a reverend divine, 1812.
• Life of Alex. Morus, a celebrated divine in Geneva and Holland, 1813.
• A Treatise on Earthquakes (posthumous).

References[]

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Bruce, Archibald". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.