one must fail, that others prevail

03-18-2021

The Jacobite Rebellion, Scotland, 1688 ad

Jacobite, in British history, a supporter of the exiled Stuart king James II (Latin: Jacobus) and his descendants after the Glorious Revolution. The political importance of the Jacobite movement extended from 1688 until at least the 1750s. The Jacobites, especially under William III and Queen Anne, could offer a feasible alternative title to the crown, and the exiled court in France (and later in Italy) was often frequented by disgruntled soldiers and politicians. After 1714 the Whigs’ monopoly of power led many Tories into intrigues with the Jacobites.

The final rebellion, the Forty-five Rebellion, has been heavily romanticized, but it was also the most formidable. The outlook in 1745 seemed hopeless, for another French invasion, planned for the previous year, had miscarried, and little help could be expected from that quarter. The number of Scottish Highlanders prepared to turn out was smaller than in 1715, and the Lowlands were apathetic or hostile, but the charm and daring of the young prince, Charles Edward (later called the Young Pretender or Bonnie Prince Charlie), and the absence of the government troops (who were fighting on the Continent) produced a more dangerous rising.

Within a few weeks Charles was master of Scotland and victor of Prestonpans (September 21), and, though utterly disappointed as regards an English rising, he marched south as far as Derby in England (December 4) and won another battle (Falkirk, January 17, 1746) before retreating to the Highlands.

The end came on April 16, when William Augustus, duke of Cumberland, crushed the Jacobite army at the Battle of Culloden, near Inverness. About 80 of the rebels were executed, many more were hunted down and wantonly killed or driven into exile, and Charles, hounded for months by government searching parties, barely escaped to the Continent (September 20).

Some Historians argue whether the Jacobite rebellion paved the road for the American Revolution some years later.

Either way, some rebellions must fail, that others might prevail. Whether our Ministry is successful matters little to us because we are already witnessing the growth of faith-based ministries popping up this year. That’s more than we could have ever wished for.

Thank you, Lord, for always taking what we make and perfecting it for your purpose! Amen.