Meaning: This quote by Robert Rainy, a clergyman and prominent figure in the Free Church of Scotland, refers to the unique challenges and circumstances faced by the Christian Church as it seeks to establish itself in regions where Christianity is not the dominant religion. Rainy's words highlight the differences between the experiences of the Christian Church as it spreads to non-Christian territories and the development of sects within regions already influenced by Christianity.

When examining Rainy's quote, it's important to consider the historical context in which he was writing. During the 19th century, the era in which Rainy lived and worked, there was a significant expansion of Christian missionary activity to non-Christian regions across the globe. This period witnessed the establishment of Christian churches in territories where the faith had not previously been widely practiced, leading to a range of challenges and adaptations for the Church.

In the first part of the quote, Rainy acknowledges that the experiences of the Christian Church in non-Christian territories will differ from those of sects or religious movements that emerge within regions already influenced by Christianity. Here, Rainy is drawing attention to the distinct nature of the challenges faced by the Christian Church as it seeks to establish itself in new cultural and religious contexts. The process of planting and nurturing a Christian community in a non-Christian environment involves navigating unfamiliar beliefs, customs, and social structures, requiring the Church to adapt and evolve in ways that may be different from its growth in regions where Christianity is already established.

Furthermore, Rainy's mention of "sect forming in connection with religious awakening in a territory of professing Christianity" underscores the contrast between the experiences of the Christian Church in non-Christian territories and the development of religious sects within regions where Christianity is already present. In territories where Christianity is well-established, new religious movements or sects may emerge in response to religious revival or reform efforts within the existing Christian framework. These sects may contend with issues related to theological differences, ecclesiastical authority, and the dynamics of religious pluralism within a Christian context, presenting a set of challenges distinct from those faced by the Christian Church in non-Christian territories.

The quote also implies that the establishment of the Christian Church in non-Christian territories necessitates a nuanced approach that takes into account the unique cultural, social, and religious dynamics of each context. Rainy's recognition of the differences between the experiences of the Christian Church and sects within professing Christian territories reflects an awareness of the diverse challenges and opportunities encountered by the Church as it engages with non-Christian cultures and belief systems.

In conclusion, Robert Rainy's quote underscores the distinctive nature of the challenges faced by the Christian Church as it seeks to establish itself in non-Christian territories, highlighting the need for adaptation and sensitivity to the specific cultural and religious contexts in which it operates. By acknowledging the differences between the experiences of the Christian Church and sects within regions of professing Christianity, Rainy's words prompt reflection on the complex dynamics of religious expansion and adaptation in diverse global contexts.