Meaning: The quote "The Evangelical party in the Church of Scotland will lay all flat if they be not prevented" is attributed to Edward Irving, a Scottish clergyman who lived in the 19th century. This quote reflects Irving's concern about the influence of the Evangelical party within the Church of Scotland and their potential impact on the church's structure and doctrines.

Edward Irving was a prominent figure in the early 19th-century Scottish church, known for his charismatic preaching and controversial theological views. He was a leading figure in the Catholic Apostolic Church, a religious movement that emphasized the imminent return of Jesus Christ and the restoration of the apostolic gifts, such as prophecy and speaking in tongues.

In the context of the quote, the "Evangelical party" refers to a specific faction within the Church of Scotland that adhered to evangelical or conservative theological beliefs. During Irving's time, the Church of Scotland was undergoing significant internal debates and divisions over theological and ecclesiastical issues. The Evangelical party represented a conservative faction within the church that sought to uphold traditional doctrines and practices.

When Irving speaks of the Evangelical party "laying all flat," he is expressing his concern that their influence and actions could potentially lead to a radical restructuring or flattening of the existing church hierarchy, doctrines, and traditions. This suggests that Irving saw the Evangelical party as a disruptive force that could bring about significant changes within the Church of Scotland, possibly to the detriment of the church's historical identity and established practices.

The quote reflects Irving's apprehension about the potential consequences of unchecked power and influence wielded by the Evangelical party. It highlights the intense theological and ecclesiastical debates that characterized the Scottish church during Irving's time, as well as the underlying tensions between different factions vying for control and influence within the church.

It's important to note that Irving's own theological views and ecclesiastical pursuits were themselves controversial and led to his eventual expulsion from the Church of Scotland. His concerns about the Evangelical party can be seen in the broader context of his own struggles with religious authority and doctrinal orthodoxy within the church.

Overall, the quote attributed to Edward Irving reflects his deep-seated apprehension about the potential impact of the Evangelical party within the Church of Scotland and the broader theological and ecclesiastical debates of his time. It sheds light on the complex dynamics and internal divisions within the church during the early 19th century, as well as the enduring relevance of these historical debates for understanding the development of Scottish religious identity and traditions.