Charles John Guthrie

“ Guthrie, a liberal in politics, was always active in the social movements of his day. He took a leading part in the agitation for a national system of education which produced the Scotch Education Act of 1872, and was one of the first in Scotland to advocate compulsory education. ”

“ But his preaching proved as attractive in Edinburgh as in Arbirlot. From his first sermon in 1837 down to his retirement in 1864 the announcement that he was to preach, whether in Edinburgh or elsewhere, drew large congregations. His audiences were not confined to members of his own denomination or to any one class. Lord Cockburn described his sermons as appealing equally to 'the poor woman on the steps of the pulpit' and to 'the strangers attracted solely by his eloquence.' Guthrie's colleague, William Hanna [q. v.] ”

“ He ardently supported the cause in sermons, speeches, and pamphlets, notably in the volume entitled 'The City, its Sins and Sorrows.' He took his full share in the prolonged fight which resulted in the passing in 1853 of the 'Forbes Mackenzie Act' (a measure resisted at every step by the whole liquor interest) , which gave to Scotland Sunday closing, and shortened the hours of sale on week-days. He advocated total abstinence on the grounds of Christian expediency, as a necessary measure for Great Britain at the present day. ”