The Protestant Dissenting Deputies

First published in 1952, this book was based upon extensive close reading of the minute books preserved by the Protestant Dissenting Deputies from their inception in 1732 onwards. The group, also known as the Deputies of the Three Congregations, was made up of 21 elected laymen from the London congregations of the Presbyterians, Congregationalists and Baptists, having the express purpose of protecting the civil rights of Protestant dissenters. The text forms a historical study of the Deputies, providing detailed information on their role in the passing of legislation, as well as their place within the broader currents of British society. Appendices and detailed notes are also contained. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the Deputies and the history of Protestant dissent.

Editor's note; Part I. The Constitution: 1. Who they were; 2. The minute books and the Sketch; 3. The first years of the deputies; 4. The constitution of the deputies; 5. Who were the Presbyterians among the deputies; Part II. On the Defensive: 1. The deputies go to law; 2. 'The sheriff's cause'; 3. Lord Sidmouth's bill of 1811; 4. The temporalities of dissent; 5. Church rates and church courts; 6. Oaths and declarations; 7. Relations with other nonconformists; Part III. From Toleration to Religious Equality: 1. The repeal of the test and corporation acts; 2. Births, marriages, and deaths; 3. Education; 4. Disestablishment and disendowment; Part IV. Ambassadors of Dissent: 1. The American colonies; 2. Jamaica; 3. India; 4. Tahiti; 5. Australia; 6. Scotland, Wales, and Ireland; 7. The right of approach to the throne; 8. Public affairs; Appendix I. Officers of the deputies; Appendix II. Some notable deputies; Index.