Soldiers representing the Church of Scotland ride into battle on horses against opponents of the Veto Act, which had given parishioners the right to veto ministers imposed by patrons of their parishes. Lithograph attributed to B.W. Crombie, 1843.

"This cartoon entitled 'The Church Militant' dates from around 1843. It was possibly drawn by Edinburgh artist and caricaturist, Benjamin Crombie and is one of a series of cartoons on the disputes between the Church of Scotland and the government. Contemporary Disruption cartoon entitled "The Church Militant". The greatest in a succession of splits to affect the Church of Scotland was the Disruption, on 18 May 1843, when around 470 ministers walked out of the General Assembly over the question of who should appoint ministers and the respective rights of Church and State."—website of National Museums of Scotland, 2021

A rider holds a banner inscribed "Three cheers for Pope Thomas" referring to Thomas Chalmers, who is portrayed in papal costume further to the right. Chalmers led the secession from the Church of Scotland and the creation of the Free Church of Scotland

[Scotland] : [publisher not identified], [1843?] (Edinburgh : Printed by S. Leith)

1 print : lithograph ; image 43 x 58.9 cm

The church militant. If the trumpet give an uncertain sound who shall prepare himself to the battle? 1 Corinthians XIII 8. Dedicated respectfully to the United Service Club of Scotland. D.D.

Bears monogram: DD

Wellcome Collection 36284i