"I perceive two things in Scotland of the most fearful omen: ignorance of theological truth, and a readiness to pride themselves in and boast of it"

This quote by Edward Irving speaks to the state of Scotland in the early 19th century. He is revealing his issue about 2 concerns that he views in Scotland: a lack of understanding about theological reality and a propensity to take pride because absence of understanding. Irving is warning that these 2 problems are of the most fearful omen, suggesting that they are indications of something bad to come. He is suggesting that the lack of understanding about doctrinal reality and the pride in that lack of understanding will lead to unfavorable effects. This might be analyzed as an alerting to Scotland to take actions to increase their knowledge of theological reality and to be simple about their lack of knowledge. By doing so, they can prevent the unfavorable repercussions that Irving is alerting about.