A Presbyterian Scheme for Ministers

Discusses the 1744 Act of Parliament establishing the scheme and a high-level overview of the features, choices, and options in the scheme. Explains reversionary annuities, the choice architecture within the scheme, how choice expectations differed from choice reality, the relative magnitude and materiality of contributions relative to wages in the mid-eighteenth century. Draws attention to the cross-subsidy from young to old and alludes to the Protestant management ethic evident in the organization of the scheme. Begins an overview of the archival records for the scheme stored in the National Records of Scotland. It concludes by offering sources for additional reading and references.