were weaning the nation most effectually from all fondness to their government.[1]"
It is singular that in Scotland at this time, as was the case in England after the year 1640, the most iniquitous courses were pursued, by the Presbyterians, against the Clergy, under the garb of sanctity and purity.[2]
Besides citations and libels, the Assembly had also to consider the appeals of some of the Clergy, whom they wished to remove. At these they were exceedingly puzzled. "The Assembly was just so puzzled with the appeals of the Episcopal Clergy, as their ancestors the Pharisees were with the question about John's baptism: for on the one side, they feared the court, who desired and required them to be moderate: but on the other hand it was against their interest to condemn the proceedings of the Presbyteries."[3] One Clergyman was asked, whether he acknowledged the civil government, and whether he would submit to that of the Church? and on answering in the affirmative, he was asked " if he repented of his compliance with Episcopacy?" To this question, he replied, "if it was a sin, he would repent of it." The moderator observed, that he doubted on the subject: and the poor man was prohibited from preaching.[4]
In the year 1693, it was ordered, that, beside the
- ↑ Tindal, i. 182.
- ↑ Historical Relation, &c. pp. 11, 12, 18, 23, 35, 36. "To annoyances incessant, and almost inconceivable, was added the moral martyrdom of calumnies the most gross, that the people might believe the Clergy to be as their enemies designed them, Scandalous Ministers." Bishop Walker's Charge, &c. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1833, p. 35.
- ↑ Ibid. 39.
- ↑ Ibid. 42, 43.
