the Prayer Book the English mass: they designated it idolatrous and superstitious, alleging even that the Scottish Episcopacy was tolerable in comparison, because there was no Liturgy: but still they could not prevent its introduction.
The Clergy were quiet and peaceable. "They have it for a principle not to disturb the peace of the kingdom they belong to:" and "though some of them could not comply with all the tests required by the Government, yet there cannot one instance be given of any Clergyman's being prosecuted for tumultuous, seditious, and treasonable speeches and practices."[1] However the Presbyterians were anxious to commence a persecution against the Episcopal Clergy under the plea of sedition and treason: though Episcopacy and the Liturgy were the causes. Those who refused to take the Oaths were subjected to certain penalties; but still, by the Act of Toleration, no person was permitted to interrupt their worship; nor were the Presbyteries permitted to interfere. The Queen and her Government well knew that the Nonjurors were peaceable men: and therefore the Oaths were not exacted from them, though they were required by the Act. This was a wise policy, and well would it have been if the same course had been pursued from the beginning. But this state of things was soon changed. The Queen died in 1714: the Whigs were restored to office: the laws against Papists and Nonjurors were ordered to be enforced: and the most lamentable consequences ensued. Had Queen Anne's pacific course been followed, the Rebellion of 1715 might not have taken place.
- ↑ Representation, &c. 21. Russell's Keith, 507. Russell's History of Church in Scotland, ii. 390, 391.
