The Rebellion, however, was made the pretence for putting the laws in force against those who, though they had not taken the Oaths required by the Toleration Act, were yet living quietly and peaceably, without any wish to disturb the Government. The Liturgy, as we have seen, was generally used: and against this form of sound words the ire of the Presbyterians was now stirred up. Wherever the Government troops came, the Episcopal congregations were broken up and dispersed. At Aberdeen, the Liturgy had been used more than four years: but the congregations were scattered. An English gentleman, well affected to the Government, assembled some of the people; but he was not permitted to read the Liturgy, though protected by the Act of Toleration. All the Chapels and houses where the Liturgy had been used were immediately closed: the Clergy were shamefully used: and the people were prevented from assembling for public worship. Nor did the Presbyterians rest content with closing the Chapels; but even the Clergy, who had retained their Churches according to law, were imprisoned only because they were Episcopalians. For several years, therefore, the Clergy were subjected to persecutions of various kinds.[1]
The Episcopal Clergy of Aberdeen indeed rendered themselves obnoxious by addressing the Pretender: but no other address was presented from any of the Clergy. They commence: "We, your Majesty's most faithful and dutiful subjects, &c." The citizens of Aberdeen also copied the example of the Clergy.[2] After the Rebellion was crushed, many
