in case the Bishops could by any means be brought to befriend his interest, and prayed us most pathetically for our own sake to follow the example of the Church of England."[1]
There can be no doubt that William would have patronized Episcopacy in Scotland, as well as in England, if he could have succeeded with the Bishops. It is clear, therefore, that the Bishops and Clergy of Scotland acted conscientiously, like their brethren in England. They had everything to gain by compliance with William: and nothing whatever to lose; but they had courage to hold to their principles, regardless of consequences.[2] We cannot indeed suppose that William had any preference for Episcopacy. He only considered his own interests in the matter: and knowing, that the Presbyterians were committed, he would have been ready to have made a compromise in favour of the Episcopal Church.
The Presbyterians began to act with the Prince, as soon as he came to London: and in consequence of
- ↑ This letter was, I believe, first printed in 1746 in "A Collection of Letters concerning the Separation of the Church of England into two Communions." It was also printed by Bishop Keith in 1755. Keith's Historical Catalogue of the Scottish Bishops, by Russell, p. 65—72.
- ↑ Keith's Historical Catalogue. App. 494, 5. This is admitted by Laing, who quotes Keith and Burnet as his authorities. His words are remarkable: "William, indifferent to forms of worship if toleration were established, would have concurred in preserving Episcopacy, if the Episcopal party had contributed to his support." vol. iv. 214. Tindal also makes the same admission. "The Prince answered, he would do all he could to preserve them, granting a full toleration to the Presbyterians. But this was, in case they concurred in the new settlement of the Kingdom." He adds, that the Bishops and others "declaring in a body with so much zeal, in opposition to the new settlement, it was not possible for King William to preserve Episcopacy there." Vol. i. 72, 73.
