opponents to that measure considered, that they were pledged, by the covenant, to urge perpetual war against Prelacy: whereas, the union would connect them with a country, whose Church was Episcopal, and which they feared might swallow up their own beloved Presbytery. Those Presbyterians who consented were regarded, by their more zealous brethren, as Apostates from the faith of their fathers, as Erastians, or as persons indifferent alike to all forms and all systems. Many preached against it, and others prayed against it: still the measure was carried.[1] The first Parliament of Great Britain was opened on the 23rd of October, 1707.
At this period the Episcopalians were in no way diminished in numbers, though official posts could only be filled by Presbyterians; and they had nothing to hold out to proselytes, except a prospect of persecution by the Kirk. Previous to the Union, and during the progress of the proceedings which led to it, some of the adherents of the Pretender were engaged in a scheme for an invasion. Ker, a Presbyterian, who was acquainted with many of the Jacobites, was employed by the Government as a spy. This gentleman has left us various notices of the Episcopalians in The Memoirs of His Life, which were published in 1726. His evidence on the subject may be depended upon, because, as a Presbyterian, he was necessarily opposed to Episco-
- ↑ Somerville, 213. The rigid Presbyterians objected to receive laws from a Parliament where Bishops sat as members. They looked upon such a thing as contrary to the covenant. Ker's Memoirs, p. 29. One of the Preachers of the Cameronians stated publicly, that the Queen had forfeited her right to the crown, by imposing the union on the country. Ibid. p. 53.
