Episcopal Clergy were advancing towards Rome, and that the Pretender's cause was thereby prejudiced. Other divisions also are mentioned by Lockhart. Archibald Campbell being elected Bishop of Aberdeen, the Bishops would not confirm him in his post, unless he pledged himself not to introduce the Usages. He, however, chose to consider himself as duly appointed, and sent Gadderer with a commission to act in his name.[1] At length Gadderer submitted, perceiving that the Bishops were determined to act. He defended the practices: but the Bishops viewed them as matters of indifference, which were not to be introduced, especially as they supplied their enemies with arguments to their prejudice.[2]
Thus the Scottish Clergy were as much divided in opinion respecting the Usages as the English. In the year 1728 a sensible Tract was published against their introduction. The author contends, that they are not of sufficient importance to justify the warmth of their advocates. He alludes to the unanimity which prevailed before the agitation of this question: and then enters upon an examination of the various points, which, though brief, is very comprehensive. He goes over the same ground as Campbell; but he concludes, that the Reformers acted wisely in rejecting the Usages.[3]
- ↑ Lockhart, ii. 98–104.
- ↑ Lockhart, ii. 123–130.
- ↑ The Antiquated Usages, which have made so great a noise amongst us, briefly examined, and found insufficient to justify the zealous endeavours of some persons to introduce them. Together with a humble and affectionate Address to all the Episcopal Communion in Scotland, to demean themselves agreeably to the melancholy condition of this afflicted Church. By One who hath her peace and welfare much at heart. Edinburgh, printed in the year 1728.
