lance the assertions of certain persons in the present day, who have scarcely examined the subject, or, if they do examine it, are incompetent, from the strong influence of prejudice, to form a correct opinion.[1]
But though, after the accession of George III. their condition was improved, no legislative interference was yet brought to bear upon their case. The laws still remained in force. But in 1784 the Episcopal Clergy in America applied to the Scottish Prelates to consecrate one of their number a Bishop. Dr. Seabury, the Clergyman selected by the American Church, had applied to the Anglican Bishops; but, in consequence of a difficulty respecting the Oaths, he was advised to seek consecration in Scotland. The Scottish Bishops, anxious to proceed in such a manner as not to offend the Government, consulted Archbishop Moore, who assured them, that the act would really be appreciated in England. Accordingly the consecration took place: and the Scottish Bishops were the instruments of preserving Episcopacy in the United States.[2]
Four years later, in 1788, Charles Edward Stuart,
- ↑ The gracious intentions of his Majesty were not agreeable to some fanatical Clergymen of the English Church. Accordingly, in 1767, Norman Sieveright, an English clergyman, published a sort of Caution against the Scottish Church. This gentleman was located in Scotland, and appears to have acted on principles similar to those by which Sir William Dunbar and Mr. Drummond are at present influenced. He called himself the minister of an Episcopal congregation at Brechin: but Skinner asks, "What is an Episcopal congregation? The old notion, (whether right or wrong) was a congregation under a Bishop. If so, tell us, what Bishop your Brechin congregation is under: and who authorized this Episcopal congregation." Sieveright's attempt exposed him to the contempt of sensible men. Skinner's Life, xxi.–xxvii.
- ↑ Skinner's Ecc. Hist. ii. 683–687. Keith, 513–16.
