I am greatly mistaken, I have proved, that many circumstances combined together to favour the setting up of Presbytery at the Revolution, and that the vote of the Convention, that Episcopacy was contrary to the inclinations of the people, was directly the reverse of the truth. It has been seen, that the Convention, which consisted of a small number of Presbyterians, the Episcopal party having either refused to act, or been driven away by the mob, was continued many years, the ruling party being fearful of trusting to another election. Even as late as the year 1701, a Challenge was put forth by Bishop Sage in the following words. "If the objection be the inclinations of the people, and that they will not have it otherwise, the Episcopal party, there, desire that this may be put to the test, by letting the immediate sense of the nation be known in a free election of their representatives in Parliament, which they have not had since this revolution. And though many and pressing instances have been made for a free election in that country, as has been granted to England, yet can it not be obtained. The Presbyterian party have interest to render all these attempts ineffectual. Well knowing, at least fearing, that a free Parliament there would shew the inclinations of the people to be far otherwise than they have represented them."[1] Whatever was the cause, the fact is indisputable, that the Convention Parliament was continued for many years: nor can there be much room to doubt, that their fears of the people prevented the Presbyterian rulers from resorting to a new election.
- ↑ Sage's Vindication of a Discourse entitled the Principles of the Cyprianic Age, &c. 4to. London, 1701, preface.
