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Protestantism in Scotland - James Aitken Wylie

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Some little while after, the k<strong>in</strong>g put forth a<br />

declaration, conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g some concessions which<br />

came nearer what the Presbyterians thought might<br />

form a basis of union.[6] But neither did this please<br />

the Royalist and prelatic party. All it led to was a<br />

conference between a certa<strong>in</strong> number of m<strong>in</strong>isters<br />

of both parties, who met at the Savoy. The<br />

Presbyterian m<strong>in</strong>isters were <strong>in</strong>vited to conference,<br />

and encouraged to unbosom themselves, <strong>in</strong> the way<br />

of reveal<strong>in</strong>g all their difficulties and scruples. But<br />

for what end?That their scruples might be<br />

removed, said the prelates; though <strong>in</strong> truth the real<br />

object of the opposite party was that, be<strong>in</strong>g masters<br />

of the sentiments of the Presbyterians, they might<br />

the more easily overreach them. It was a foregone<br />

conclusion that no union should be formed; but<br />

that, on the contrary, the Puritan element should<br />

once for all be purged out of the Church of<br />

England.<br />

The k<strong>in</strong>g and prelates now knew how far the<br />

Puritans would yield, and on what po<strong>in</strong>ts they<br />

would make no compromise, and so they were able<br />

to frame their contemplated Act of Uniformity, so<br />

357

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