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418 in case the Bishops could by any means be brought to befriend his interest, and prayed us most pathetically for our own sake to follow the example of the Church of England."

There can be no doubt that William would have patronized Episcopacy in Scotland, as well as in England, if he could have succeeded with the Bishops. It is clear, therefore, that the Bishops and Clergy of Scotland acted conscientiously, like their brethren in England. They had everything to gain by compliance with William: and nothing whatever to lose; but they had courage to hold to their principles, regardless of consequences. We cannot indeed suppose that William had any preference for Episcopacy. He only considered his own interests in the matter: and knowing, that the Presbyterians were committed, he would have been ready to have made a compromise in favour of the Episcopal Church.

The Presbyterians began to act with the Prince, as soon as he came to London: and in consequence of