History of the British Empire (Volume 2); From the Accession of Charles I. to the Restoration with an Introduction, Tracing the Progress of Society - Softcover

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1822. Excerpt: ... 403 CHAPTER V. State of Scotland, and tlie intention of the King--His visit to Scotland, Coronation, fyc.--A Parliament there, and measures past--Trial of Balmerino, $c--Canons and Service-Book sent down, and the reception they met with--Commencement of the Disturbances, fyc.--Expedition to quell the Scots, and their vigorous resistance; with the pacification of Berwick--Second recourse to arms --A Parliament in England, and its dissolution--Entry of the Scots into England--Treaty of Rippon--Council of Peers, $c. In a former part of our work we have described the distracted state of Scotland, and the general discontent which the changes in the ecclesiastical establishment and worship had produced: But it will not be improper in this place to present a rapid sketch of the various circumstances which fomented hostility to the government. However the idea of giving a king to England state of • i *• n t % Scotland might, at a distance, reflect glory upon the Scottish nation, it was with a truly prophetic spirit that the people wept at the departure of their monarch to take possession of a foreign throne, since, notwithstanding the profit derived by the young courtiers from their transference to the sister kingdom, and any ultimate benefit from a union, the immediate inevitable consequence was, that Scotland ceased to be an independent kingdom, and sank into the insignificance of a province. Many of the nobility had impatiently expected the accession of James to the English throne, as to an abundant harvest of place and emolument for themselves; but they must have early discovered, that though the first prince from the north might prefer his native subjects, the prejudice in their favour would not descend to his successors; and that amid the deep-rooted animosities of rival n...