Hunted and Harried

It was in 1662 that the celebrated Act was passed by Middleton and his colleagues in Glasgow College. It provided that all ministers must either submit to the bishops or remove themselves and families out of their manses, churches, and parishes within a month. It was known as the “Drunken Act of Glasgow,” owing to the condition of the legislators. Four hundred brave and true men left their earthly all at that time, rather than violate conscience and forsake God. Their example ultimately saved the nation from despotism. The Archbishop of Saint Andrews was chief in arrogance and cruelty among his brethren. He afterwards obtained permission to establish a High Commission Court in Scotland — in other words, an Inquisition — for summarily executing all laws, acts, and orders in favour of Episcopacy and against recusants, clergy, and laity. It was under this authority that all the evil deeds up to now described were done, and of this Commission Sharp was constant president.