CHAP

IX VI.1678 *

2^8 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN.

by another law , that, whoever, being requiredby the council, refused to give information uponpath, should be punished by arbitrary fines, byimprisonment, or by banishment to the planta-tions. Thus all persecution naturally, or rathernecessarily, adopts the iniquities, as well as rigors,of the inquisition. What a considerable part ofthe society consider as their duty and honor ,and even many of the opposite party are apt toregard with compassion and indulgence, can byno other expedient be subjected to such severepenalties as the natural sentiments of mankindappropriate only to the greatest crimes.

Though Lauderdale found this ready com-pliance in the parliament, a party was formedagainst him , of which duke Hamilton was thehead. This nobleman, with Tweddale, andothers, went to London, and applied to theking, who, during the present depression andinsignificance of parliament, was alone able tocorrect the abuses of Lauderdale’s administration.But even their complaints to him might bedangerous; and all approaches of truth to thethrone were barred by the ridiculous law againstleasing - making; a law , which seems to have beenextorted by the ancient nobles, in order to pro-tect their own tyranny, oppression, and injustice.Great precautions, therefore, were used by theScottish malecontents in their representations tothe king; but no redress was obtained. Charlesloaded them with caresses, and continuedLauder-dalc in his authority.