nditions and obligations, now depended on the State for financial
help. The mistake grew more evident, and its correction more difficult,
as time rolled on.

The sovereignty of Jesus Christ is one of the cardinal doctrines of
Presbyterianism. Christ in this form of Church government is glorified
as Lord over all, and blessed forever. Enthroned on the right hand of
the Majesty on high, He rules over a dominion whose limits include the
utmost bounds of creation. On earth He has organized the Church, of
which He is the only Head and King. He has also established the State,
of which He is both King and Judge. The Church and State under Jesus
Christ are mutually independent; each should be cordial and co-operative
with the other; both are directly accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Morton saw his opportunity when the Church took the money. In those days
the ruler of Scotland insisted on being recognized as the head of the
Church. Morton put forth his claim of control; the faithful ministers of
Christ resisted. Since the reign of Henry VIII., the Episcopal Church
has acknowledged the reigning sovereign as supreme in her government. In
this position the ruler can use the Church as an arm of his government,
a handmaid in his administration, an instrument in carrying out his
designs, an ally in supporting whatsoever may originate in his heart.

Morton attempted to introduce Episcopacy into the General Assembly. Even
there he found some ready to do his bidding; and thus began the long
controversy between Presbyterianism and Episcopacy. The struggle of
Protestantism with Romanism had well-nigh disappeared; the fight was now
between the Presbyterian and the Episcopalian.

Morton's leaven quickly did its work; the Assembly became deeply
infected. For more than an hundred years the terrible struggle
continued. In the early years of this fierce conflict, Andrew Melville,
mighty in the power of Jesus, stood in the forefront of the battle.
Melville was scholarly, intrepid, adventurous, highly emotional, and
vehement in the cause of the Church's independence. He had some sharp
encounters with Morton. Morton in a rage said to him one day, "The
country will never be in quietness till half a dozen of you be hanged or
banished." Melville, looking him in the face with his piercing eyes,
replied, "Tush, man, threaten your courtiers after that manner. It is
the same to me whether I rot in the air or in the ground. The earth is
the Lord's