This nobleman was already president of the council; and soon after was made lord keeper and treasurer.

Lauderdale still continued secretary of state, and commonly resided at London.
Affairs remained in a peaceable state, till the severe law was made in England against conventicles.[**] The Scottish parliament imitated that violence, by passing a like act.

A kind of high commission court was appointed by the privy council, for executing this rigorous law, and for the direction of ecclesiastical affairs.

But even this court, illegal as it might be deemed, was much preferable to the method next adopted.
Military force was let loose by the council.

Wherever the people had generally forsaken their churches, the guards were quartered throughout the country.