"If conscience," he said, "be a word without meaning, we will change it for another phrase which, I hope, means something.

For conscience let us put the fundamental laws of Scotland." These words raised a fierce debate.

General Drummond, who represented Perthshire, declared that he agreed with Hamilton and Lockhart.

Most of the Bishops present took the same side.

[142] It was plain that, even in the Committee of Articles, James could not command a majority.