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.  My country is wherever goodness is.  Let God be glorified, it will not be in your power to hang or exile His truth.”  Morton felt himself outdared and outdone by the courage and calmness of this humble servant of Christ.

Morton resigned the regency in 1578, to make way for James VI. to ascend the throne, who continued the war against the Presbyterians.  He asserted that his crown depended on the office of the bishop.  “No bishop, no king,” was his motto.  He aspired to become dictator to the Church.  The General Assembly resisted his claim.  A delegation was sent to the king with a strong remonstrance against his tyrannic course.  Melville was a member of