Dear forum members, The 1604 Canons are now online. Please visit the Announcement here: http://www.anglican.net/news/1604-canon-law-now-online/
If a Calvinist might admit that the Puritans could and should have submitted to some of the counter-proposals offered by King James, shouldn't we grant the central Calvinist argument, that the influences of the State in the affairs of the Church, and of the Church in the affairs of the State are poisonous? The Puritans of course didn't learn the second part of this until much blood had been shed in both England and New England, but that doesn't invalidate their main grievance. Under the circumstances of the King demanding full uniformity and supremacy over the Church (like a Pope), shouldn't we give to these Puritans a certain measure of understanding and forgiveness?
I think you're confusing two things: 1) Conformity to the King, which is as Christianly warranted as David's or Constantine's. 2) Uniformity in the Church, which was demanded by the Church. What's breathtaking is how zealous the Church was for protecting its uniformity of doctrine and theology.
From about 1633 to 1660, the Presbyterians in Scotland ran a dictatorship through their control of the Church! As far as I can see the only good thing to come from that state of affairs was their attempt to teach the poor, reading skills! Otherwise it was a complete flop. You had to be a presbyterian, to get involved and only the Church officials had any real say. It was a joint matter between Calvinism and a corrupt nobility. Their idea of evangelism was to go to war! Total want wits! No King of England demanded or sought these things, Henry might have liked to but Charles never tried. He did overstep the mark, once or twice on minor matters, but this was usually to stop the calvinists from prosecuting Anglican Bishops or officials.
For a clear sighted opinion of the times referred to above, regarding the Episcopal Church of Scotland and its conflict with Presbyterian sect THE PASSING OF THE STEWARTS. by Agnes Muir Mackenzie. Oliver & Boyd, Ltd. 1937 . Written from an Episcopal View point!