the end as well as at the beginning of the Prayers to absolve them from the guilt they had contracted in joining, or seeming to join in immoral and unrighteous petitions."[1] Of Archbishop Sancroft's sincerity, integrity, and piety, no one can doubt, however we may question the prudence of some of his last acts, especially his consent to the steps, which were taken for the continuance of the succession. Though the consecration of Hickes and Wagstaffe did not take place till after his death, yet we must view the act as having received his sanction, because he had delegated his powers to Lloyd. With his views of the Oath to the new Sovereigns, and of the deprivation of himself and his brethren, we cannot perhaps be greatly surprised at his consenting to a continuance of the succession. Still it would have been more consistent, had he followed in the steps of Ken, who took no part in the proceedings connected with the new consecrations, being content to suffer the penalties of non-compliance without any attempt to perpetuate a schism.[2]
We have seen, that Sancroft prayed for King James and the Prince of Wales. The Nonjurors could not join in prayers for the new Sovereigns. Kettle-
- ↑ Kettlewell, 159.
- ↑ It was said after the Archbishop's death, that he had communicated with his Chaplains after their compliance. This however, was not the fact, as is clear from The Letter out of Suffolk, Barberry's Admonition to Kennet and Marshall, and Bedford's Vindication of Sancroft. The Charge was also refuted in 1746 by the publication of the Testimony of Thomas Martyn. Martyn states that he, with other gentlemen, repaired to the Archbishop September 19, 1690: that they told his Grace of their dissatisfaction at the alterations in the prayers. He asked each if he wanted satisfaction, and on all declaring that they did, the Archbishop said that they "ought not to go to the publick, but get what opportunity
