called upon, even by their own views, to take so strong a step as that of new consecrations. They could not proceed regularly. Of this they were conscious, and therefore they resorted to the expedient of Suffragan Bishops. Besides, it is clear, that Sancroft could not delegate his powers to be exercised after his own death. Whatever may have been the effect of the Instrument, by which Lloyd was empowered to act, it certainly ceased with the life of the Archbishop. This subject, however, will necessarily come under consideration in the details of the controversy between the Nonjurors and their opponents: and I introduce it here, merely for the purpose of pointing out, what I conceive to have been an error on the part of the deprived Bishops.[1]
From the period of the new consecrations, therefore, the schism must be regarded as having been completed. "Thus not only a separation in the Church of England was actually formed, Dr. Sancroft being at the head of one communion, and Dr. Tillotson at the head of another: but a provision was made for perpetuating the former, in case the public affairs should stand in the same posture. However, for the more easy healing of this unhappy breach, and for avoiding disputes which might otherwise arise about the temporalities annexed to the
- ↑ The leanings of the ruling powers are evident from the following circumstance, relative to the 29th of May. "Though this day was set apart expressly for celebrating the memorable birth, returne, and restoration of the late King Charles II., there was no notice taken of it, nor any part of the office annext to the Common Prayer Book, made use of, which I think was ill don, in regard his restoration not only redemed us from anarchy and confusion, but restored the Church of England, as it were miraculously." Evelyn, vol. iii, 316. This was in 1692.
