cessary, therefore, that the effect likely to be produced by such a work, should be counteracted: and Stillingfleet, who had acted a conspicuous part in the recent controversy with the Church of Rome, and the Dissenters, entered upon the task. The main point, however, in his book relates to the Oath to the new Sovereigns, his aim being to prove, that no separation could be justified on that account; but he alludes also to the "History of Passive Obedience," so far as that work relates to the Oaths. A few extracts from this performance, inasmuch as it was one of the most able on the side of the government, will not be unacceptable to the reader, as they exhibit the principles and arguments of the complying Bishops and Clergy.
Alluding to the scruples entertained by many persons respecting the Oaths, after quoting some passages in which it is declared, that those who cannot take them, will feel themselves bound to separate from those who comply, he remarks: "I was not a little surprised at the reading of these passages; and I soon apprehended the mischievous consequences of a new schism; but I can hardly think it possible, that those who have expressed so great a sense of the mischief of it in others, should be so ready to fall into it themselves, and that upon the mere account of scruples." He proceeds: "some think the Oaths lawful, and therefore take them: others do not, and therefore forbear: but is taking the Oaths made a condition of communion? Is it required of all who join in our worship at least to declare, that they think the taking of them to be lawful? If not what colour can there be for breaking communion on account of the Oaths? Suppose those who take the Oaths are to blame: if they act according to their con-
