science could restrain them from being as forward as any in all expressions of loyalty."[1]
This was undoubtedly the case with many of the Nonjurors. Their feelings were towards King William: but conscience did not permit them to take the Oath, because they considered themselves bound to King James. How desirable, that such men should have been permitted to remain in their posts without taking the Oath!
When this account was published, the Bishop of Worcester was also deceased. In allusion to this circumstance the Author of the Defence remarks: "These two good Bishops spent their dying breath in recommending the doctrines of peace." In a postscript the writer thus alludes to the Bishop of Worcester's last moments: "His Lordship sent for a reverend divine, and after an hour's discourse concerning the new Oath, and giving his reasons why he could not take it, and expressing a great concern for the clergy who were of another opinion, and particularly for those of his own Diocese, he concluded with these words, If my heart do not deceive me, and God's grace do not fail me, I think I could suffer at a stake rather than take this Oath."[2]
This profession was made only three days before his death. Strange that men should have been so severely attacked for refusing to take the Oath! The writer of the Defence therefore remarks with great truth: "It is very observable, that the only two Bishops, who have dyed since the refusal of the Oath, have declared, when they had now done with this world, and had no other expectations but of death and judgment, they refused it only upon a principle
