afresh, unless on a new appointment. Had King William's government acted on this principle, no schism would have taken place in the Anglican Church: and surely such an indulgence was due to a body of conscientious men. The difficulties, with which they had to cope respecting the Oaths, were of no ordinary character. No person, who understands the question, will load their memory with reproach on that head. No doubt the Bishops and Clergy, who complied, were conscientious men, and acted on principle: but it would be uncharitable to condemn those who refused. The difficulties were of such a character, as to make us very cautious in pronouncing an opinion against such a body as the Bishops and Clergy, who submitted to deprivation rather than go against their conscience. These remarks apply especially to the first race of Nonjurors, who were not responsible for the proceedings of those who succeeded them, and whose case will be considered in the course of our narrative.
The perpetuation of the schism by the new consecrations, however, was not approved of by all the Nonjurors: so that even at this early period the house was divided against itself. The deprived Bishops had no sphere in which to exercise their functions. A lay power, even an unlawful power, may deprive a Bishop of his jurisdiction. I mean that when a Bishop is forcibly removed from his sphere, by the civil power, he cannot continue to exercise his authority. We need not discuss the question respecting the legality of the government of King William. All persons are satisfied with our present constitution: and though there were many acts, of which we may disapprove, yet no one will call the legality of the government of that
